In the U.S., it’s summer. Not summer as defined by scientists (wait for the solstice), but summer as defined by society: outdoor concerts, campus ghost towns, crowded swimming pools, neighborhood bar-b-ques, movie matinees, 
family reunions, sleepy afternoons, ice cream sandwiches and late night bike rides. Simple. Magical. Since the next three months of the year will fly by faster than the first five did, I encourage you to take a break (preferably in a hammock) and design your summer as you should ideally design any interior – as a sensory experience…
Smell: Go to your happy place by inhaling some natural aromatherapy…
honeysuckle vine, hamburgers on the grill, tropical sunbathing oil, strawberry lemonade, freshly cut grass, freshly sliced watermelon, and natural soaps from The Herbal Soapworks (the San Jose blend is way better than Prozac)
See: Get visual by setting your sights on…
elusive fire flies, verdant arboretums, inspiring national monuments, peaceful sculpture gardens, forgotten family treasures, and exterior wallpaper from D Garden Collection (the right graphic transforms your fire escape into a Hawaiian lanai)
Taste: Forgo anything pre-packaged by savoring…
juicy peaches, cucumber-infused ice water, white sangria, chilly snow cones, steamed crab legs, extra crisp Romaine, and home-grown herbs from your AeroGarden (tip: chilled strawberries tossed in freshly chopped basil, balsamic vinegar and sugar makes the perfect summer dessert)
Hear: Take off your iPod for a while and really listen to…
buzzing lawnmowers, the clinking of the ice cubes in your glass, squawking seagulls, the exhilarated shrieks of amusement park visitors, endless crashing waves, excited baseball announcers, and music on Pandora (hear just the music you want through customized online stations)
Touch: Deactivate your invisible force field and feel…
the warmth of the mid-morning sun, sand in your bathing suit, ice on your sweaty brow, dirt between your fingers, the shockingly cool spray of the sprinkler, velvety grass between your toes, a burst of energy by yoga at the crack of dawn with Inhale (fun, sassy and irreverent – pretty much like P&C)
Experience: Every moment you can. Happy summer, everyone.
Laura McDonald Stewart, ASID / IIDA
Interior Designer / Founder
