8 ways to design and decorate to maximise the summer sun

1. Design it: Classic for a reason, an L or U-shaped floorplan becomes an embrace in which to locate a courtyard. It brings the outside to the heart of your home and gives cocktail-cool shelter from the wind.

Decorate: A few large-scale planter boxes (rather than lots of small pots) have high impact. If you can't find any off-the-shelf, ask an engineering company to custom-design some in weathering steel for a contemporary kick.

2. Design: Build in Californian modern design style with full-height, floor-to-ceiling windows that allow any room to breathe.

Decorate: Use light-on-its-feet furnishings such as a modern woven chairs (based on the Alvar Aalto classic armchair 406) to keep the aesthetic beach-side effortless.

3. Design: Even when you need the solidity of a wall – for a bank of kitchen cabinetry, for example – retain the free 'n' easy feel of being connected to the sky with clerestory windows beneath a high roofline.

Decorate: A splash of blue emphasises the colour of the sky and captures a coastal calm; a pale-blue glass splashback bounces light around the room.

4. Design: Louvres let in a cooling cross breeze – and come with firm locking mechanisms (good for holiday homes that are unoccupied for weeks at a time).

Decorate: Pick up on the resort-style of louvres by adding Hollywood lux such as a freestanding baths, lazy big-as ceiling fans and cane furniture with off-white upholstery.

5. Design: Glass balustrades around decking don't obscure that million-dollar view and accentuate the feeling of open-ness.

Decorate: If you've invested in glass so the vista takes a hero role, don't blow it by cluttering the deck with too much furniture.

6. Design: Wide, grandstand-style stairways provide access to the patio or pool from the upper levels of a home – and double as casual outdoor seating.

Decorate: Furniture that is easy to move between indoors and out (such as pouffes, stools and side tables) is a budget-smart investment.

7. Design: Window seats allow you to read (or contemplate life with a wine) while keeping one eye on the kids (or young at heart) so they don't get up to too much mischief!

Decorate: Use a 'here comes summer' shade such as a joyful egg-yolk yellow for the upholstery and sling on a slouchy cushion in a contrast pattern to make it extra comfy.

8. Design: Make good use of utilitarian areas. Even in a corridor, slot windows maintain an important link to the outdoors.

Decorate: Don't let your hallway be a bore: it can be an art gallery or a walk-along library with wall-mounted bookcases, or an energetic avenue papered in bold- patterned wallpaper.

Box™ is a team of architects, designers, and builders in Auckland, New Zealand. Interested in design & building your new home? Contact us today!