![Gillian Welsh headshot](https://homesandinteriorsscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/DSC_1223.jpg)
Summer – it’s nearly here. You can smell it in the air, see it in the blossoming trees. It’s making us want to go outside and be part of it – and to bring it into our homes.
We don’t all have gardens, unfortunately, but even if all you’ve got is a little patio or a strip of terrace (or a sunny window ledge), the fresh and vivid colours of the new season can bring life to your home. A quiet spot to sit and contemplate nature, after all, is one of the best ways to find harmony and tranquillity in an ever-changing world. Pick up the magazine, and turn to page 48 and you’ll find some great design inspiration. Take a balcony and drape it in lush potted greenery and pared-back furniture. Or make the extension the place to be and adorn it with shrubs and flowers to create bright borders and a sweet scent.
Of course, if your garden really is on a grand scale, have a look at what James Ogilvy did with his east-coast utopia on page 244, but be warned: it involves a ship treehouse – and a change of career.
Issue 125 is in shops now. Fancy receiving the next issue direct to your door with up to 33% off? Subscribe now here.
Editor’s picks
![Helensburgh-cove-park-artist-residency](https://homesandinteriorsscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/1I-love-this-3-Cubes_Ruth-Clark.jpg)
![bathroom-tile-and-wooden-puzzle](https://homesandinteriorsscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/2mix.jpg)
![Freedom bakery bread](https://homesandinteriorsscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/3Behind-Closed-Doors-_MG_1638.jpg)
![Smithers-of-Stamford-Cacoon-Chair](https://homesandinteriorsscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/4Design-special-outdoor-living-SmithersofStamford_1763826_CacoonChairSummerOutdoo.jpg.jpg)
![figurines of david bowie and andy warhol](https://homesandinteriorsscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/5mix.jpg)
![Victorian tile inspired wall by frances priest](https://homesandinteriorsscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/6Meet-the-Maker-Frances-Priest-2FrancesPriestREHTiledCorridorShannonToftsPhotpgrapy.jpg)
![Black Isle Bronze in production](https://homesandinteriorsscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/7This-life-Black_Isle_Bronze_0043.jpg)
![two unusual buildings in Scotland on a sunny day](https://homesandinteriorsscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/8mix.jpg)
![Norman gilbert and pat gilbert in their home](https://homesandinteriorsscotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/9Art-Pat-Norman-04-2016.jpg)