Sunny days are perfect for relaxing, entertaining and experimenting with design. Warm weather and balmy evenings invite pieces that feel fresh, functional and beautiful. Choose items that reflect your personality and mood, keeping in mind they will live with you for years. Below are carefully selected design ideas—practical, stylish and ideal for summer living.
A selection of design ideas to brighten sunny days:
Wirkkala Glass Bottles
To mark the centenary of Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala (1915–1985), a selection of his elegant hand-blown glass bottles was reissued. Simple and sculptural, these bottles work equally well as decorative objects or as vessels for fresh flowers. Their timeless silhouettes bring a light, artisanal touch to patios, sunrooms and minimalist interiors.
Iittala X Issey Miyake
The Iittala x Issey Miyake collection blends Nordic clarity with an expressive Japanese sensibility. The collaboration unites delicate forms and tactile surfaces to create pieces that feel calm and refined. These objects are ideal for creating serene table settings or adding a sculptural accent to sunny corners of the home.
Moomin
The 2016 “Midsummer Magic with Snorkmaiden” ceramics collection for Arabia brings original Moomin drawings into everyday tableware. Illustrator Tove Slotte‑Elevand adapted Tove Jansson’s cherished characters into playful, nostalgic designs for mugs, bowls and plates. These pieces are perfect for family meals, outdoor breakfasts and adding a whimsical touch to summer gatherings.
Kaari Collection
Designed by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec for Artek, the Kaari collection is light, modular and practical. It includes tables, a desk, a wall console and a range of shelves that help organize and display objects without overwhelming a space. Its clean lines and airy profiles make it especially suitable for bright rooms and balcony setups where storage should remain unobtrusive.
Woodlines Rugs
Naja Utzon Popov’s Woodlines rug collection for Carl Hansen & Søn translates the distinctive grain and rhythm of wood into textile form. These rugs use pattern and texture to echo timber’s warmth while providing a soft, layered surface underfoot. Use them to anchor outdoor seating or to add a natural, tactile contrast inside shady rooms.
Wine Bag
Naoto Fukasawa’s collaboration with the washi papermaker ONAO elevates the humble wine bag into a refined presentation piece. Made from Soft Natron paper—a durable blend of wood pulp and polyolefin—these bags are tear- and water-resistant while retaining a warm, tactile look. They make a thoughtful finishing touch for a picnic or an evening hosted on the terrace.
LED Carrie
The LED Carrie lamp by Frederik Alexander Werner for Menu is a portable, USB-rechargeable light designed for flexible use. Lightweight and easy to move, it creates soft pools of light for late-night conversations outdoors or ambient illumination on a balcony. Its simple silhouette suits modern and Scandinavian interiors alike.
GAN Rugs
GAN’s textile collections showcase contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship. Handmade techniques such as knotting, loomed construction and needle felting combine with modern patterns to create durable rugs that work both indoors and out. Choose a GAN rug to add comfort and visual interest beneath summer seating or in shaded lounge areas.
Platel
Platel, from Note Design Studio for Punt, is a versatile storage solution that balances aesthetics and practicality. Its clever shelving and trays help tidy everyday items while keeping them accessible. Use Platel to clear floors and surfaces for a cleaner, airier summer home that feels relaxed and orderly.
Dot™
The Dot™ stool, designed by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen in 1954, is a compact, stackable piece full of character. Its four-legged form is handy for extra seating, impromptu perching or as a small side surface. Lightweight and versatile, the Dot™ is an enduring classic that suits both indoor and sheltered outdoor use during warm months.
