Summertime Simplicity in Your Home Decorating

Here in the Northeast, summer is almost here. With hot humid weather approaching-it's already here in the southern part of the country-we can learn a few tricks from our grandparents. Before air conditioning was common, most housewives prepared their homes for the heat of summer. They knew the windows would be open letting in dust as well as fresh air. Children would be home from school and running in and out, dragging sand and dirt with them and dripping water from wading pools on the floors. Afternoons were a time to sit on the porch and drink lemonade, read a book, and visit with neighbors. No one wanted to be cleaning and scrubbing in 90 degree weather.

Our grandmothers prepared for the hot and humid weather by packing away the heavy rugs and drapes and those things in the house which made it harder to keep up the house. Chairs were covered with washable slipcovers, knickknacks were packed away so they didn't need to be dusted and the home was made as low maintenance as possible. This resulted in a clean, stripped down effect which was cool to look at and required less work to keep clean and comfortable during the sweltering days of summer. It was much easier to dust a clear surface or mop a wood floor than to clean around all of the small decorative objects we tend to collect or run a sweeper over the oriental rugs. Decorations were flowers and fruits of the seasons. Lace and linen mats were used instead of heavy linen or damask cloths. Sheer curtains or sun blocking shades were put at the windows. Many women had summer china. Food was prepared in the cooler mornings and eaten cold for supper. Houses looked cool and living was less formal.

These days many of us have air conditioning and it isn't necessary to pack things away to make the house low-maintenance for the hot weather. However, if we use these same principles there are pay offs for the modern homeowner. Clear the table tops and shelves, simplify the table arrangements, put away the heavy bedspreads and curtains. If you wish to decorate there are lovely 'throw away' decorations made of paper or straw. Try a pleated paper fan on the mantel or a glass bowl filled with river rocks or shells. The result of this simplifying is that we have a home which appears cool and fresh.

For full-time homemakers, being able to get the housework out of the way by lunch time gives us afternoons free to play with our children, go for a swim, or read a book we haven't had time for over the winter months. For those of us who work outside the home, it makes a nice change to be able to spend our free time in our yards, or walking in the park, sharing pool time with our children and having picnics. We spend less time taking care of our homes and have more time for our families and friends and for those outdoor activities which we enjoy and which help us to store up good health for the winter. When we are inside, our homes are more relaxed and have a casual summery feel. Our homes don't have to look like beach cottages but the plainness gives them a kind of simple elegance. Why waste time in caring for our homes when we want to be outside hiking, gardening, or playing tennis and enjoying time with friends and family?

In the autumn when the weather starts to cool, we can bring out the heavier items and place them around the house. They will give our homes a new look and we can enjoy our homes and possessions much more because we've had a break from looking at them and caring for them.

Content for this article was provided by ON THE GO 4 U design consultant, Suzanne Copenhaver, who has years of experience with decorating the less than perfect space.

Indra A Books, author of this and many other lifestyle articles, is the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The company's creed is to provide its clients with the ultimate life management experience. In addition to its shopping and concierge services, ON THE GO 4 U also publishes a monthly e-zine and conducts workshops on wardrobe, entertaining and decorating. For more information about the author and ON THE GO 4 U, please visit http://www.onthego4u.net

© 2005 Indra A Books for ON THE GO 4 U


Ask a Designer: Kids' rooms that aren't 'kiddie'
How do you create a space that is kid-friendly, but will also grow with your child and mesh with the rest of your home? Flynn, Burnham and HGTV's latest "Design Star" winner, Emily Henderson, share their advice.

In-laws' interior design company transforms homes
LEXINGTON - The creative talents of two Lexington sisters-in-law help people transform homes.

Interior Design Blog: Budget Decorating & DIY Resources | Blogged ...
Facebook is a social utility that connects people with friends and others who work, study and live around them. People use Facebook to keep up with friends, upload an unlimited ...

YouTube - Bedroom interior design ideas
bedroom design ideas bedroom decorating bedroom interior design bedroom decor bedroom decorating ideas bedroom designs master bedroom design decorating a bedroom

Kids' rooms that aren't 'kiddie' - Seattle Times


Kids' rooms that aren't 'kiddie'
Seattle Times
"I don't like cutesy things — the murals, the Disney things," says Burnham, an interior designer based in Los Angeles. "Why give them a really babyish room ...

and more »

Kids' rooms that aren't 'kiddie'
"Why give them a really babyish room," designer asks, "when it's so expensive to change everything?"

Cake Nouveau settles in successfully to its new location - AnnArbor.com


Cake Nouveau settles in successfully to its new location
AnnArbor.com
When we were there, several young girls were immersed in one of Cake Nouveau's cake decorating classes. Like its predecessor, the design is part Willy ...

and more »

Tribal Persian Rugs

Tribal or nomadic rugs are produced by nomadic and semi-nomadic... Read More

A Review of Popular Wood Stove Manufacturers

There are several world renowned wood stove manufacturers that make... Read More

How To Install Window Treatments Like A Pro

Tools needed: a battery operated screwdriver, screwdriver bits (Phillips and... Read More

The Benefits of Wicker Picnic Baskets

Wicker picnic baskets are a lovely, traditional way to pack... Read More

Inuit Stone Sculptures From The Arctic North

When most people think about stone sculptures, it's probably giant... Read More

Putting Passion Back Into Home Decorating

For most people, they can count the times they redecorate... Read More

Keep Things In Order With A Written Home Decorating Plan

Begin your written plan by choosing one room to start... Read More

A Look at Plantation Shutters

When potential buyers are looking at a home, many upgrades... Read More

A Look at Shower Curtain Rods

Shower curtain rods give you a unique opportunity to showcase... Read More

Couch Slipcovers - An Easy Way to Give Old Furniture a Stylish New Image!

Fitting new couch slipcovers is a great way to instantly... Read More

Christian Art in Your Home

Christian art is wonderful for inspiring us. Cathedrals and churches,... Read More

How to Create a Decorative Garden Window

If you have a sunny window in a room where... Read More

Pass the Salt ? Its a Hot Collectible

Part of the attraction of any collectible is the story... Read More

A Look at Outdoor Ceiling Fans

A ceiling fan used outdoors, such as on a covered... Read More

Building Your Own Grandfather Clock

Timeless and elegant, classic and stately-grandfather clocks are all of... Read More

The History of Cuckoo Clocks

Although the exact date remains a mystery, it is commonly... Read More

Decorative Wall Painting Techniques

Do your walls seem dull and uninviting? Do you long... Read More

Granite Countertop Colors

Granite, like marble and other stones, is as old as... Read More

Amish Furniture For the Home

Amish Furniture makes a home warm and welcoming. Hard woods,... Read More

Discount Rugs - Buying a Discount Area Rug

A quality area rug for your home can be an... Read More

Redecorating with Shower Curtain Hooks

Shower curtains are a quick and inexpensive way to change... Read More

Lighting Up a Seniors Life - Baby Boomer Alert!

Lighting for seniors requires attention to some specific details. When... Read More

Area Rugs - Accent Your Rooms with Area Rugs

One of the easiest ways to accent and decorate your... Read More

Roman Shades Made From Fabric

Roman shades are a simple and classic way to adorn... Read More

The Effect of Scent on Moods

When we talk about scents it could refer to a... Read More