Picnics at Lake Burley Griffin, a dip at Casuarina Sands, and wine tasting at Murrumbateman – all the makings of a classic Canberra summer.
As the weather warms up and we put away our winter jackets (hopefully!), director of Hunting for George, Lucy Glade-Wright, shares her styling secrets for a cool Canberra summer with Canberra Daily.
“I’ve been to Canberra many, many times and I just love it. When I think of Canberra, I think of rich and indulgent colours from a warm colour palette. What I love most about the city is there’s so many trees! Nature plays a huge role in Canberra with its tree-lined streets – I just love the tones in the leaves,” Lucy says.
“More than that, Canberra has this very unexpected, underlying, bubbling edginess. So many pockets of underlying artistry and I think it’s very cool. It’s got a similar energy to Tassie, where you don’t have to shout about it, you just have it.”
As summer approaches, Lucy feels the vibe of the season will be indicative of having spent so much of the year locked down with Covid-19 restrictions.
“What I think is going to happen over summer is a celebration. We will be able to gather with family and friends again, so through that a vibrancy of colour and playfulness will come through as our lives are becoming a bit more positive, and we’ll see that throughout the designs,” Lucy smiles.
“I want people to have fun with colour and florals, use big, bold, vibrant colours. I’m seeing a lot of bold materials coming out, but the soft muted colour palette is still on trend right now mixed with bright golds, metallics, and deep bold colours.”
Lucy believes summer styling is all about being bold and confident.
“We’ve been living a subdued lifestyle that’s going to come out in our styling. Freedom will be flowing through our interior styling as well. I would say different fabric upholstery, leather or pattered styles will be on trend this summer,” she says.
“If you’re not bold enough to choose a bold red or blue couch, put pops of colour in your home décor like a bold vase or artwork. It’s a great way to bring in colour if you’re scared to invest in furniture pieces.”
Wondering how you can use colour to keep cool this summer? Lucy knows the secret.
“I find heavy dark tones cooling, but on the flip side, if you’re wanting to go lighter colours, I like the warmer neutrals – not quite white or light grey but those warmer neutrals tones like clay tones or warmer beiges,” Lucy says.
“I am quite liking warmer colour palettes, they’re fresh and cool. There’s something wonderful about a dark, heavy room escaping the heat from outside.”
When it comes to the kitchen, a darker palette is Lucy’s favourite style right now.
“I love colour in a kitchen. I love as much texture and materials as possible but it’s about finding those that can balance,” she suggests.
“It’s those lighter and warmer tones that make sure the dark black has a bit more warmth and personality to it.”
And with Christmas creeping up on us, Lucy’s styling advice is to simply be yourself.
“I’m quite traditional with Christmas, but everyone is different. Everyone has a vision of their perfect Christmas – some people like white, some like natives or florals, some like every colour under the sun!” Lucy says.
“I love mixing different green tones and love filling my home with nature and as many ivy layers as I can. I also think lighting is super important and to bring in gold tones! Gold is coming back in a big way and Christmas is the perfect time to play around with it.”
For more styling tips with Lucy, visit huntingforgeorge.com
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