Summer has officially begun and whilst the sun may not always be shining, homeowners can bring a touch of summer indoors with a host of new and exciting design trends to liven up their homes.

If you’re looking for inspiration, CALA Homes, which has a collection of professionally-styled showhomes at its Wychbury Fields development in Hagley has put together some design hints and tips to give your home a fresh new look this season. Perfect pastels Pastels are back in fashion and perfectly suited for summer interiors. They’re an easy way to bring calm and softness to a room – think dove grey, light green and creamy blues, which work beautifully when all mixed together in different patterns and textures.

Pink is set to be one of the biggest colour trends of year. Dusty, pastel shades are being used as the new neutral, adding a subtle warmth and colour to a room without clashing.

Join the navy Although pastels and pinks are the neutral of choice, the colour of the season is undoubtedly navy blue. It’s a very versatile colour that offers the perfect balanced between a masculine and feminine look. Pair it with chalk white for a French country feel or combine with muted blues and greens for a coastal look.

Artisan inspiration Shabby chic has moved up a gear. The artisan trend is big for 2016 with handcrafted, unique pieces the key focus. Think handcrafted everything, from mouth-blown glass vessels to hand-spun woollen textiles.

The rattan effect As part of this year’s ‘global inspiration’ trend, rattan pieces of furniture and accessories are must-have products. It’s a versatile, lightweight and sustainable material that now comes in a variety of colours and styles – ideal for any light, bright open-plan space or contemporary conservatory.

Mix it up This season it’s about mixing materials and putting together combinations of texture, such as metallic finishes with natural tones. The same can be said for mixing different types of metals, there used to be a rule – silver or gold, never both. But that old adage is no more as we’re seeing all sorts of metal finishes being used together. You’re free to mix silver with champagne golds, or pair gold and copper for a rich opulent look. Tying in nicely with the return of dusty pink, rose gold is the new coloured metal that can instantly add a touch of glamour to a room.

Go botanic Bringing the outside in continues to be a key theme, and this summer will offer a really fresh take on the tropical look. Plants are the perfect accessory to inject some life into a room that you may have thought needed some TLC for a while. For the less green fingered, look for stunning botanical prints and palm leaf motifs in wallpaper or fabrics.

Past modern Add a subtle quirkiness to your room by incorporating trends form the past and future. Think traditionally shaped vintage furniture, filigree patterns and tassel trims with modern colour schemes. When choosing your hero piece look for splayed legs, rounded finishes, wing backs and clean lines. To create an eclectic look pair with accessory pieces like mirrors and clocks inspired by the Art Deco movement – look for geometric lines and glamorous sparkling finishes.

For more information on the properties available at Wychbury Fields and details of other CALA developments within the region visit www.cala.co.uk.