[int]: summer update

With the gorgeous weather outside, it's time to bring some of that summer sunshine into your home. Here's my list of accessories and techniques to do just that.

Photo credit: marine21 on favim.com

1. Cushions

Cushion cover, H&M

Cushion cover, H&M

Cushions are a great way to bring colours and patterns into your living room, bedroom, or even dining room. You can switch out the cushion covers as often as you like to change the look of the room. Check out H&M's collection for some great patterns, which you can get in different colours, and sometimes match with other items like table runners. Go for natural or geometric patterns and bright colours for a vibrant summer look.

2. Tableware

Coastal tableware, John Lewis

There are a lot of different ways you could go with your plates and bowls, but I love these blue tones. They're a gorgeous British take on a Mediterranean feel, perfect for serving up summer salads on a hot day.

3. Glassware

Flimra glass, Ikea

Summer is the time for long evening cocktails, and there's no better way to serve them up than in cut glass. Inside the glasses, a brightly coloured cocktail will glitter like a jewel. Ikea sell inexpensive but stylish glassware, and for something that breaks or scratches in the dishwasher, I don't understand spending any more than you have to.

4. Art

Wild Ruby by Olivia Wade, allposters.co.uk

In researching this post, I found a brilliant 75% off sale at allposters.co.uk - so there really couldn't be a better time to grab some summery art. Prints can be very cheap, so you can set up an art wall with different sized frames and just swap out different pieces of art if you get bored or want to change the look of the room. Art is a really personal choice, the picture above chosen because I absolutely love it, but what I would say is that for a summery feel look for vintage travel posters or bright pops of colour.

5. Kitchenware

Zoku Ice Lolly Ring Moulds, Lakeland

I'm not just talking about giving your kitchen a bit of a summery colour theme here. In the hot weather it's really important to drink a lot of fluids and you can find some really fun ways of making sure you get enough. I love how silly these ice lolly moulds are, and they'll definitely cool you down at a weekend barbecue.

I hope you enjoy the rest of the hot weather!