The Art of Summer Styling
With the days stretching longer, life naturally drifts outdoors. Tables are set beneath trees, drinks are shared by the pool, and moments spill into the open air. It’s a time when spaces come alive — not just with people, but with plants, light, and texture.
Think Small but Impactful
Not every pot needs to be large to make a statement. Small planters and table pots add a thoughtful touch to any surface, from a dining table to a console or outdoor coffee setting. Create an herb pot - herbs like basil, thyme, and mint bring both beauty and purpose, ready to be snipped and added to salads or drinks.
To create a more considered arrangement, mix your heights and shapes. A tall tapered pot with a couple of low, wide forms adds sculptural impact, simply.
Balance Greenery with the Essentials
Styling with greenery doesn’t mean filling every space. A few well-chosen lightweight pots can sit easily among glassware, candles, or serving pieces, adding freshness without crowding the setting.
In open areas, anchor the scene with a pair of tall planters or position a tapered pot near the edge of the table to draw the eye upward. For a cohesive look, echo the tones of your planters in other details; linen napkins, ceramics, or timber surfaces.
Choosing the Right Plants for Summer
The plants you choose set the tone for your space.
Fresh and functional: Potted herbs in small round pots or rectangular planters keep things fragrant and useful.
Tropical and bold: Monsteras, philodendrons, or palms in medium planters create a calm, leafy backdrop.
Low-maintenance: Succulents or cacti in small table planters thrive in sunny, dry spots and need little attention.
For a layered feel, combine large statement pots with smaller companion pieces nearby.
Styling Tips for Summer Spaces
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Use tapered pots to add height and sculptural form. Their clean lines help guide the eye and frame a setting.
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Mix contrasting colours - light and dark, warm and cool - to create subtle visual interest.
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Keep your palette restrained: two or three complementary pot tones are often enough.
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Consider flow: tall planters at the edges of courtyards or decks help define space without enclosure.
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Extend the theme indoors; repeat a few of the same planters or tones to connect interior and exterior areas.
Summer styling is about balance; bringing nature into your spaces in a way that feels organic and relaxed. Whether you’re layering small table pots along an outdoor setting, framing a courtyard with tall planters, or pairing tapered forms in contrasting tones, greenery is the thread that ties it all together.
Hibernate’s range of lightweight fibreglass pots - from round and tapered designs to large planters and small table pots - makes it easy to shape spaces that feel calm, cohesive, and ready for the season.
Photography by Nicholas Watt