The UK is well-known for its seasonal weather, with snowy, icy conditions in the winter, and regular heat waves in the summer. 

In fact, last year saw temperatures exceed 42C, making it the hottest day on record for Britain. This year has already seen highs of above 30C, which could mean we’re in for another sweltering summer. 

So, while it’s important to have a warm and cosy home when it’s crisp and fresh outside, it is also becoming increasingly popular to have a house that feels summery during those hotter days. 

Here are some London interior design tips that can make your home fit for purpose in the summer months. 

Soft, natural tones

Designing your home for the summer could either mean you decorate it with bold, vivid colours or go the other way and opt for soft, neutral tones. 

The latter gives off a luxury beach house vibe, especially when paired with natural furnishings and furniture. 

Materials like wicker, wood, rattan, pottery, and linen are good options, while exposed beams and plenty of foliage add to the look. 

Texture is extremely important for this trend, as it provides a lift to the cream-coloured walls and wooden floors. 

Gunmetal bathrooms

Silver fixtures in bathrooms are no longer en vogue, while rose gold is very much last season. The metal shade of choice now is definitely gunmetal. 

According to Country Living: “Gunmetal is this spring’s most exciting metallic finish, and works well with lots of bathroom materials, including marble, wood, stone and ceramics.”

Having gunmetal taps, shower fittings, and radiators adds character to a bathroom. 

Homeowners could also consider fitting pannelling to their washroom, as this complements the metal and “adds depth and interest to even the smallest room”. It also complements period properties and vintage interior design perfectly. 

Mediterranean landscaping

Although landscaping is not interior design, it is important to consider how you want your outdoor space to look, as it needs to match the inside of your home. 

Mediterranean-style courtyards, with columns, stone benches and intricately-designed fountains, are a fail-proof choice. 

These have remained attractive for centuries, and will do so for many more years to come. 

Complement your furniture with cushions in various shades of cream, enjoy the scent of trailing jasmine plants on your garden fences, and plant olive trees in huge stone planters for an authentic touch. 

Global influences

The hot weather always reminds us of going on holiday, so include global touches in your interior design, if you want to make your home feel more summery. 

Invest in furniture or furnishings from abroad, such as large metal side tables from Morocco, colourful fabrics from India, or Bonsai trees and minimalistic touches from Japan. 

Not only will you be able to create a unique space with your travel pieces, but they will remind you of your adventures every time you enter the room, helping you to escape the rigmarole of daily life.