Seasonal Change

Bring the sunshine inside by updating your bathroom. Fun, whimsical and absolutely beautiful glass tiles are available in all shapes, colors and sizes. One of my favorites is Oceanside Glass Tile made from recycled glass. You can blend the exquisite colors yourself and express yourself with a variety of finishes for a totally new environment.
Being near the beach inspires one of my favorite looks: a spa-like retreat using clean lines and beach glass tones. Island Stone has a good selection of pebbles to accent the floor. Use a chrome finish for the plumbing fixtures to add sparkle. If you prefer a softer tone, brushed nickel is your perfect choice.
— Lisa Reeves, designer
International Bath and Tile

Make your home come alive for summer. Adding a water feature indoors gives motion and emotion to your indoor environment and provides that fresh feeling of summer.
Lighten up on the area rugs, draperies and bedding. Change what you currently have to a summery feel with silks, linens and light cottons.
     Paint a fresh color on the walls. The hot (or cool) colors for summer pads are silvery blues, lavenders and light grays.
     Turn on some inspiring music, perhaps the Beach Boys, and scrub and polish things up with some bio-friendly cleaners. Get the windows clean and then open them wide. Have a terrific summer.
— Terri Anne Parsons, Allied Member ASID, Member IFDA
Anne Parsons Interiors

San Diego’s transition into summer is subtler than other parts of the country. That said, a summer interior is about appreciating light and space. It’s a time to enjoy the basics.
     Keep your interior simple and low maintenance.
     As a kitchen designer I believe that the food we prepare can help us to celebrate the different seasons. Enjoy the fresh fruits and vegetables that are available, open the windows, buy a bouquet of sunflowers and invite your friends over for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
     Create a space where you can enjoy the fresh air of outdoors in the evening and with candlelight. Kick back and take pleasure in those long days. It’s summer!
— Dianne Harsch, NKBA
Studio Emphasis

Summer means carefree days filled with fun and excitement. Bring memories of summers past into the mix when you freshen up your interior.
     Decorate for summer at home by adding accents like bright, cheerful throw pillows, light, breezy curtains, striped rugs, whimsical artwork and fragrant fresh flowers. Express summer in your kitchen and dining room table displays with new place mats, glasses and a tablecloth that says summer.
     In the bedroom you might use bedding that features beach scenes. The bathroom can reflect the season with summery towels, rugs, a new shower curtain and soaps. Carry the seasonal theme outdoors with colorful pots of flowers, candle-lit lanterns and patio furniture cushions.
— Diane Swenson, Allied Member ASID
Bella Designs

A recipe for summer-izing your home includes a camera, paint, pillows, area rugs, art, florals, plants, bedding, small furniture items and a strong man.
     In preparation, stock up on the latest design magazines for inspiration and direction.
     Take photos of each room at the angle to be “summer-ized.”
     Remove all small items, pillows, art, accessories, bedding, etc.
     Analyze what is left. If it looks old, heavy, out of date, dusty and faded it goes on the to-do list.
     Choose what fits your budget and paint it, replace it, slipcover it or remove it. Colorful florals, lighter bedding and pillows or pale painted walls are good choices for summer.
     Just removing an area rug and going bare for a while, taking off window treatments and letting light in, or placing furniture in a different area will make things look refreshingly different.
— Sue Kelly, owner
Fairbanks Interiors