The Good Design Journal
12 Pieces to Get You Into a Summer Holiday State of Mind
You can feel it, can't you? The school year is winding down, the out-of-office is being drafted, and the long, glorious, slightly daunting stretch of the Australian summer is right there.
The problem is, your brain still has 50 tabs open. You've forgotten how to just... stop. Your home is still running on a tight, 9-to-5 schedule, and it's not ready for six weeks of slow mornings, sandy feet, and unstructured days.
This collection is your official permission to switch off. It’s a curated set of essentials for the long, unstructured days ahead, where the only thing on the agenda is... nothing. These are the pieces that help you embrace the easy-going, nostalgic energy of a real Australian summer; the tools that blur the line between the house and the garden, and make the most of those long, warm evenings.
1. The "Let's Stay Outside" Lamp
&TRADITION Flowerpot Portable Lamp VP9, Tangy Pink
The sun's gone down, but you're not ready to go inside. This is the solution. Verner Panton's '60s icon is now cordless, rechargeable, and ready for the back deck. It's the single easiest way to make your outdoor table feel like a proper "zone" for long, warm evenings.
2. The "Good" Glass You Can Take Outside
MAISON BALZAC Grapefruit Gobelets (Set of 2)
Stop sipping your nice gin from a chipped coffee mug. These gobelets are made from durable borosilicate glass, but still feel incredibly special and playful. They're the perfect, stylish all-rounder for everything from sparkling water to a sunset G&T on the grass.
3. The Sand-Proof Landing Strip
PAPPELINA Bob Rug/Door Mat, 70x150cm, Brick
The summer holiday means sand. Everywhere. This Pappelina rug is the ultimate utility player. It's tough enough for your entryway, back deck, or laundry, and (here's the best part) you can literally hose it down. It’s a stylish way to trap the beach before it gets to the living room.
4. The "I'm Actually on Holiday" Towel
KOBN Beach/Bath Towel, Umber
Nothing says "I have my life together" like a proper, adult beach towel. This KOBN towel, in that rich, earthy Umber, is a serious upgrade from the mismatched, faded ones in your linen closet. It's absorbent, stylish, and just feels like a well-deserved break.
5. The Extra Seat (or Drink Stand)
METTE DITMER Roots Folding Stool, Dark Oiled
Your outdoor setting only seats four, but you've got six people coming. This folding stool is the answer. It's a sculptural, versatile piece that can be an extra seat, a side table for your drink, or a perch for a towel. It's the flexible friend every summer gathering needs.
6. The "Better Than an iPad" Bucket
FATBOY Bolleke Mini La Surprise
The kids are home, and the default is "screen time." This chic, minimalist bucket set is the analog antidote. It's stylish enough that you won't mind it living by the back door, and it's the perfect, simple invitation for them to just go outside and dig in the sand (or dirt).
7. The Sanity-Saving Splash Zone
SWIM ESSENTIALS Inflatable Kids Pool, 100cm
Let's be real: most inflatable pools are a visual crime. This one isn't. It's a stylish, 100cm splash zone that will save your sanity on a long, hot, 35-degree afternoon. It's the ultimate backyard win: the kids get to cool off and play for hours, and you don't have to look at a neon-blue monstrosity on the lawn.
8. The Analog Ice-Breaker
PRINTWORKS Play Board Games Tumbling Tower
That lazy 4pm lull, when everyone's showered and waiting for dinner? This is what you pull out. The minimalist, tonal blocks look like a small sculpture on your coffee table, inviting everyone to turn their phones off and actually connect.
9. For Effortless "Just-a-Few-Nibbles"
FERM LIVING Erena Serving Bowl, 32cm, Cream
You're not going to serve chips in the bag. Not this summer. This Erena bowl, with its soft, organic shape and creamy matte finish, makes even the simplest snacks look curated and intentional. It’s the perfect, unassuming host for all your impromptu afternoon grazing.
10. The Analog Antidote (for Kids)
KONGES SLØJD My Melody TV Toy, Lemon
Here's another brilliant, battery-free fix for restless kids. It's a nostalgic, wind-up musical TV that's pure, simple, sensory play. It's the kind of timeless toy that looks beautiful on a shelf and provides a much-needed moment of quiet.
11. The Slow Morning Ritual
FERM LIVING Still Teapot
The summer break is your chance to reclaim the morning. This teapot, with its simple, clean glass form, is an invitation to do just that. It's about the simple, tactile ritual of brewing a proper pot of tea and starting the day with five minutes of quiet, just for you.
12. The "Long Summer Read" Light
FERM LIVING Arum Floor Lamp, Cashmere
The holidays are the one time of year you can actually get through your stack of books. This floor lamp is the perfect partner. Its elegant, leaf-like shade casts a soft, directed light, creating the ultimate reading nook for those long, slow afternoons.
How do I make my outdoor space feel "styled" and not just... a yard?
You need three things: textiles, lighting, and a place to put your drink. A durable outdoor rug (like a Pappelina) defines the zone. A portable lamp (like the Flowerpot) sets the mood. And a versatile stool (like the Mette Ditmer) makes it functional.
My kids' toys are taking over. How do I cope?
You can't win the battle, so change the terms. The secret is to invest in toys that look just as good left out as they do packed away. A wooden camera, a stylish beach bucket, or a minimalist game all feel like part of your home's aesthetic, not an invasion.
What's the key to relaxed, "last-minute" summer hosting?
Have your "kit" ready. Don't overthink it. Have a set of durable, beautiful glasses that work for anything, a big serving bowl for whatever's in the pantry, and a portable lamp to add instant vibe. That's it.
You're Officially on Holiday Time.
The school year is done. The out-of-office is on. But "relaxing" is harder than it looks, it's a skill you have to re-learn. Your brain just needs to catch up.
This collection is your toolkit for that. It’s a curated set of objects designed to help you (and your home) downshift from "productive" to "present." These are the pieces that make doing nothing feel like the most luxurious thing in the world.
Ready to switch off?
