I’m an absolute sucker for a nail art manicure. The more simplistic and barely-there the design is, the better. And boy does my Instagram algorithm know it. If you were to take a quick scroll through my ‘discover’ page, you’d be bombarded with pictures of dainty designs and colour-pop manicures – in fact, I’m getting to a point where there are way too many to ever try to recreate IRL. 

But while Instagram might be full of design ideas, have you ever sat down at your local nail salon and been completely devoid of inspo? That’s where I can help you. 

Whether you’re specifically searching for a style that you can take to your favourite manicurist or (like me) you’re just obsessed with nail art images, here are 26 of my favourite nail art inspiration pictures for summer 2024. Get screenshotting.

This summery manicure makes it look simple to DIY a cuticle nail art look at home… ish. 

Heart manicures aren’t just for Valentine’s Day; these simple hearts on a nude base are gorgeous for summer and beyond.

How great is this minty take on the classic evil eye design? It’s super dainty and seriously pretty. 

For me, this is a modern take on those 00s rainbow manicures we’d all do. Instead of having each individual nail a different shade of the rainbow, only the very tip and cuticle is coloured. Cute, eh. 

One to leave to the professionals – these outlined French blue tips are seriously mesmerising. 

Yellow manicures have been everywhere this summer but these butter chrome nails are perfect if you want to get in on the trend without going full sunshine yellow. 

These pearlescent stripes are ridiculously pretty. If you want to try and DIY the look at home – try cutting ultra-fine strips of holographic sticker sheets before placing on transparent nail varnish. 

I’m obsessed with this dramatic (but still subtle) dark line manicure. Unless you’ve got ambidextrous, steady hands – this might be a tricky one to recreate at home. 

Nothing says summer like a fine flowers and gold leaf manicure. 

One of 2024’s biggest summer nail trends, these Sicilian lemons are super cute. Unless you’re a nail art pro, it might be one to take to the salon. 

This teeny-tiny nail art design might not even really count as nail art… but look how pretty it is. 

A simple and chic design for summer, this lemony-fresh swirl looks great against a nude coloured nail. 

Another less-is-more reverse French, this neon cuticle design looks ultra expensive. 

Using different shades of blue, this crescent moon design is modern and minimalist. 

Using different shades of blue, this crescent moon design is modern and minimalist. 

I’m not sure what I like more – the dusky tea-green shade or the mix-up French and classic mani. Either way, it’s a win. 

There’s no doubt about it: these black French tips look seriously elegant and are perfect if you’re not into the usual bright, summer shades. 

Arguably my favourite nail look ever – this seriously dainty, pastel-coloured cuticle design is unbelievably chic. 

Not a fan of super-feminine florals? Mix things up by amping up the drama with a gothic black flower design instead. 

This simple star manicure looks impressive but is easy to recreate at home. Use a clear nail varnish as your base coat before using tweezers to apply a glitter star to the nail. Lock in place with another coat of clear colour and voila, you’re done. 

Let your nails do the talking with bold corner stripes in every colour of the rainbow. 

This nail art look combines two of my favourite things: a coloured cuticle and negative space. Switch up the nail varnish shade to suit and you’ve got yourself a year-round nail art look. 

Don’t ask me why, but for some reason, fruit as a nail art design works. It just does. 

A French tip but make it fancy: match your mani to your sunglasses with these tortoiseshell tips. 

I love the idea of this simple blue French manicure look for bridesmaids (or a Bride!) this summer. 

Floral and fresh, this daisy manicure screams summer – right?

Main image: @chloeburcham