The early days of the change from spring to summer are a blissful time to be in the UK. Of course, the weather can be temperamental and downright soggy at times, but when it’s good, there’s nowhere better. It’s something about the light, shedding the coldness it has earlier in the year, yet still fresh and crisp – it’s rejuvenating, and transforms our homes into the best versions of themselves. Even the plainest rooms take on a delicate beauty when bathed in dappled June sunshine.
Every year, my team and I love compiling this issue as it gives us the opportunity to embrace the positive, to look forward to warmer, relaxing times and to seek out some of the world’s most beautiful spaces to inspire and delight.
Despite the turbulent world order we find ourselves currently facing, a global reach and outlook continue to be crucial parts of ELLE Decoration’s DNA, so this month sees us venturing as far afield as Australia, Brazil and Mexico to bring you houses that really nail summer living, making the most of volumes and proportions and, again, that wonderful warm light we all crave.
The transition between indoors and out also becomes increasingly important as we head into summer, so the homes we’ve chosen to highlight use clever, considered design to make the movement from one to the other seamless and intuitive.
If al fresco living is your thing, then our Focus section will be a font of knowledge as it delves further and deeper into what we do with the versatile areas around our homes. As well as examining the variety and architectural prowess of garden pavilions (hint: simple sheds containing nothing but a lawnmower and a few tools will no longer suffice), we also source the latest outdoor furniture and textiles; look at the vertical-garden trend; and get two landscape designers to argue the case for maximalist or minimalist planting. I’m tackling my very own garden project as we speak and, bar an established olive tree that is my pride and joy, there’s not a lot else there yet, so I’m definitely in the less-is-more camp!
Whatever space you do or don’t have, and whether you’ll be spending the next month indoors or out, I hope you also get to appreciate the positive, mood-boosting benefits of summer living.
