As much as we all look forward to summer holidays and those lazy days without morning alarm clocks and rushing to get out the door, summer breaks can be overwhelming. Kids are in full-power mode because the excitement of a break in routine. Meals and snacks need to be prepared. Inevitably you’ll forget your flip flops or sunscreen and need to buy them last minute on the way to the cottage or beach. Not to mention the many things that need to be done once you get to the cottage. Phew!
Take a breath. We’ve all been there, yet we look back on our summer break memories later with fondness. Remember those, and try to be present and enjoy the moment you’re in while you create new memories. You can set yourself up to achieve this and avoid all of this summer stress by surrounding yourself in a calming, serene environment. And this one simpole thing will help you create that oasis: use white.
Using white at the cottage or your home will help you experience the essential essence of summer: sunshine, space, airiness, purity and joy. You might not think white is practical at the cottage given all of the sand and popsicle stains that come with it. But white is actually easier to live with than you think, and more beneficial than it is a hassle. Here are some ways to add white in a practical way. Choose just one or two, or go for them all.
- White walls in a satin or eggshell finish are easily wiped down and have been shown to generate a sense of balance and harmony, exactly what you’re looking for at the cottage. They’ll also let you focus on what’s outside the windows, not on the chaos inside.
- White tables, cabinetry and even bed frames can be protected with a water-based polyurethane and easily wiped down. They’ll brighten your home and reflect the light coming in from outdoors.
- White slipcovers in cotton or other natural material that can be thrown in the washing machine are perfect for sofas and comfy chairs, creating an inviting come-sit-on-me-and-read vibe.
- Washable and breezy white sheers or linen curtains create a casual look and draw your eye to the view, helping you connect with nature and the bigger things in life. If you don’t have curtains framing your windows, consider adding simple sheers that blow in the wind. It instantly makes a room feel softer and more calming, and they’re very inexpensive.
- Simple white hanging pendant lights and table lamps keep rooms feeling big and airy, and also don’t show the dust like bulky dark light fixtures do. The last thing you want to do is clean as soon as you arrive.
- White plastic dining chairs like these stand up to heavy bum traffic and are easy to clean up.
- White deck floors can keep you cool while sitting out in the sun, and require less maintenance than dark colours that can fade.
- White throws and pillows beckon you for mid-day naps and bare toes, thereby encouraging a slower day.
- White blends perfectly with natural materials like sea grass rugs, wood stump stools and woven baskets for a warm and mellow experience that’s easy on your eyes.
Ready to try it? Add some white to the cottage and slow down a bit this summer break. Here are some beautiful white cottage spaces to inspire you.
Related: Guide to Choosing the Right White.
