When summer arrives I finally unwind and become more appreciative of what nature has to offer: lakes, mountains, starry skies, you name it. Every year I wish summer would last just a little bit longer. Even though I can’t make the sunny weather stick around, I can make my home a space that reminds me of those relaxing summers days all year long.

Bright summer colours in relaxed textiles and whimsical prints can give a space an airiness and sense of fun. Check out these pillows by Vancouver based Ouno Design. The Ouno Pool and Beach Pillows are made in retro beach towel motifs and add tons of summer flare to a room. For your window treatments, use lightweight fabrics like the Ulla curtain from Anthropologie made in linen with embroidered floral accents. Add natural textures to your space with woven storage baskets, area rugs, potted bamboo, and a grass welcome mat at your door. See Pier One for its selection of woven baskets, I particularly like the Indigo Ghana Seagrass Basket priced at $35.00.

For paint color, use Ralph Lauren's Prussian Blue which gives a room a summer feel without being too cutesy. If blue isn't your thing then try a neutral like Calla Lilly or Daisy Field . For a bolder statement, try accenting one wall with photo wallpaper from Extratapete. Their summer collection offers enlarged photo prints of grasses and flowers that give add a strong graphic statement to your pad (also available through Style Garage).

If you want to include modern elements to your space without making your space cold or edgy, add contemporary pieces in vibrant colours - for wonderful designer reproductions check out Nood. Originally based in New Zealand, Nood has now opened two locations in B.C. (Burnaby and North Vancouver) and plan to open a third location in Vancouver’s Gastown. Finds at Nood include the ultra chic Eames molded side chair in red and yellow and the Poppi Vacuum Flask in delicious Koolaid-like colors.

With these touches of colour and texture, your space will come across breezy and light. The cold days of winter will be kept out and you will be left to enjoy your summer oasis all year long.