Theme of the month: Summerhouses

Summerhouses

I am returning to the world of interiors, following the past few months’ garden-related posts. However,  I’m not quite ready to come indoors entirely, the theme of the month: June is ‘Summerhouses’. There is something completely magical about these small-scale, cosy, romantic temporary dwellings. They encourage relaxation or concentration, providing perfect settings for reading, writing, painting or taking afternoon tea. They also offer shelter from a passing rain shower without having to give up the freedom of being outdoors and they are absolutely perfect for a candle-lit dinner à deux.

A good summer house also provides the opportunity to extend the ambience around the hut itself through paving, gravel (rounded, washed pea shingle only for comfortable barefoot walking) or brick – herringbone pattern looks good here.  Add some plants, a chandelier or candlesticks – or tea lights in jam jars for a true shabby chic ambience – dimmable electric lighting, if possible, will provide great ambient light. If some form of heating can be installed, a plug-in heater will do, the seasons for use can be greatly extended.

The most important thing is to create a haven away from the main house, where mundane concerns simply melt away and creativity, contemplation or relaxation – alone, or with friends and loved ones – is the order of the day.