Seven simple ways to style your home for summer

Decorate with linens for a bold new look

Natural, healthy, magical – linen is a mainstay of any well-dressed home. Breathable like a second skin, it helps regulate temperature, so it’s no wonder the material makes for the ideal summer wardrobe. Ranging from classic to eye-catching, here are seven ways that linen can give a space a fresh, funky vibe.

1. Wraparound accessories Cover a picture frame or mirror with strips of linen in favourite colours and textures. Create rough seams for a relaxed look or neat ones for a smarter feel.

Bespoke mirror, House Couturier, covered in linens from Villa Nova, Osborne & Little, Parna, Romo, Brian Yates and Designers Guild.

2. Rough-luxe seatingCreate a cool contrast by covering smart chairs in rustic linen. The result is effortless – and even playful – when the fronts are stencilled for a personal touch.

Montrose chairs, Clock House Furniture, covered in Lorena Meringue linen, Threads at GP & J Baker. Find numerical stencils at The Stencil Library.

3. Pimped-up stitchingLoosen up the look by contrasting classic and modern finishes. Studded details add period panache, while oversized stitches left on show give upholstery a contemporary twist.

Sofa, Ben Whistler, with loose cover and cushions in Retro linen, Mark Alexander at Romo. Slipper chair, The Chairman & Son, upholstered in Turquoise linen hopsack, Holland & Sherry at Lelièvre.

4. Play with layers
Use linen strips of different lengths to add a new dimension to a lamp shade, sticking them at the top and finishing with ribbon. Pick up the colours of the furniture for cohesion.

Lamp shade, Heathfield & Co, covered in linens from Villa Nova, Harlequin, Abbott & Boyd, plus ribbon from VV Rouleaux. Lamp base, Heal’s. Cloudscape chair, Diesel Creative Team for Moroso at Selfridges.

5. Wonder wall
Take the idea of a dado to a new dimension by layering the material on the wall. Pleated linen brings panelling bang up to date – and this smart grey sheen adds a sophisticated touch.

Oyster linen, Chivasso at JAB Anstoez. Cut-Out Lace wallpaper, Vivienne Westwood at Cole & Son. Barock chair, Scumble Goosie, painted in Ole Orange eggshell, Sanderson.

6. Glam factor
Reveal another side to linen by choosing an ultra-gloss finish. A more subdued colour, such as the pale lime used to cover this headboard, ensures the effect is chic not chintzy.

Bespoke headboard covered in Glimmer linen, Osborne & Little. Edland bed frame, Ikea.

7. Sheer pleasureAllow soft, dreamy light to flow into a room through layers of linen. To give the look a modern edge, choose one panel, such as this Roman blind, in a bold, contemporary print.

Curtain made in Riddle linen, Chivasso at JAB Anstoez. Roman blind made in Artwork linen, Dedar at Fox Linton.