Summer Essentials with Anne at The City Sage

Sorry I was silent yesterday - finding an internet connection in Alaska is not always an easy thing!

I promise that Anne aka "The City Sage," has made it worth your wait with this beautiful guest post..

Hi All! I'm so happy to be visiting Decorology while Ashley is in Alaska! With summer officially upon us, I've been celebrating the sunshine with a fabulous fashion giveaway and summer themed posts over at The City Sage--so I thought I'd share some of my warm weather Decorating Musts!

Crisp White Linens: It's a tried and true pieces of decorating advice to change your bed linens when the mercury rises, and nothing suits better than fresh, airy whites. I especially adore them with a bit of texture, like a matelasse, or with a scalloped trim.

A Touch of Greenery: Who doesn't thrill at the site of a big, bountiful bouquet? But a single blossom or even a succulent leaf can have the same effect; by bringing the outdoors in, you get to enjoy the season every time you enter the room!

Dining by Lantern Light: The romantic in me can't get enough of dinners under the stars. Plus everyone looks their best in this light--and even the most charred burger looks delicious when viewed through a candle's glow!

Natural Materials: Used sparingly, materials like wicker, rattan and sisal convey a relaxed front porch sensibility that feels just right on a hot summer afternoon. Keep the color neutral, or if you're feeling bold try a bright, cheerful coat of paint!

Breezy Window Treatments: Just as you would switch up your bed textiles for summer, you should also change out window coverings. Store heavy velvets and wools in favour of barely-there cottons or even a single panel of pink silk.

Travel Souvenirs: We bring out boxes of Christmas decorations around the holidays, so why not store a few special summer mementos to display come Memorial Day? A collection of postcards and knickknacks brings back summer memories with a smile.

A Piece of the Sea: Everything about the ocean says summer to me, from the colors and sounds to the smells and the feel of the breeze on your face. And you don't have to get all literal with a jar of seashells to honor the sea; glassware in lagoon hues will do the trick quite nicely!


Red and White: I love this color combo in the summer. To me it says clam bakes, Fourth of July, and sweet, juicy cherries in a bright ceramic bowl. Go subtle with gingham napkins for a picnic, or go big and design your whole patio around this palette!

Thanks to Ashley for having me and I hope to see you at The City Sage soon! xo Anne

Image Credits: 1, 2. Anne Naumann 3,4. Gemma Comas 5. Atlanta Bartlett 6. Domino 7, 8. House to Home 9. Domino 10. Marie Claire Maison 11. Rachel Whiting 11. Sam McAdam 12. Atlanta Bartlett 13. Rachel Whiting 14, 15. Elle Decoration France, June 2009.