GUIDE FURNISH A SUMMER RESIDENCE

1. INVITING SOCIAL SPACES 

Vacation is something many associate with socializing, and what is better than an inviting social space for late summer evenings? Having a TV during the vacation or in the summer residence feels overrated; instead of focusing on the screen, one should focus on each other. By placing two lovely sofas opposite each other and a coffee table in the middle, you invite conversations that easily last into the early hours.

Another option is to choose a large comfortable sofa with a lovely seating depth that you can curl up in, combined with an inviting coffee table and lovely armchairs. Decorate the sofa with lovely pillows and throws to maximize the coziness factor. 

2. A DINING AREA TO GATHER AROUND

Since summer residences are often used to welcome family and friends, it's important to have a well-thought-out dining area for all the summer's breakfasts, lunches, coffee breaks, and dinners.

Choosing a flexible dining table that can be adjusted according to how many are visiting is preferable in both larger and smaller summer residences. Choose between round tables with an insert leaf, rectangular tables with an extension leaf, or a drop-leaf table if you have limited space.

Flexibility when it comes to both tables and chairs is a great advantage in a summer residence. If you choose a flexible dining table, an insert or extension leaf can easily be added to make room for more. Stackable chairs are perfect for the summer residence as they are easy to store and handy to bring out when you need extra chairs around the table.

Bright wooden furniture is associated with summer and gives a natural, airy, and bright feeling. If you want to create contrasts and make the dining area stand out and be the center of attention, it's nice to break it off with a dark brown dining table against the bright environment often found in summer residences.

3. A HARMONIOUS BEDROOM

Vacation is a time for relaxation, and what could be more important than a wonderful night's sleep in a well-thought-out bedroom with a harmonious and relaxing atmosphere for all the summer mornings, cups of coffee, and breakfasts in bed?

A neat headboard in a white pigmented design, in Scandinavian style, nicely frames the bed and creates a wonderfully summery feeling. Complement with bedside tables in the same design to create a cohesive look and a place to put a book and a coffee cup.

Decorate with light, airy linen curtains and combine them with slightly darker curtains to easily draw when you want to sleep a little longer and not be woken by the early summer sunrise. A clothes stand in the bedroom adds a nice touch, allowing you to easily hang up your bathrobe before crawling into bed.

Mirrors create a lovely sense of space in both large and small bedrooms. Choose either a wall-mounted mirror or a floor mirror. Floor mirrors give a relaxed impression that fits perfectly into the summer cottage bedroom.

4. A PRACTICAL AND WELCOMING ENTRANCE

Regardless of the weather, one needs a place to store shoes, keys, and hang up a summer jacket or blazer. A minimalist and well-considered entrance where everything has its place facilitates the flow through the summer house.

The most essential storage need in a summer cottage is for shoes. There should be space for sandals, flip-flops, walking shoes, and sneakers. To easily organize what needs to be accommodated in the entrance, we recommend furnishing it with a shoe rack and a bench with hidden storage. Complete the hallway decor with a sleek clothes stand or hook strip and a key cabinet with a mirror and hidden storage.

6. CREATE A SPACE FOR RELAXATION

It's wonderfully cozy to be a large family with many children and friends spending the holiday together. Even though the community is wonderful, it's incredibly important to prioritize alone time to recharge and unwind. A lovely hammock under a shady tree on a warm summer day, or a comfortable armchair near a window to take advantage of the view, even when it's cloudy and bad weather, is really to be preferred.

If there is space, it's perfect with a small bookshelf or a cabinet where you can store your favorite magazines, books, and board games.