Looking forward to the "simple life" at the summer house? Pining to leave the busyness of everyday, to exchange it for solitude and a relaxed schedule? Anticipating reading the book you have wanted to read for months, and reading it without interruption?

The place we anticipate spending this time needs to, in fact, provide the backdrop for comfortable, casual living with low maintenance. It needs to be different from our regular, more formal lifestyle. The old saying, "A change is as good as a rest," applies here.

We can break the space into several basic elements to get the environment we are looking for. The key to all the elements is easy maintenance.

Choose natural materials

• Lots of wood works well. Wooden walls, moldings, floors and beams add to the casual flair. Woods such as pine and fir are prime choices. No mahogany here.
  
  
• Stone also enhances the space. Stone entries, fireplaces and terraces lend timeless stability, yet are easily cared for.
  
  
• Branches can be used as curtain rods or arranged in informal bouquets with bright garden flowers to add to the relaxed atmosphere. Pine cones also make good accessories.
  

Use texture and color to warm up the space

• Warm colors - rich reds, forest greens, deep yellows - as well as tea-stained materials, hand woven or homespun wools, and muslins are good solutions. Rag rugs and vintage quilts have a home here.
  
  
• The summer cottage is a great place to put collections of animal carvings, memorabilia such as old family photos, popsicle stick lamps or letters and crafts from the kids at summer camp.
  
  
• This is the home for folk art, woven baskets, and birch bark picture frames.
  
  
• Imported accessories include large popcorn bowls, popsicle sticks and skewers for hot dogs and marshmallows.

Think simple and comfortable

• Rustic is in. Remember to keep it simple. Avoid too many cell phones, computers and TV' s that bring the world you just left with you.
  
  
• Comfortable upholstered furniture where you can put your feet up is important. Add a few pieces of painted or worn wooden furniture that won't highlight a dent or nick.
  
  
• Keep the yard work to a minimum. Consider a split rail fence, an overgrown quilt of perennials and grasses. Keep weeding and cleaning to a minimum.
  
  
• And don't forget the insects which may invade your solitude. Consider a screened veranda and windows so that air can flow freely and summer breezes can cool the summer day without that persistent humming noise of the mosquito when you turn the lights out and pull the blankets up in bed.

Have a great summer!

~ Judy Christopherson has been an interior designer and builder for the past 20 years. Currently, she directs Women Today, Canada, putting her creativity to work developing creative outreaches such as Victorian Tea Parties.

Read Judy's life story, A Mother's Legacy.
To e-mail Judy, click here.