Few of us have an outdoor space on this scale, but you can make the most of a covered terrace or balcony by taking out chairs, sofas, hammocks, a dining table – whatever will fit in your space. Here, a chandelier holds candles found at a local flea market. The sofas are basic designs from Ikea, or try Oka’s outdoor sofas made from all-weather rattan covered in throws and slubby cushions in muted greys and blues. Try Toast or Loaf for similar.
Anne-Catherine Scoffoni Photograph: Anne-Catherine Scoffini
Specimen vases filled with flowers are so pretty, and you don’t need extravagant blooms – daisies, dandelions, even weeds look elegant if they’re arranged beautifully. Here each vase has just one type of flower, or a maximum of two; you don’t need many to make an impact. Cut them to different lengths so you get a slight dome. Try flea markets for vintage medicine bottles; or Oliver Bonas, Graham and Green and Anthropologie are good places to look.
Rita Konig Photograph: Patrick Cline/Livingly Media
String coloured paper lanterns above a table: John Lewis stocks pretty Japanese-inspired designs. And pile floral indoor cushions on a bench for lounging – Laura Ashley has a wide range. Lanterns with candles inside them are easiest if your terrace or balcony isn’t wired for electricity, or try a string of solar-powered lights.
Rita Konig Photograph: Patrick Cline/Livingly Media
This is a great way to bring summer inside. Place potted plants in indirect sunlight and keep them well watered. The Balcony Gardener is a good source of elegant planters, but older pots have that nicely distressed look. For an industrial table like this, try reclamation yards such as Retrouvius or Trainspotters.
Rita Konig Photograph: Patrick Cline/Livingly Media
No, it’s not real turf, but a green silk rug gives the illusion of neatly mown grass and adds a touch of summer colour to this monochrome basement room. The rustic stools work well indoors or out – try Lombok for similar.
Megan Morton Photograph: Jason Busch Photography/Room Images
Take down your winter drapes and let the breeze in with lightweight cotton: Ikea’s folksy Vandring curtains are a great match. If you’d rather not take your curtains down, tie them back and add pretty Gustavian window panels, from Ikea again. A sturdy woven runner – Ikea’s water-resistant Solröd is perfect – keeps dirt and dust from bare feet off the floor.
Sally Cullen Photograph: Marianne Wie
