Hillary’s Key trends for lighter summer living.

“Simplicity is the key to successful summer window dressing,” says Sarah Quilliam, head of product design for Hillarys. “Windows are a focal point in the room and it’s a well known fact that longer days and warmer weather give us all a much brighter, sunnier outlook. 

“Enjoying plenty of light is a real mood booster and your choice of window treatment will have a major impact on the ambience that you want to create. It can be a finishing touch to a complete makeover or a quick and easy way to breathe new life and a fresh look into your home,” adds Sarah. 

“Swapping heavy fabrics and drapes for less fussy dressings like roller blinds, venetians, verticals or the sophisticated simplicity and style of shutters will help you control and make the most of the light. 

“Here are some of the key trends for summer.”

Blooming marvellous

 "We're currently seeing a return to nature in home interior trends with prints of leaves, bold flowers and botanical accents very much a key feature," says Sarah. “From dainty sprigs to full on florals, flower power is where it’s at this summer!”  Blinds featured are Sweet Roses and Dottie Pink (right) and Mojo Lime from Hillarys Romans collection. Prices start at £89 (60cm wide x 75cm drop) measured, made and fitted.

Pale and interesting

"White also continues to be a strong theme for summer when it's layered with different tones and an abundancy of different textures and finishes to give a dreamlike quality.”

Blinds featured are (left) Shimmer Ice and (right) Hopscotch Vanilla from Hillarys Verticals collection. Prices start at £77 (50cm wide x 90cm drop) measured, made and fitted.

 Hello sailor

“Following on from the catwalk, nautical styling is also an important look in interiors and one that creates a real sense of wellbeing - as anyone who lives near water will generally adhere to. Sun-bleached surfaces absorb bright light to deflect glare and give a relaxing beachy feel. Stripes are always ship shape and in fashion and will give a look that’s more yacht club than skull and crossbones!” Shutters featured are Ascot by Hillarys, prices start at £300 per square metre, measured, made and fitted. Blinds featured are Admiral Blue from Hillarys Romans collection. Prices start at £89 (60cm wide x 75cm drop) measured, made and fitted.

 Sizzling shades

 “And for those that don’t do neutral and like a shot of strong colour, budgerigar yellow and hot pink are the shades that will up the ante - and the temperature this summer!”

With its shocking pink butterfly botanical print, this brand new roller blind, aptly called Butterfly Pink, from Hillarys Rollers collection satisfies two trends in one fell swoop (left). Or bring the sunshine in with a Suntime Tropics roller blind.  Prices start at £51 measured, made and fitted.

 A blinding solution

“Although the sun may rise very early during the summer months, we don’t necessarily want to! Making the most of lighter nights is a great summer bonus but if you’re got small children who are up and at it from the crack of dawn, it’s unlikely you’ll make it past 8 in the evening yourselves! The perfect solution is to fit a blind with a black out function which will keep the room darker for longer at both ends of the day.”

Blind featured is Imperial Gold from Hillarys Blackout Romans collection. Prices start at £119 (60cm wide x 75cm drop) measured, made and fitted.