After an extended period of time spent at home, it seems like most of us are rediscovering the importance of creating spaces that function well and double up as a place of solace. With summer now underway our thoughts move to seek out warmer shores to unwind and escape the Great British summer. However, this year has been a little different and for the majority, we're going to have to make those Mediterranean trends come to life in our kitchens and gardens instead of jumping on a plane.

Mirroring the 'holiday dreaming' trend seen currently in the interiors world, our summer collection features a host of warm terracottas, hot reds and golden sandy tones to inspire summer vibes on the rainiest of days. Read on for our round-up of summer styling ideas to try this year.

A perfect opportunity to bring colour into your home, your kitchen can include a myriad of things from appliances to piles of paperwork and washing up. By using the following ground rules when styling your kitchen you can achieve a functional, liveable space as well as taking your decor to the next level.

Colour:

Colour can be a great distraction from the general noise of a kitchen and we love bright pops that create bold focal points. If you're looking for an easy way to make some seasonal updates think about accessorising with colourful structural ceramics, adding natural textures with plants and flowers & layering artwork or found objects from past trips. We're loving the new selection of Cooee ceramics at the moment.

Open shelving:

Kitchen cupboards can be dominating and block light from windows making the space feel and look smaller. By changing to open shelving (a stylists dream) you can instantly make rooms appear larger and get started on your 'shelfie' game. Go for modular shelving and stick to clean minimal lines to stand the test of time.

Taking your interior from spring to summer can really flip your mindset and re-instate the ‘living in the now’ feeling that is often overlooked. At Shida we love bringing the outside in with plants and luscious preserved arrangements for the ultimate green space & switching soft furnishings to brighten things up at this time of year.

Cocktail Corners:

Have you added a cocktail corner yet? This might sound impractical and we’re not suggesting the full tiki bar but a small table or cupboard can work wonders for this trend. Pick some of your favourite cocktail wares, get stocked up with mixers and make entertaining in the lounge a little extra! Add in stylish coasters, indulgent edible garnishes to treat your guests. If mixology isn't your thing check out Edmunds for some delicious premixed drinks.

Mixing & Layering Colour Palettes:

This is all about working with what you’ve got and how much time you have to dedicate to this. If you already have a colour scheme but want to change it up for summer, use a trusty colour wheel to see which colours complement your current space. Bring these colours out in different ways like lampshades and pendant lights or with soft furnishings. If you’re starting from scratch, think about a scheme that can work as a base all year round.

Flora and Fauna:

Feeling at one with nature is important and having a selection of greenery (plants or preserved!) around your home is an easy, cost-effective way to make this happen. Layer preserved greenery with seasonal flowers and colours to keep things updated throughout the year.

For those of us lucky enough to have an outside space, this year has confirmed that gardens are a huge asset and can add an entire extra room to your home. From reading, eating, and working from home to entertaining friends, your garden can become your new holiday paradise. Here’s how we do it;

Earthy Textures:

Bring balmy Mediterranean vibes into your garden with a mix of pots and planters in natural styles and textures. Terracotta is a classic material for outside use but why not try it in different sculptural shapes. Team them with a gang of other planters made from rattan and bold colours to keep the holiday feels alive. We love these planters from Portland-based @idarahomedecorstore Pop in some Mediterranean grasses and plants for a casual look and low-maintenance situation.

Minimal Furniture:

Use furniture wisely in small spaces and if you have a bigger space, think about space-saving furniture like seats that slot under the table or picnic style tables with bench seats that look great in narrow dining spaces. If you’re after sofa-style furniture for your garden, think about using clean lines and minimal feeling designs in metals and wood for a natural feel.We love some of the sets from Habitat with a choice of bench seating or chairs. Don’t forget to ‘zone’ your space; dining areas are best nearest the house while relaxing areas work well in spaces that get the sun throughout the day.

Light it Up:

For a get-away vibe, give your home the Holiday Dreaming treatment this summer. Think about balancing light, colour and textures. Use flowers and foliage around your interiors to link each space together and bring greenery into your home. Lastly, enjoy your space and make it a comfortable place to relax, reset and switch off!