The recent positive news concerning the easing of restrictions has provided a much-needed boost, particularly with the summer to look forward to. While we will be seeing an end to full lockdown, various precautions will remain in place so it’s likely we’ll still be spending plenty of time at home. So, here’s some top tips for ensuring the heart of your home is summer ready.

Make the most of flowers

If you have some spare space on your worktops or windowsills, an obvious way to immediately give your kitchen a summery feel is to incorporate some flowers. While any colourful flowers are a great option, sunflowers come into season right in the middle of summer, with their yellow and green tones sure to brighten any kitchen design.

Have a spring clean

One of the simplest ways you can prepare your kitchen for summer is having a deep clean. Not only is hygiene and cleanliness vital in the current climate, but you’ll be also surprised how much a tidy-up can enhance your kitchen design.

Organising your appliances, utensils, condiments and other kitchen accessories can help to de-clutter the room, making it feel more spacious and open. Additionally, having everything stored in its own dedicated spot will ensure you know exactly where everything is kept, making the process of catering for guests much easier.

Indoor herb garden

If you don’t have anywhere to grow plants outdoors, or if you want to get started while the weather is still keeping us inside, you should consider creating an indoor herb garden. Not only do they look great, providing some greenery and breathing some life into your kitchen design, they’re also perfect for any keen chef or cocktail connoisseur. A herb garden is a great option for impressing your friends and family by mixing up your food and drink this summer.

Chillers and Fridges

There’s a number of features you can include in your kitchen to complement your outdoor activities, and a fridge or chiller is definitely one of them. Even if you haven’t had one built into your counters or island, there’s plenty of useful accessories available if you want to keep you drinks cool during garden parties, or if you just want to enjoy a peaceful evening tipple.

Design with summer in mind

There’s limited time to plan a whole new kitchen for this year’s summer. However, we have plenty of advice if you do want to design your future kitchen with summer in mind.

Open-plan, flowing designs truly come into their own during the warmer months, helping to keep your home airy and cool. A central island has become a staple feature in open-plan kitchen designs, providing a focal point in connecting different areas of the room. This is perfect if you’re moving between the hob, sink and fridge when preparing food and drink for your summer party guests. And, in the not so unlikely case of a British summer shower, the island is the ideal indoor seating area for your guests to gather and socialise around too.

Pale neutrals, including white, are perhaps the most popular colours when it comes to kitchen design – their versatility means they can work in tandem with a huge variety of other tones. Solid woods, veneers, abstract pattern and bolder colours add accent and vibrancy to the design. Large, sliding glazed doors will leave you with a light, warm-feeling kitchen which is perfect for the summer months.

If you’re looking for further inspiration for your future kitchen, take a look at our brochures for more great design ideas here. Also, be sure to follow us on social media. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Houzz.