The joyful period of spring and summer always brings out the best in me, and I think I’m not alone in that. The laid-back vibes that living outdoors with lots of al fresco dining and other relaxation bring us, appeals to our senses and makes us happy. Luckily there is a lot of inspiration available with plenty of ideas on how to create our own summer retreat, whether big or small. Just take a look at the above shown pictures from the casa cook hotel in Rhodes (far left), or the home of designer Kelly Wearstler in Malibu. Choose natural colours and materials like stone, rattan and wood and opt for structured finishes, because the look shouldn’t be too smooth. Add comfortable (vintage) lounge chairs and lots of tables and poufs so it’s easy to extend the seating capacity for friends and family. Opt for home textiles that take their design inspiration from native American or Western styles that are very much on trend at the moment.