Treat your kitchen to a summer makeover

A few smart tweaks can make your kitchen room feel lighter, brighter and a lot more fun to inhabit while the sun keeps doing its overly enthusiastic thing. Consider the ideas we’ve set out below as your road map to a summer makeover for your kitchen that you’ll truly love.

Heat-proof your colour palette

Step one is simple: back away from the heavy winter tones. Swap burgundy tea towels and moody mugs for coastal blues, citrusy tangerines and cheerful whites. Even if your cabinets are locked into a lease with their current colour, you can evoke an instant holiday vibe with peel-and-stick splash-back tiles or a fresh coat of paint on a charity shop bar cart. Colour psychology says cool hues trick the brain into feeling up to five degrees colder, which makes the next cooking marathon slightly less sweaty.

Lighten up your surfaces

Marble-look contact paper, bamboo cutting boards and woven place mats all bounce light instead of swallowing it. That matters on days when the sun practically drills through the window. Trade heavy stone trivets for cork, bring out glass pitchers instead of dark plastic, and pretend you are starring in a breezy beverage commercial. Your worktops will thank you by looking staged for an interior-design shoot, and your social media feed gains a subtle glow that no filter can replicate.

Upgrade the chill factor

Yes, the freezer will keep humming, but an extra cold-storage station shifts the vibe from functional to fabulous. Mini wine fridges, once reserved for posh penthouses, now come in worktop sizes that slide neatly under a cabinet. Stock one with sparkling water, fresh fruit and, of course, bottles you plan to pour. Not only does this free up the main fridge for produce, but it also turns every thirsty moment into a minor celebration, minus the confetti clean-up.

Trade heavy textiles for breezy alternatives

If your window treatment still resembles a velvet theatre curtain, swap it for gauzy linen or cotton that flutters at the slightest breeze. Ditch plush rugs for flat-woven runners that dry quickly after the inevitable lemonade spill. Summer cooking already demands patience, so why add extra slog in the laundry department.

Dial in ambient – not blinding – lighting

Overhead fluorescents are about as gentle as a celebrity gossip columnist. Screw in warm-white LED bulbs, then add under-cabinet strips that dim for late-night ice-cream raids. A small rattan pendant over the island can conjure tiki-bar energy without forcing you to serve actual umbrellas with every beverage. Mood lighting is the silent DJ of your kitchen, deciding whether the party winds down gracefully or spirals into everyone singing along to early-2000s hits.

Sprinkle in tropical extras

Herb gardens are cool, but pots of mint and basil can wilt under relentless heat. Instead, try low-effort succulents or stash a pineapple-print tray next to the sink for soaps and scourers. A punchy citrus-scented candle masks the fragrance of yesterday’s fish taco experiment, while a bowl of limes doubles as décor and cocktail inspiration.

Summer is the perfect time to transform your kitchen and make it even better for you and your family, so what are you waiting for?

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5 delectable summer desserts to delight your guests

Summer is a season of vibrant colours, balmy evenings and delightful gatherings. It’s also a busy time. You may be planning a trip, looking for new outdoor furniture or checking out the Frenchie puppies for sale. But you should always make time for guests to come over. When it comes to entertaining guests, serving refreshing and indulgent desserts is a wonderful way to elevate any gathering. From fruity delights to frozen treats, the options are endless. In this post, we’ll explore five of my favourite summer desserts that are sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.

Tropical fruit tart: There’s nothing quite like the luscious flavours of ripe, juicy fruits to celebrate the summer season. A tropical fruit tart brings together the best of nature’s bounty in a visually stunning and palate-pleasing dessert. Start with a buttery, flaky tart crust as the base, and fill it with a velvety custard or cream cheese filling. Top it off with an array of tropical fruits such as mangoes, kiwis, pineapples, and passion fruit, arranging them in an eye-catching pattern. The combination of sweet, tangy and refreshing flavours will transport your guests to a tropical paradise. Serve chilled and watch as the vibrant colours and tantalising aroma captivate everyone’s senses.
Lemon blueberry trifle: When life gives you lemons and blueberries, make a delightful lemon blueberry trifle! This classic dessert is a perfect balance of zesty and sweet flavours, making it an ideal treat for hot summer days. Layer tangy lemon curd, fluffy whipped cream, and juicy blueberries in a clear glass trifle dish. For an extra touch of indulgence, add crumbled pieces of buttery pound cake or ladyfingers in between the layers. The vibrant yellow of the lemon curd and the deep blue hues of the blueberries create a visually appealing dessert that will have your guests reaching for seconds. Serve chilled and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of colour.
Watermelon granita: Beat the summer heat with a refreshing watermelon granita. This icy treat is incredibly simple to make yet delivers a burst of natural sweetness. Blend fresh watermelon chunks until smooth, then strain to remove any seeds. Add a squeeze of lime juice to enhance the flavours and pour the mixture into a shallow dish. Place it in the freezer and use a fork to scrape the mixture every 30 minutes until it forms icy crystals. The result is a light and slushy dessert that captures the essence of summer. Serve the granita in chilled glasses or hollowed-out watermelon bowls for an extra touch of whimsy.
Coconut mango popsicles: Popsicles are the quintessential summer treat, and this coconut mango version is a tropical delight. Blend ripe mangoes with coconut milk and a touch of honey or sugar until smooth. Pour the mixture into popsicle moulds and insert popsicle sticks. Freeze for a few hours or overnight until fully set. The combination of creamy coconut and sweet, juicy mango creates a harmonious flavour profile that will transport your guests to a sunny beach. These vibrant and refreshing popsicles are a perfect way to beat the heat and make for an Instagram-worthy dessert option.
Grilled peaches with honey and mascarpone: Summer is grilling season, and why limit it to savoury dishes? Grilled peaches with honey and mascarpone is a delightful dessert that combines the smoky flavours of grilling with the natural sweetness of ripe peaches. Halve fresh peaches and brush them with a bit of oil. Grill until slightly caramelised and tender. Serve the warm peaches with a dollop of luscious mascarpone cheese and a drizzle of golden honey. The warmth of the grilled peaches contrasts beautifully with the cool, creamy mascarpone, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness. This dessert is simple yet elegant, offering a delightful combination of flavours and textures that will leave your guests craving more.

This summer, treat your guests to a memorable dining experience with these five delightful desserts. From the vibrant and fruity tropical fruit tart to the refreshing watermelon granita, each dessert offers a unique and satisfying flavour profile that embodies the essence of summer. Whether you prefer the zesty tang of lemon blueberry trifle, the tropical goodness of coconut mango popsicles or the smoky sweetness of grilled peaches with honey and mascarpone, these desserts are sure to impress and leave a lasting impression. So go ahead, indulge your guests with these delectable treats and create unforgettable moments of joy and delight.

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7 ways to make your home feel lighter in time for summer

Summer is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to freshen up your home and make it feel lighter and more spacious. Whether you’re looking to make a few simple changes or undertake a more extensive renovation project, there are plenty of ways to create a bright, airy, and welcoming space that’s perfect for the warmer months.

Declutter your space

One of the simplest and most effective ways to make your home feel lighter and more spacious is to declutter. Clutter can make a room feel cramped, stuffy and overwhelming, whereas a clean and organised space can promote relaxation and tranquillity.

Incorporate natural light

Natural light can make a room feel bright, cheerful and inviting. If possible, maximise the amount of natural light in your home by opening curtains, blinds and shades, and removing any obstacles that block the windows. Consider replacing heavy drapes with light, airy curtains, or installing sheer panels to diffuse the light. Or remove the curtains completely and stick with blinds. They can be installed to be almost invisible when open, so it’ll make the windows feel much larger than they were. Plus, blinds are great for making your home more energy efficient. They keep the house cool when it’s hot and hot when it’s cool. If you want to find out more about Venetian blinds, then look no further.

Update your colour scheme

Colour has a powerful effect on mood and can significantly impact the ambience of a room. To make your home feel lighter and more summery, consider updating your colour scheme with bright, cheerful hues.

Choose light, neutral colours for your walls and furnishings, such as white, beige or pale blue, and add pops of colour with accent pieces, such as pillows, rugs and artwork. Alternatively, you can embrace bold and vibrant colours, such as yellow, pink or green, to create a cheerful and lively atmosphere.

Lighten the fixtures

Painting things like windowsills and frames and internal doors a lighter shade is an easy to way lift the tone of a whole room. If your internal doors are dated and dreary, LPD doors can offer a great replacement. Take a look at this range of LPD doors for some great options.

Introduce indoor plants

Indoor plants are a fantastic way to bring the outdoors inside and add a touch of natural beauty to your home. Plants can purify the air, reduce stress levels and enhance the overall atmosphere of a space.

Choose plants that thrive in your home’s environment, such as succulents, ferns, or spider plants, and display them in attractive pots or hanging baskets. Position your plants strategically throughout your space – such as near windows or on shelves – to maximise their impact and give them the best chance to thrive.

Rearrange your furniture

The layout of your furniture can significantly impact the feel of a room. To make your home feel lighter and more spacious, consider rearranging your furniture to create a more open and inviting space.

Start by removing any unnecessary pieces, such as bulky furniture or décor. Then, experiment with different furniture arrangements to find the optimal layout for your space. Consider incorporating multifunctional pieces such as ottomans or storage benches to maximise your space and minimise clutter.

Summer is a time for relaxation, renewal and fun in the sun. By incorporating these seven tips into your home décor, you can make your home feel lighter and transform it into an inviting space that’s perfect for the warmer months.

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Price Points: Sun umbrellas

We generally think of umbrellas being used when it’s raining outside. However, with the absolutely scorching days we’ve been having this month, have you thought about getting yourself one of these sun umbrellas?

We’re all becoming more aware of skin cancer and the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure. Some of us use sunscreen as part of our daily routine; using an umbrella outdoors on a hot day builds on your solar skincare.

Two of the three sun umbrellas that we’re highlighting claim to give anti UV and factor 50+ protection. So, during the next heatwave – whether you’re dining al fresco at a favourite restaurant or taking a walk on the beach or relaxing in the park – open your sun umbrella, safe in the knowledge that you won’t be getting burnt!

Anti UV banana umbrella: £13.30, Amazon
Pantone large umbrella: £33.82, Pantone
Compact sun protective umbrella UPF50+: £40.00, Solbari

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Prices & links correct at time of publication.

Compact sun protective umbrella UPF50+
£40.00

Pantone large umbrella
£33.82