Second Wind : summer homes

Another very hot day today so I thought I would bring you a peak into some Interior Designer's summer homes. These spaces prove that even with casual living you don't have to give up good design. Given these are mainly weekend getaways and summer retreats, they provide a way to experiment with your creativity because they are not for everyday living. Starting with the right fabrics, materials, and furniture pieces for the space ensures that all rooms are fully useable. You'll notice the designer fabrics on the upholstered pieces in these rooms, showing that even the most hard-working materials can be beautiful, and in some cases eco-friendly too.

Leslie Klotz home in the Hamptons (next 4 photos)

Powder rooms are the jewel boxes of your home - have fun with colour and texture.

The red chinoiserie style headboards and light fixture pop against white washed floors and walls.

I love this bench and the wall colour - sand and sky hues enhance the casual feeling of the space

Robin Bell's covered patio and outdoor dining space (below) - sangria anyone?

The wisteria covered arbour creates a room-like feeling amidst the garden

Ty Larkins elegant patio exudes European charm

all photos via House Beautiful

The end of school means the start of cottage life for many Canadian city dwellers who need to get away from the hustle and bustle of crowded city streets and busy weekday schedules. Summer up north starts in May but really gets into full swing once the kids are out of school and it's warm enough to be in bathing suits from sunrise to bedtime. The decor of summer homes is more relaxed and comfortable but has to be hardworking enough to take the beatings from wet clothes, sand, and slushy drinks (or purple popsicles). Lots of slipcovers, durable fabrics, bare hardwood or tiled floors, and cozy spots to relax with a good book. Here are a few summer spaces I would love to spend some time in.