By Gabrielle Fagan
We all know what to shop for when the weather gets warmer – floaty summer dresses, colourful tops and perhaps a few fun accessories, like new sunnies and a hat. Nowadays, however, we're not just dressing ourselves for the new season, but also our rooms - treating them to the same pretty prints and blooming florals that are fashionable for our summer clothes.
New research by B&Q has revealed that there's an increasing trend for us to match our walls with what's hanging in our wardrobes.
Design manager, Fionnuala Johnston, says: "Catwalk fashions have always inspired interior trends, but we're finding that nearly 60% of women are drawn to interior style trends that resemble their taste in fashion.
"The gorgeous floral prints that are around this summer lend themselves to this trend perfectly. Many of the patterns we're seeing look equally good on a wall or a dress."
So get summer-savvy and transform rooms that may still be languishing in their winter garb. It's time to pack away those snuggly throws, cushions and thick drapes, and turn your home into a summer sanctuary.
Follow our guide to smart summer touches and you can turn up the heat, no matter what the temperature outside.