Summer time and the living is easy... so bring the outdoor indoors and decorate with fresh flower fabrics.

At last, summer has officially arrived and this season's decorating pallet is hot. Experiment with a riot of tropical colours such as yellow, lime green and fuchsia pink.

If you don't want to redecorate, bring in extra colour with accessories like vivid floral fabrics, striking glassware and freshly-cut flowers.

Fabric is one of the most versatile decorating elements, as it lets you add pattern and colour to a room in varying amounts - from a simple scatter cushion to larger areas such as curtains or upholstery.

This season's crop of floral prints is daring and confident - bold and beautiful variations on a classical theme. Paint your walls bright yellow to remind you of the sun.

Yellow is a warm colour which makes it a popular choice for small or gloomy rooms.

Try injecting bright colours into your home to add the latest fun and funky wow factor. Vibrant colour combinations can have a visual assault on the senses and can't fail to make us feel positive.

However, if bright and daring isn't for you, why not try to recreate a relaxed vintage summer look for your home.

Pick pastel shades and earthy tones then add classic faded floral and striped fabrics. Reflect sunlight around your room by choosing mirrored furniture and wallpaper with a subtle sheen.

As the lazy days of summer beckon, revive the tradition of afternoon tea. Try supplementing your everyday china with assorted pieces of antique crockery and cutlery. Try bric-a-brac or local charity shops, which will usually have a good selection including table linen.

Must dos for the summer:

• Sunlight can fade wood as well as fabrics, so, if you have a sunny room, move items out of direct sunlight.
• Hang out your laundry - now that the weather is finer, switch off your tumble dryer and make the most of the sun's drying power.
• Service your heating - don't wait until autumn to check your heating when it's too late to go without it. Contact a registered engineer in your local area. For gas systems visit www.corgi-gas-safety.com or for electrical heating visit www.niceic.org.uk
• Check your fridge - not just for the chilled Pimms! As the weather warms up, your fridge and freezer have to work harder. Make sure you have a thermometer to check both are functioning at the correct temperature.
• Plan ahead - use the summer months to plan ahead if you are thinking about home improvements. If you are planning to call in the professionals, remember the good ones are usually booked well in advance. Nothing is more disappointing than when you return from your holidays fired up with enthusiasm to start a project, only to find out your decorator's diary is fully booked until January.

If you need interior advice, you can contact me at Honeysuckle Interiors on 01256 780831, or log on to www.honeysuckleinteriors.co.uk

Print   Email this If you need interior advice, you can contact Honeysuckle Interiors on 01256 780831, or check out the website at www.honeysuckleinteriors.co.uk