Get inspired by these 25 timeless, summery spaces.
Summertime, and the living is easy – especially when you’re kicking back at a family lake house or seaside cabin in Canada’s expansive cottage country. And whilst summer decorating trends change from year to year, there are a few classic elements that remain evergreen, from nautical accessories to rustic ceiling beams, white panelled walls to screened-in porches.
Whether you’re renovating a cottage or simply turning your urban space into a summer retreat, grab inspiration from these 25 beautiful interiors to help you achieve that timeless, summer fresh look.
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25 stylish summer homes
Stone fireplace
Early and late summer months can see some chilly nights. A grand fireplace in the lounge room won’t just keep you warm once the sun goes down, but lets you play around with stone and textures.
25 stylish summer homes
Pops of colour
Bring a bit of island living to your summer home’s decor with pastel walls. Coral and light blue are signature colours of Caribbean design and look great paired against white and pale grey furniture or trim.
25 stylish summer homes
Shabby chic
When decorating your summer home, look to vintage and salvage shops for old furniture that has a rustic feel to it. The shabby chic look is a timeless cottage trend and is easy to achieve with pieces that have a bit of patina, like console tables with worn paint or old copper baskets with a few dents.
25 stylish summer homes
Clean neutrals
The easiest way to keep your home feeling fresh and summery is by decorating with clean neutrals. Contrast whites with fresh, calming neutrals that reflect the elements, like pale blues and earthy taupes.
25 stylish summer homes
White-washed floors
Keep with the light and airy theme throughout your summer home, taking into consideration the colour of the floors as well. White-washed planks open up the living space of this Muskoka cottage, for a seamless look that’s calm and inviting.
25 stylish summer homes
Porthole window
Add some architectural interest to your summer home and play up the nautical theme with a porthole window. This master bath breaks up the vanity area with a small porthole, opting for natural light rather than wall sconces.
25 stylish summer homes
Screened-in porch
Every summer home should have a covered, screened-in porch for those rainy days when you’re stuck inside. Arrange lounge spaces with comfy oversized cushions for reading and playing board games until the sun comes out.
25 stylish summer homes
Tall ceilings
Reach for the sky in your summer home with heightened ceilings that show off the structure’s bare bones. The sunroom in this cottage leaves the drywall behind in favour of tall, open ceilings that allow for the architectural framework to be on display.
25 stylish summer homes
Seaside patterns
Coastal summer homes can still have fun with seaside style without coming off themed or kitschy. This PEI kitchen gives a nod to its local sealife with graphic curtains featuring a lobster print.
25 stylish summer homes
French doors
French doors are a stylish entry option for summer homes, leading in from the balcony or terrace. Leave them open to invite a warm breeze to flow through your home and give you unobstructed views of season’s breathtaking sunsets.
25 stylish summer homes
Outdoor fabrics inside
Don’t be scared to decorate your summer home in swaths of white fabric – just make sure it’s hard-wearing. This colourful cottage furniture is covered in a crisp outdoor fabric with a navy piping to give it a classic preppy look.
25 stylish summer homes
Rope banister
Don’t be scared to try a little DIY project using some of the elements hanging around your summer home. This PEI cabin gets crafty with sailing rope used as a railing up a small set of stairs.
25 stylish summer homes
Ceiling fans
If your summer home is a bit off the beaten path, the chances of getting central air conditioning are slim to none. Get a breeze going in the bedrooms with retro ceiling fans that are just as cool as they look.
25 stylish summer homes
A great outdoor entertaining space
No summer home would be complete without a well-designed spot to dine al fresco. A bar cart, stringed lights and blankets make this a versatile dining space that you can gather around even after the sun goes down.
25 stylish summer homes
Navy and white stripes
Nothing says nautical chic quite like the classic colour combination of navy and white. The guestroom in this coastal cabin layers the two hues in the bedding, striped rug and table accessories for a timeless look that’s not over-the-top.
25 stylish summer homes
Oversized windows
Long summer days mean more hours of sunlight, so let that sun shine in! Floor-to-ceiling windows lining the walls of commonly used spaces allow natural light to stream through and save energy.
25 stylish summer homes
Jute rugs
Area rugs are a must for achieving a completed look, no matter what room of the house. Opt for grass-woven rugs like jute over synthetic pile when decorating a summer home – not only are they made of natural materials, but they’re hard-wearing as well.
25 stylish summer homes
Folding doors
Blur the lines of indoors and out with folding doors between the kitchen and outdoor dining space. These doors allow you to create a larger area for cooking and entertaining without separating you from your guests.
25 stylish summer homes
Loft space
Summer homes have a rotating list of visitors, meaning you’ll need to maximize your space to create sleeping quarters. This beachfront cottage builds up with a loft space overlooking the living room, the perfect spot for wee guests to climb into at the end of a long day swimming in the lake.
25 stylish summer homes
Slipcovered sofas
A standard of laid-back lake house design, slipcovered sofas are a must for family summer homes. Easy to clean and more affordable than buying a brand new sofa, slipcovers offer up a relaxed look that can be changed from season to season.
25 stylish summer homes
Serene sunroom
There’s nothing quite like kicking back and relaxing in a peaceful sunroom during the summer months. Build a serene space by decorating with crisp whites and soft greys and keeping the windows bare so the sun can shine through.
25 stylish summer homes
Exposed ceiling beams
Exposed wooden beams not only amplify the architectural interest of your ceilings, but they also add charm and character to your summer home’s interior. Check out antique markets and hardware stores near your property for locally-sourced salvaged options.
25 stylish summer homes
White paneling
A signature lake house look, white paneled walls reflect natural light to create a bright, summery space. This sunroom extends the paneling to the ceiling to give the room an airy, sky-high appeal.
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