When the evenings stretch out and the first real warmth of the year settles over Britain, we all want to throw open the windows and let the season in. Summer here is less about endless sunshine, which is rare, and more about a feeling of lightness, colour and ease.
Making your home feel summery does not take grand gestures. It takes small changes: lighter fabrics, natural textures and pictures that suggest sunny places. For anyone who loves framing, it is the perfect time to be creative. Here are five simple ways to invite summer indoors, with framing ideas for each.
1. Go coastal
The British coast has a lasting charm, from the pastel beach huts of Brighton to the windswept bays of Wales. Start with the colours of the shore: soft blues, sandy beiges and clean whites. Swap heavy wool throws for linen or cotton, and bring in natural textures such as rattan, jute and seagrass.
Frame vintage sea charts, or watercolours of lighthouses and fishing villages. For a personal touch, display your own photos from Whitby or St Ives. Frames in weathered finishes, such as driftwood-effect timber or distressed white paint, add to the relaxed, beachy feel.
For a focal point, hang a mix of sizes on one wall, with a large photograph of breaking waves among smaller prints of boats and shells. Add a box frame of real shells or pressed seaweed for texture.
2. Bring the garden indoors
British summers mean roses, lavender and the cheerful chaos of the cottage garden. Even without a garden you can fill the house with flowers: peonies, dahlias or hydrangeas in vases, and pots of thyme and basil on the windowsill for their scent.
Framing preserves the flowers after the petals have fallen. Press them between sheets of paper inside a heavy book, then frame the results. Slim, plain frames and neutral mounts let the delicate colours and shapes take centre stage. For a modern twist, frame a single large leaf or a sprig of eucalyptus in a deep box frame.
Botanical prints are just as versatile. Frame old illustrations of British wildflowers, such as foxgloves, bluebells and poppies, in gilt for a classic look or in black for contrast. A grid of small framed specimens, each with a handwritten label, looks lovely in a kitchen or hallway.
3. Make rooms light and airy
Making the most of daylight is essential in a country where grey skies linger. Clear the windowsills, and replace heavy curtains with sheer voile or linen that softens the light. A mirror opposite a window bounces light around the room, and touches of brass or gold add a warm shimmer.
Frames can help. Glossy and metallic finishes catch and scatter light. A large mirror in a thin gold frame brightens a room and adds elegance. Choose pictures full of light, such as sun-dappled woods, or abstracts in pale yellow and cream, and give them wide white mounts for a sense of openness.
A gallery wall need not feel heavy. Use small, airy pieces in white, pale wood or brushed metal frames, and mix family photos of barbecues and country walks with prints in summery colours.
4. Add seasonal scents and sounds
Summer is atmosphere as well as appearance. Scent the house with jasmine or citrus, using a diffuser or home-made pot pourri. On days when the weather keeps you in, a recording of rustling leaves or distant seagulls helps.
Framing can echo the mood. Frame old sheet music or record sleeves for summery songs, such as 'Summer Holiday'. Or frame a set of vintage postcards from British seaside towns. The retro designs of Scarborough, Blackpool and Bournemouth add colour and nostalgia, and look good in an assortment of mismatched frames.
5. Refresh the fabrics and the artwork
Changing textiles and rotating pictures are quick ways to mark the season. Replace velvet cushions with linen or cotton in stripes, florals or tropical prints. Drape a light throw in a pastel shade over the sofa, and put down a sisal or jute rug.
Pictures can bring in strong summer colour without overwhelming a room. A bright abstract in coral or turquoise, in a slim black frame, energises a neutral space. You can even frame fabric or wallpaper samples in summery patterns, and change them with the seasons.
For a nod to British summers, frame vintage posters for county shows or cricket matches in distressed wooden frames. Children's holiday artwork, with its crayon seashells and painted rainbows, deserves a place too, in brightly painted frames.
Summer sun is strong. Hang framed pictures out of direct sunlight, or choose UV-protective glazing, so that this year's display does not fade by next year.
Final thoughts
Bringing summer into the home is about the spirit of the season: colour, light and personal touches. For anyone who enjoys framing, it is a chance to try displays that tell a story. The aim is not perfection, but a home that feels alive with the ease of summer, whatever the forecast.
EasyFrame offers a wide range of made-to-measure frames, and with long experience we can advise on the right frame for your pictures. Call us on 01234 856 501 or email sales@easyframe.co.uk. We are always happy to talk, whether or not you want to buy.