As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, summer invites us to refresh our living spaces with vibrant colours and airy vibes. The summer colour palette should offer a delightful blend of soothing tones, making it easier than ever to infuse our home’s with seasonal cheer.
Every year , the Pantone company declares the colour of the year. And that colour makes way onto to the Fashion world and the likes of some top designers. I am sure you have seen splashes of it here and there in magazine publications or on social media.
This year Pantone Peach Fuzz 13-1023 was declared as the colour of the Year 2024.
Here’s a funny story about how I came to know about this phenomena a few years ago. I have been indirectly related with Design and branding mostly through my retail career but major part of it came from my own deep interests and and self taught learnings.
At my last job one day, my then Boss who was supposedly a big Fashion aficionado turned up with a piece of paper in his hands exclaiming , Kamakshi I have something for you and I was promptly handed over that piece of paper. With a rather straight face and a smile he said, this is the colour of the year and these are some ways (count 15) you can incorporate it in your wardrobe. Well there was Estee lauder lipstick in there, Dresses by brands that I struggled to pronounce, top of the line handbags, accessories, shoes and what not.
Honestly I wanted to laugh out quite hard but I was also impressed that a male boss had taken the effort to research this and I was introduced to a new Phenomenon called ” Pantone colour of the Year “. No matter the situation there is something to learn from it. But in hindsight it did bother me for a few days if I was badly dressed at work or needed more grooming somehow. What made a middle aged man hand me a paper like that. But lets just leave it at that for now and focus on the topic for today.
And now that I have had my fair share of digressional relief and in the last couple of years of taking design and styling not just as a hobby but a full on career with the launch of my brand last month, I have to admit its only the beginning. There is so much to learn about Textures, Colours, Patterns and Seasons. Thankfully I don’t have to go to school again just yet , the internet is my teacher for now and every now and then I make a point to read and learn something from this field at my own pace – from the likes of celebrated Designers, Architects , Photographers, fellow bloggers and a whole lot of talented bunch out there.
And this is what my summer pallet looks for this year in particular. And no its not just whites and beige per se but a host of other colours that denote summer for me specially in India. Sit back , take a look and get an idea or two on colours to consider for your summer decor and tips on how to incorporate them into your space.
Take a Peek !
Soft Pinks & Peaches
Reminiscent of blooming flowers and fresh fruit, these soft hues add a delicate touch. If you love Pink as a colour its absolutely perfect for summer. Whether its the striking Bougainvillea Fuschia Pink or subtle romantic Pinks and peaches that reminds us of a dreamy wedding. Add a bunch of Peachy Roses or go forage a Bougainvillea branch or some Oleander blooms to celebrate summer.
How to Use It: Soft pinks and peaches work beautifully in bedrooms or living spaces. Consider pastel pink throw pillows , peachy artwork or a bunch of blooms to create a soft, inviting atmosphere. These colours pair well with grays and whites for a light and airy feel.
If you would add textiles in this colour scheme then a nice ruffled cushion can add softness to your Furniture lines. I paired this frilly Pink cushion with our lightwood chairs and they scream summer from a little fairytale town in france I think so.
Blue & White
Its a CLASSIC there is nothing more to say. Inspired by the soothing hues of the sea , the clear skies to the multitude of ocean blues.
How to Use It: Blue is versatile and can create a serene environment. Use navy as a grounding colour for larger pieces, like sofas or curtains, while lighter shades can be added through decorative items like vases or artwork. Pairing blues with white or sandy neutrals can enhance that coastal feel. I personally love Duck egg blue over Navy for summers.
If you want to invest in something safe that would literally work around seasons or even generations in years to come this is probably it. Vintage Chinoiserie crockery, throw in some Orange or Yellow for the perfect contrast and for that instant summer pick me up.
But thats not all B&W is so versatile that you can plonk a Christmas tree in a Chinoiserie Ginger Jar in December and it goes from being a coastal summer to an absolute winter classic. Just Pinterest it.
Sunny Yellows
Think of bright sunflowers and a pint of limoncello in the hot summer sun with soft music in the background. Instant summer vibes. There is nothing a bunch of sunflowers won’t fix for me. So if you ever upset me you know how to apologise.
How to Use It: Yellow brings warmth and positivity into any room. Consider painting an accent wall in a soft buttery yellow or incorporating yellow through cushions, throws, or artwork (Think Van Gogh’s Sunflowers Stilllife). For a subtler touch, opt for pale yellow shades in textiles or tableware. We loved adding a checkered Tablecloth in our dining space and a bunch of Bougainvillea from the streets to add contrast.
Refreshing Greens
Inspired by lush foliage and garden life, greens symbolize renewal and vitality and the onset of Spring/Summer to me. And its no secret its by favourite colour along with white. I personally think you cant go wrong with a shade of green ever from Sage to mint to earthy olives or bright emeralds, greens just work so well and as they see are really EVERGREEN.
How to Use It: From deep forest greens to lighter sage, to mint green’s can be used in many many ways. Paint a feature wall, add green plants for a touch of life, refresh your worn out couch with olive green upholstery, incorporate green textiles like throw pillows or add accent pieces in green like statement Vases and or Vintage glass bottles.
Pairing green with neutrals or pops of yellow & Pink can also create a refreshing balance. If you want to do nothing at all just forage some beautiful branches from the street and add to an oversized vase like me , scatter a healthy dose of plants in different corners of your home to add life to it. Thats it.
Summer 2024 is all about embracing joy and vitality through colour. Whether you opt for bold statements or experiment with soft accents, the right palette can transform your home into a bright, inviting sanctuary. As you experiment with these colours, the biggest tip in design is to let your personal style shine, your home should be a reflection of you so add that personal touch and enjoy the refreshing vibe of summer in your space this season and for seasons to come !
Ciao I am going to grab a lemonade now and just chill.
