How to: Bring summer into your home

6 Cut a rug
Who needs that heavy Oriental rug during summer? Lay down a more natural alternative, such as a sisal rug, or better yet, keep the floors bare. “It's a nice feeling walking barefoot on a hardwood floor,” says Bonnie.

7 Spruce up your cleaning
Stores like Crabtree and Evelyn sell an array of aromatic cleaning products. Try one infused with delightful seasonal scents, such rosewater linen wash and lavender carpet refresher.

8 Get crafty
Simple summer shirting can get the creativity going, writes Kristin. Employ the fabric in decorative details like a patchwork quilt or pillow shams. If you prefer more floral works, press petals between two framed pieces of glass for instant art or use them to border a mirror for a touch of summer all year long.

9 Dish it out
Summer usually brings with it a playful mood. Mix and match dishes in fun vibrant solids or with funky patterns like stripes and botanic prints.

10 Colour your world
When visiting a farmers' market, pay attention to all the wonderful colours that surround you, Bonnie suggests. Then pick a room in your home, designate it the “summer room” and repaint the walls one of those luscious, incredible hues.

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