MARK CUTLER STYLE GUIDE: Summer is Coming, Get Decorating!

As I write this, it is 85 degrees in Los Angeles and we are looking at a weekend in the low to mid-nineties. It reminds me of how much I look forward to summer. I was born and raised in Australia , long hot summers are in my blood, so I suppose that Los Angeles is the perfect place for me. Over time I have developed rituals that celebrate the change of season, so here are some ideas that you may want to think about to give your home a new look for summer.

Slipcover Swap-out
I am a huge fan of slipcovers, they offer huge amounts of versatility with minimal investment. I like to use heavier weight fabrics as the main upholstery whether it's a corduroy or a chenille. On the slipcover I like using a lightweight cotton canvas and to give the pieces a nice clean tailored look, I make sure the cover is pretty tight. If you are not up for a custom experience, most of the big manufacturers have slipcover options. I like the Willow Sofa at Crate and Barrel (above), it has a great silhouette and will fit into most styles of homes.

Decorating with Fresh Flowers
One of the simplest things you can do to make your home feel like the seasons have turned is to decorate with fresh flowers. I really like to use annuals from my local garden store and replant them in a cool container that I find on Ebay.com . I like the annuals because they last longer than cut flowers, and can easily be made into small garden-like arrangements. Look for tulips or other colorful options, the brighter and more diverse the color the better.

Throw Pillow Makeover
Another simple thing you can do is swap out the pillows on your sofa, something bright and unexpected will bring a summer zing to your room. I am enjoying these from Anthropologie.com; they even has a matching rug that would be perfect in the entry hall.

Secret Garden Scents
There is nothing like the scent of a garden in bloom but if my patio isn't in full bloom, I cheat it a bit with some of my own floral scent candles hidden among the blooms. It's a great trick that makes you look like an incredible gardener. My favorite floral candles are available at Colburn Sassaman in Los Angeles.

The important thing to remember is that the changing of the seasons is a magical time, make the effort to celebrate that, especially in your home, you will be amazed what a difference it will make.

Mark Cutler
Interior Designer,
MarkCutlerDesign.com