There is hope in every new beginning. In the blank pages of a brand-new notebook. In dancing beams of early morning sunlight. And what is more hopeful than the anticipation of a summer’s day?


It’s why we start planning holidays in the cold, dark depths of January. Lifted by the thought that brighter days are to come. We dream of fluffy clouds against a blazing blue sky, vanilla ice cream dripping down the side of a cone, waves on beaches, sand between toes. The mere thought of summer acting as an instant mood boost.


And once it arrives, it’s just as uplifting. Those first days of sunshine coming after months of dark evenings. Warm rays dancing across the skin. Long, languid evenings spent outside, bringing feelings of joy. And it’s more than just a sensation, it’s science. The exposure to sunlight triggers an increase in serotonin, the brain chemical most associated with happiness, meaning the sunshine makes us feel more positive.


Shades of white (and we know better than anyone that there are many) are also such an integral part of the season – and they’re just as synonymous with those feelings of promise and possibility. Think June brides and their bouquets of roses, cricket teas and Wimbledon winners. Joyous and optimistic, white makes everything brighter. It’s reflective, bouncing light around. Of course, in summer, there’s more natural light, making the colour shine even more.


So, with the season on its way, we are looking up, embracing the joy of longer days and time spent outside, finding new reasons to be hopeful. Optimistic. Joyful. Because that’s what summer is all about.