5 Micro Trends for Summer

I’m writing this on a dreary Monday afternoon as the winds howls and the rain lashes down so it’s hard to believe that we’re in Summer and not in Winter like it feels. It still is British Summertime technically so I thought I’d share some of the mini trends that are flying around in the interiors world at the moment. These are all trends designed to make you smile and spark joy, which is something we all need after the dismal start to 2020. So without further ado…

Corona Virus cancelled all plans for 2020 from just meeting your friend for a coffee to going on holiday. The Staycation trend is all about bringing the holiday to your home instead. Think Mallorca vibes as you liven up the dreary living room with a candy coloured cushion. Channel your inner Ibizan with a rattan shade over the breakfast bar. Bring the tropical inside through prints and colours - make that holiday feel last all year round. Below are some of my top picks for this trend which won’t look out of place mixing in with your current decor.

Statement Vases

Vases are no longer just an after thought for the bunch of flowers you impulsively bought out and about. They no longer live at the back of the cupboard only to be brought out on birthdays. Vase are a decorative item in their own right and can be displayed with or without flowers. I constantly have vases on display long after the flowers have died. They can add to that perfect shelfie or be a centre piece on the table all on their own. The trend for statement vases is all about going bold. Pick vases that represent your personality and are ornaments in their own right.

Dried Flowers

The following bouquets were loaned from The Flower Lounge for this blog. See my Instagram for a chance to win one of these bunches.

Once banished to your Nan’s parlour to collect dust, dried flower bouquets are having a bit of a renaissance at the moment. And for good reason too; they are low-maintenance (just need a bit of dusting every now and then), they are also eco-friendly as they last longer than cut flowers plus aren’t made of plastic like the faux varieties.

For this summer, it’s time get bold - the bolder the better in my opinion. Mixing bright, clashing colours in a variety of shapes gives an instant focal point to any room. The long stemmed dried grasses can add height and fill those statement vases which is sometimes hard to do with fresh flowers.

There’s also room for the lovely neutral grasses which would love fab in any Scandi environment and The Flower Lounge also have a vast array of those too. They are now offering UK wide delivery so it’s no longer just us Manchester folks who get to shop the beautiful creations Sian and the team make.

Arches

Arch shapes are nothing new but they became very prominent at the Salone Del Mobile in 2019 and have since ventured into all aspects of homeware. With the popularity of the NHS rainbow symbol that swept the world, Arches are now popping up in prints, vases and even lights. The softness of the curve adds a sense of playfulness to the home and this trend shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. I have linked some quirky items which are the epitome of the trend in my eyes.

Home Comforts

It will come as no surprise that Home has a more important meaning than ever. This trend is all about making home feel comfortable for you. Whether that’s a treasured teapot or a chunky throw, home comforts are personal and should bring you joy. It’s all about the senses, touch, smell, sight…anything to bring happiness into your space is perfect.

So that’s it. 5 micro trends I predict will be big over the summer months. Which one is your favourite? Will you be trying any of these ideas out in your homes? Let me know in the comments below :)

Also don’t forget to pin this graphic below in case you want to come back at a later stage! Have a good day!

Image Creds

1: https://www.facebook.com/tellemeretellefillefr/photos/a.193602790771717/1950101751788470

2: https://www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk/girl-power-vase.html

3. Northern Styling Image

4: http://inagblog.com/2019/07/simon-kaempfer/

5: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/672866000557411838/feedback/?invite_code=a87f1325945a4861b4f8df062e28f6ef&sender_id=299067368913528949

Quick & Easy Shelf Update

Full disclosure that this was done as part of a collaboration with Dulux using previously gifted paint but I wanted to share as it can be done with literally any paint you have lying around. 

BEFORE

AFTER

We bought these Ikea picture shelves when we first moved in 4 years ago. They went up on the walls before we even bought any furniture. Slowly slowly, I am changing up the living room and introducing more colour so the Spiced Honey paint seemed to be the perfect choice. I have a few cushions and prints in similar tones so I knew it wouldn't look out of place.

If in doubt, paint a bit of card and hold it up against the wall colour you already have to check if it works together. 

Proof that the shelves were up before the furniture - Jan 2016

The paint was Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood which can also be used on metal - hello radiators! I didn't need a primer, I just gave them a good clean and a little sand where they had chipped. It only took two coats for full coverage so it was all done and dusted within an afternoon.

Once dry and rehung, it's my time to style them. As most of you know by now, I love to style these shelves with a mixture of objects and prints, and changing the items up is a sure fire way to make a room look refreshed without spending a penny. 
I bought in some of the warmer toned prints to sit alongside a few objects. The prints I have removed have all been re-homed around the house, updating many rooms at once without even realising it. 

So that’s it! A quick and easy way to instantly update shelves using things you already have lying around the house. I’d love to know what you’re planning to upcycle in your home. Comment here or DM me on Instagram :)

10 Of The Best Garden Sets

It’s official - garden season is well and truly upon us. Now more than ever we are appreciating our gardens, patios, courtyards and balconies as extensions of our homes - so I have rounded up my top 10 picks out there at the moment.

1. Swara 4 seater Round Dining Set by Made

I love this whole collection from Made as it’s a contemporary take on traditional rattan furniture. It combines the trend of cane-weave with a rich warm tone which is something you don’t tend to see in rattan furniture. These pieces can be bought as a set or as individual pieces starting from £149. Click here to see more.

Made.com Swara Outdoor Living Furniture.

2. Dunelm’s Ibiza Corner Sofa Set

Dunelm’s Ibiza set has got me dreaming of cocktails by the pool with a Cafe Del Mar playlist in the background. It’s £579 and looks really comfy and classy for any garden party. It doesn’t look like it’s been released yet on their website but I imagine it can’t be long before it’s able to be purchased so keep checking back.

Dunelm’s Ibiza Sofa set.

3. Habitat - Maui lounger with arms

Habitat’s whole SS20 collection is all about colour and playfulness. These deckchairs are in such gorgeous colours and patterns I want them all. Deckchairs have a hint of retro Victorian beach holidays but they are also really good space savers for smaller gardens or balconies. Just fold them up and store away when not needed. The good news is you can buy the fabric for £10 each to change them up whenever you feel like!

Habitat SS20 collection.

4. Argos 6 Seater Wooden Corner Sofa Set

So this one is close to my heart as it’s the set I bought 2 years ago for our garden decking area. I love this set so much - it was the best upgrade from bistro chairs! I have left mine out to the elements so as you can see the colour has faded but I quite like the weathered look. I bring the cushions in when there’s heavy rain and throughout winter, and I would also suggest buying a cover for the set if you want it to stay in pristine condition. This is one of the cheapest sets I’ve found online at only £360 and it comes with my stamp of approval!

5.  Indoor/Outdoor Albany Dining by Cox & Cox

Cox & Cox - Albany Indoor/outdoor dining set.

I love this one because it reminds me of our dining table. The industrial style legs and bench seating make it perfect for al fresco dinners with friends and family. It would also be perfect in a dining room setting so you could purchase it and then drag it outside as soon as the sun shines. It’s higher in price than some of the other sets at £995 but something which could last you forever.

6. Next Bali Range

The Next Bali range is another really trendy collection that is a combination of rope and weathered teak wood which come in individual pieces as well as sets. I particularly love the snuggler piece which would be perfect for sundown drinks on the decking. Also check out the side table - it’s a piece which can double up as indoor and outdoor.

7. John Lewis - Alora Garden Modular 4-Seater

For the rattan devotees out there, this set has a contemporary feel because of the darker grey cushions. It still has all the benefits of rattan modular sets - it can be stacked away into smaller components and is weatherproof but it also looks sleeker than the standard sets. Styled with some contemporary outdoor cushions, this can still be a stylish option for bigger gardens.

8. Desert Lounge Chair by Ferm Living

Ferm Living always creates the most lustful collections and this year is no different. The Desert Lounge chair feels like a statement piece that will never go out of fashion. Ferm Living describe it as “a Modernist chair with a graceful profile” and I couldn’t have put it better myself! At 255 euros, it’s not cheap but it will be seen more as a design piece which therefore deserves the higher price tag.

Ferm Living Desert lounge chair.

9. Tikamoon Keywood Bistro Items

Keywood Bistro Furniture - Tikamoon

For a bistro set with a difference, I was drawn to this set of items by Tikamoon. The Keywood armchair and coffee table are sold separately which means you can choose the items best suited to your space. The unusual design is attention grabbing even for the smallest of balconies and brings a sense of style other bistro sets are lacking.

10. Resin Wicker and Solid Acacia Garden Armchair - Maison Du Monde

Last but not least is the Nairobi Wicker Armchair. It screams Scandi Boho vibes and I would use it everywhere in the house, not just the garden. It fits with almost every piece of furniture so can be added as a stylish addition to an outdoor setting. Style with wicker baskets, dried grasses and fringed blankets just like this image and be the envy of all the neighbours.

Garden Armchair - Maison Du Monde

So that concludes my top 10 garden sets at the minute. I hope you love them as much as I do. Let me know your favourites in the comments below!

*All images from relevant retailers website and PR imagery*