Prepare Your Home For Summer
Summer is that thing we spend all year looking forward to; from the minute it hits autumn through to that first few days of sunshine. The world is brighter (both literally and metaphorically) and there are always so many places to go and so many people to see. Despite the long hours of the day, it always seems to go by so quickly. In so many ways it sneaks up behind us and then runs away – so it’s imperative to be prepared to make the most out of the time you have.
For those of us who are fortunate enough to zip off to our luxurious holiday homes, there is often extra preparation involved. You obviously won’t have the usual creature comforts around that undoubtedly got you through the colder winter months. So, this means you have to think of every foreseeable need when getting organised and deciding what to bring. You have the obvious essentials like bathers, hats, and sunscreen for a bit of slip slop slap, but it’s easy to forget the little things you might need. You will inevitably spend at least some of your time whilst away doing some work on the house. Particularly if you’re one of those people who maximises profit by renting out the place during the year. Perhaps the BBQ needs replacing, or the lawn needs a bit of work. Or maybe it’s time for a bit of an upgrade such as fitting in an office (including chairs with back support) to get on board with the post-covid world we live in. A good spring clean and air out and your summer home will be ready to go.
For those of us staying put for the season, there are plenty of ways to spruce things up and make it feel a little new. Redecoration or even just some furniture rearranging can make a difference and clear out all the bad juju with the dust. No need to call around the interior design firms in your area when you can just get a little creative on your own. The best way to brighten up your home and encourage the summer vibes is to put a fresh lick of paint on those old walls. If you’re feeling particularly inspired, perhaps have a party of it – invite all your BFFs over, crack open a few drinks and crank the tunes. The requirement to move around all your furniture to get to the walls will likely find you leaving some bits where they are when all is finished.
Another way to get your home prepped for summer is to give a little tender love and care to the previously neglected outdoor space you have. Perhaps the lawn is overgrown, and your plants have all died. There’s nothing more inviting than a well set up back garden and it’s another perfect opportunity to get the party started. After 2 years of the Covid 19 pandemic, the number of office chairs Melbourne can boast is likely in the millions, but the same can’t be said for a sweet outdoor seating setup or trusty hammock. If you’re lucky enough to have some hefty trees in your garden it’s the perfect excuse (or opportunity) to install a hammock and laze away your days in it with a good book. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous (and slightly cashed-up), you could always look to install a deck. Another DIY opportunity, get out the books and research upon the best decking oil for Merbau, you and your mates will be experts in no time.
One of the best bits of summer is the availability of all things fresh and ripe. Many of us find the pull to be in the kitchen much stronger in the summertime as we whip up the best charcuterie boards for wine nights and salads for the backyard BBQ. You might not be a kitchen interior design expert, but you can still enhance the space you have with minimal effort. There’s no need to spend the big bucks and get a whole new kitchen installed when a good spring clean and some new cooking utensils can make all the difference. Get crafty by using your ice cube trays to make fruity concoctions or by spicing up your icy poles with a touch of tequila. Summer is also the perfect time to utilise the power of leftovers. Most of us eat much less in the warmer months and prefer to graze our way through the day rather than fill up on big meals. It’s super ideal to have a variety of healthy snack foods in the fridge to throw together a light meal whenever the mood strikes. Options such as frittatas and roast veg are particularly good as you can choose to have them cold or heat them to make a meal.
Flowers and plants are seriously underestimated when thinking of summer. These days we all have an abundance of plants around our homes and perhaps even in our gardens. Capitalise on their beauty and bring some into your home. Popping a few flower arrangements will not only brighten up your living space but also help naturally freshen the air – or mask the smell of your new paint or Merbau decking oil. If you’ve ever wanted to try out growing your veg, now just might be the time to start prepping your garden or indoor planters with all the nutrients you can. Head down to your local farmers market for some fresh produce and hit them up for tips. It’s time to locate your inner green thumb.
I don’t know about you, but summer is my favourite time of year. And while the goal for me is often to be out and in the sunshine as much as I can, making sure my home is utilising the beautiful weather and helping me experience the season to its fullest is a no brainer. It doesn’t take much time to do a few little things to ensure you have the best summer this year.
