Summer's here, and what better way to embrace the season than with vibrant cherry-colored nail art? These 15 irresistible DIY designs will not only brighten your look but also encapsulate the playful essence of summer vibes.

Whether you’re lounging by the pool, attending a garden party, or simply enjoying a sunny day out, cherry-coded nails can be the perfect accessory to elevate your style. From luscious cherry red to playful pastel hues, these designs are sure to make your nails a statement piece. Get ready to turn heads and inspire envy with every hand wave and gesture!

Let's get creative and transform your look with these stunning nail art ideas that celebrate the cherry colors of summer!

Contents

• 1. Classic Cherry Red Elegance
• 2. Ombre Cherry Delight
• 3. Cherry Blossom Accents
• 4. Cherry Fruit Slice Nails
• 5. Cherry Dot Design
• 6. Cherry French Tips
• 7. Cherry Glitter Glam
• 8. Cherry Marble Effect
• 9. Cherry Stripes
• 10. Cherry Watercolor Effect
• 11. Cherry Animal Print
• 12. Cherry Confetti
• 13. Cherry Gradient Glitter
• 14. Cherry Lace Design
• 15. Cherry Tie-Dye

1. Classic Cherry Red Elegance

Nothing says classic like a bold cherry red nail. This timeless hue is perfect for any occasion, exuding confidence and sophistication.

To achieve this look, start with a clean nail bed, applying a base coat to protect your nails. Follow with two coats of a rich cherry red polish, ensuring even coverage. Finish with a glossy top coat for a professional shine.

This design can be easily paired with gold or silver accents, such as tiny rhinestones at the base of each nail or metallic stripes for a chic twist. It's a versatile look that can transition seamlessly from day to night, making it a must-try for anyone wanting to make a lasting impression.

2. Ombre Cherry Delight

Create a stunning ombre effect that transitions from deep cherry red to a soft pink. This gradient look is not only visually appealing but also very trendy for the summer.

Start by applying a base coat and two layers of your darkest red polish. Once dry, use a makeup sponge to dab on the lighter pink polish, blending it seamlessly into the red. To perfect the ombre, gently sponge away any harsh lines, and finish with a top coat to seal the design.

This nail art style beautifully showcases the duality of summer—it's both bold and soft, making it perfect for any outfit or occasion. Pair it with floral outfits for an extra summer vibe!

3. Cherry Blossom Accents

Celebrate the beauty of cherry blossoms with delicate nail art inspired by these lovely flowers. This design is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your nails.

Begin with a soft nude or pale pink base coat. Once dry, use a thin brush to paint small cherry blossoms with white and pink polish, adding tiny green leaves for contrast. This artistic approach can be a bit challenging but the results are undeniably beautiful.

Finish with a matte or glossy top coat to enhance the design. This look is perfect for summer weddings or special occasions, bringing a sense of nature’s beauty right to your fingertips!

4. Cherry Fruit Slice Nails

Add a playful twist to your nail art with cherry fruit slice designs that are fun and vibrant! This design is perfect for those who love to stand out with their nail art.

Start with a bright cherry red base coat. Once dry, use a thin brush to create slices of cherries on a few accent nails, featuring the red skin and the white flesh with tiny black seeds. This whimsical design is perfect for summer picnics or beach days.

To enhance the look, consider using a glossy top coat to make the colors pop even more. These nails are sure to bring smiles and compliments wherever you go!

5. Cherry Dot Design

If you love simplicity with a pop of fun, the cherry dot design is for you! This style is easy to achieve and incredibly charming.

Start with a cherry red base coat and let it dry completely. Then, using a dotting tool or the end of a bobby pin, create white dots in varying sizes on top of the red polish. The pattern can be random or organized, depending on your style preference.

To finish, seal the design with a clear top coat for longevity. This playful design is perfect for casual outings and can easily match with any summer outfit. It's a hit for all age groups, making it a fabulous choice for gatherings!

6. Cherry French Tips

Give the classic French tip a fruity twist with cherry-colored tips! This design combines elegance with a fun summer twist, making it a must-try this season.

Begin with a sheer nude base coat, allowing your nails to look naturally beautiful. Once dry, paint the tips with a cherry red polish, ensuring a clean line. You can also add a slight diagonal angle for a modern twist. Finish with a glossy top coat for a polished look.

This design is perfect for both casual and formal occasions, embodying the essence of summer chic while keeping it classy.

7. Cherry Glitter Glam

For those who love a bit of sparkle, cherry glitter nails are the way to go! This dazzling design is perfect for summer parties and night outs.

Start with a cherry red base coat. Once dry, apply a layer of fine red glitter polish to your nails, focusing on the tips for a gradient effect. For added glam, you can use larger glitter pieces or sequins on an accent nail. Finish with a thick top coat to ensure your glitter stays put and maintains its shine.

These nails are perfect for making a statement, allowing you to shine bright during those summer nights!

8. Cherry Marble Effect

Bring an artistic flair to your nails with a cherry marble effect that looks stunning and unique! This design mimics the beauty of marble stone and is perfect for those who love intricate nail art.

Start with a white base coat to allow the colors to pop. Then, using a small brush or a straw, swirl together cherry red and pink polishes to create a marbled effect on your nails. The key is to work quickly before the polish dries. Finish with a high-gloss top coat to seal the design.

This nail art trend will surely turn heads, making it a great choice for summer events or casual outings.

9. Cherry Stripes

Stripes are timeless, and incorporating cherry colors into this design makes it fresh for summer! This design is easy to do and fun to experiment with.

Start with a cherry red base coat. Once dry, use striping tape or a thin brush to create vertical or horizontal stripes with white or pastel hues. You can also alternate colors for a playful look. Finish with a clear top coat to ensure your design lasts. This chic design is perfect for those who want a modern touch to their summer nails!

10. Cherry Watercolor Effect

For a soft and dreamy look, try the cherry watercolor effect that captures the essence of summer beautifully. This design is all about blending colors to create a stunning visual.

Start with a nude or white base coat. Then, using a small brush, apply cherry red and pastel pink polishes in random strokes, lightly blending the colors together while they are still wet. The goal is to achieve a soft watercolor look. Finish with a glossy top coat to enhance the colors. This design is perfect for casual summer outings or relaxed beach days.

11. Cherry Animal Print

For the fashionistas, cherry animal print nails are a bold choice! This design combines the playful nature of cherry colors with the fierce look of animal prints.

Start with a bright cherry red base coat. Once dry, use a fine brush to create leopard spots or zebra stripes in black or dark brown. You can also use a sponge to dab on the animal print for a more blended effect. Finish with a clear top coat to keep the design intact. This playful yet fierce design is perfect for summer parties and gatherings, allowing you to showcase your bold personality!

12. Cherry Confetti

Add a festive touch to your nails with cherry confetti! This fun design is perfect for summer celebrations and parties.

Start with a cherry red base coat. Once dry, apply a layer of clear polish and sprinkle colorful confetti in various shapes and sizes on top. You can use circular confetti for a classic look or star-shaped confetti for a playful twist. Finish with a top coat to secure the confetti in place. This design is sure to bring joy and fun to your summer look!

13. Cherry Gradient Glitter

Combine the beauty of gradients with the sparkle of glitter in this cherry gradient glitter design! It's perfect for those who want to shine bright this summer.

Start with a cherry red base coat. Once dry, apply a fine layer of glitter polish from the tips down to the middle of the nail, creating a beautiful gradient effect. You can use a sponge to blend the glitter for a smoother transition. Finish with a glossy top coat to ensure the glitter stays put, making this design perfect for summer night outs!

14. Cherry Lace Design

For a touch of elegance, try the cherry lace design that adds a romantic feel to your nails. This intricate art is perfect for summer weddings or formal events.

Start with a soft nude or pale pink base. Once dry, use a fine brush to create lace patterns in white or a pastel shade at the tips or across the entire nail. This design requires a steady hand but is worth the effort for its stunning results. Finish with a matte top coat for a chic look or a glossy top coat for a more traditional feel. This romantic design captures the essence of summer beautifully.

15. Cherry Tie-Dye

Embrace the fun and quirky vibes of summer with cherry tie-dye nails! This design is playful and colorful, making it perfect for those who love to express their individuality.

Start with a white base coat. Using a small brush, apply cherry red and pastel shades in random swirls and dabs, blending them slightly for a tie-dye effect. The key is to create a unique pattern on each nail. Finish with a glossy top coat for a vibrant look. This design is perfect for music festivals, beach days, or any fun summer outing!

Conclusion

With these 15 cherry-coded nail designs, transforming your look for summer has never been easier! Each design captures the vibrant spirit of the season while allowing you to express your creativity and style.

From classic elegance to playful fun, there's a design for everyone. Don't hesitate to mix and match styles or add personal touches to make them your own. Dive into the world of nail painting and let your fingertips shine this summer!

Abuja National Mosque Skyline at Sunrise
Photo: Terver/Adobe Stock

1) Nike Art Gallery 

The Nike Art Gallery was the next place we visited, on the first street after the famous shopping mall Shoprite at Lugbe in Abuja. It's an effortless place to find. You can stop in front of Shoprite and walk to the art gallery, but you can also order a ride to take you there or use Google Maps if you are driving.

The Nike Art Gallery is very popular in the country, with branches in Lagos and Abuja. It was founded by Mrs. Nike Monica Okundaye, popularly known as Mama Nike, who established the gallery in 1983 by removing 20 young ladies who lived in the streets, training them in arts and crafts, and also providing them with the materials, food, and accommodation while also allowing them to make a living from the arts they made. This has led to more students from different parts of Africa coming to the art gallery to learn art making.

No records of famous artists emerged from the Nike art gallery. However, it houses over 8,000 artworks nationwide, each with its unique story and style, from the vibrant paintings of Tyna Adebowale and Ranti Bamgbala to the thought-provoking photographs of TY Bello, a well-known Nigerian photographer and musician with documentary-style photography that portrays capturing of everyday life and social issues. She was the one who discovered the model Jumoke Orisaguna, popularly known as the Bread Seller, who photobombed the photographer when she was taking pictures of the UK pop star Tinie Tempah. Carey Godwin is one of the Nigerian photographers who always makes his photography about thought-provoking subjects that affect society and or something that has to do with the personal experience of others; the gallery is a treasure trove of diverse artistic expressions. The works of Taiye Idahor, Wura-Natasha‎ Ogunji, Zemaye Okediji, Obiageli Okigbo, and Nnenna Okore also grace its walls, showcasing the depth and breadth of contemporary African art.

The drive to the Nike Art Gallery took about 15 to 20 minutes. Once at the place, I could see a lot of sculptures and metal works in front of a yellow building with cravings on it. I thought it was beautiful. The reception room was filled with paintings, beans, and crafts for sale. Entering the art gallery is free, but you have to pay N1000 per person for a guided tour (which is very short). We paid for a guided tour, and the Nike experience began.

(A picture of the building)

(A picture of the building)

Main Gallery Room 

Stepping into the main gallery room of the Nike Art Gallery, I was immediately captivated by the diverse range of art on display. The gallery offers a rich tapestry of artistic expression, from paintings and metal works to crafts and tie-dye clothes. What truly stood out were a board of rubber slipper straps and a metal sculpture of a half-body man playing a guitar. These unique pieces sparked a personal connection, reminding me of the power of art to evoke emotions and tell stories.

Art consultation room 

 

Inside the gallery, there is a consultation room offering art consultation services. These services are designed to help you source artwork options for your reviews specifically tailored for your project or space. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, the knowledgeable staff at the Nike Art Gallery can guide you in finding meaningful artwork that resonates with you. This precious service allowed me to better understand the artworks and their creators, making me feel genuinely valued as a visitor.

 

(An overview of the main gallery)

(A picture of an artwork in the gallery)

Out of the building (premises)

 

The premises of the gallery are a beautiful sight to behold. It had a mini sculpture garden with little metal works of different forms, a well where the dry process takes place, a lecture place where one can register for arts and crafts training, and a Nike art garden filled with large metal artworks. I loved the sight outside the building. It was intriguing to witness so many artworks and fascinating to learn that everything in the Nike Art Gallery is for sale, so you should go with some money just in case you see anything you want to buy. I advise that you do not go to this place alone in order not to feel lonely and take your water and snacks with you because there is no place to buy refreshments. I would return here, especially if I ever need to purchase artwork.

(a metalwork outside the gallery)

(a picture of the training center )

2) Thought Pyramid Art Centre

Our journey to the Thought Pyramid Art Centre in Abuja was a breeze. Located at No. 18 Libreville Crescent, Wuse II Abuja, this art center is easy to find, and you can even use Google Maps for guidance. After visiting the Nike Art Gallery, my sister and I decided to explore more art galleries in Abuja, and this was our next stop.

The Thought Pyramid Art Centre, a modern and contemporary art space, is a testament to the vision of its founder, Jeff Adjeushi. Established in 2008, this independent, non-profit art centre is a beacon of creativity and innovation. In Jeff's own words, his aim was to 'create an artistic space with no boundaries between craft and design, where new ideas could thrive and flourish.' This vision is palpable in every gallery corner, inspiring visitors to explore and appreciate the world of art.

As we arrived at the gallery's premises, I immediately noticed the two-story building that housed it. The entrance gate was adorned with two bull heads on each pillar, while the gate featured the beautifully designed faces of a man and a woman.

(main gate)

Walking into the premises, I noticed various sculptures outside the building and on the wall of the building. Among them was a horse made of different metal parts and a sculpture of two men reading a book (they looked like they were from Athens). Delicately placed alongside were small totems and other intriguing artworks. However, what truly fascinated me was the pathway leading to the gallery entrance, adorned with two sculptures. On the left, a reflective man sat, lost in deep contemplation, while on the right, a figure stood with hands raised, grasping something. I found it exciting and well-thought-out how those sculptures were positioned that way.

(a picture of a metal horse )

( A picture of the outside premises )

As we entered the gallery, two gentlemen greeted us from their seats beside a table near the entrance. They informed us that there is an entrance fee of N1,000 (one thousand Naira) per person to access the gallery. Additionally, we were advised that photography was prohibited, a rule I was determined to disregard.

Once I paid the fee, I eagerly embarked on my journey through the two floors of the building. I wanted to see what magic the place holds.

Ground floor

The gallery's ground floor had many sculptures, colorful paintings, and traditional masquerade costumes. The sculptures were mostly metal, and the paintings told stories about Nigeria's culture and people. Some photographs showed what happened during and after the Nigerian Civil War.

There were many beautiful artworks to admire, but two stood out. One was a metal cow head with two massive horns; the other was a sculpture of Socrates, a famous Greek philosopher. I was happy to see a sculpture of Socrates because I'm also a philosopher and have learned about him in school. I try to live by his famous quote, "Man, know thyself, for an unexamined life is not worth living."

Unfortunately, I couldn't find the names of the artists who created the artwork on the first floor.

( A picture of a Bullhead )

( A picture of Socrates )

Top floor

( Stairs way leading to the top floor)

I saw small sculptures on the wall on the stairs leading up to the top floor. These sculptures showed different tribes in Nigeria. The top floor had many paintings by various artists. 

There were also chairs and tables made of wood and metal. My favorite chair was made of tied branches and had a rustic look. The top floor is used for showing movies, hosting music events, putting on plays, displaying art, having discussions, teaching classes, and giving lectures.

Some famous Nigerian artists whose artwork can be found at the Thought Pyramid include Ben Osave, Sam Ovraiti, Jim Braimoh, Twin Seven Seven, Bruce Onobrakpeya, and others.

(Tied branches chair)

( A picture of some artwork on the top floor)

( A picture of some artwork on the top floor)

( A picture of some paintings on the top floor)

Thought Pyramid Art Centre has enough packing space and a restaurant called Spice Platter, which serves local and international cuisine. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience, and I would return here.

3) Orisun Art Gallery 

We went to the Orisun Art Gallery on the first floor of the famous Tropic Galleria in the Central District of Abuja, Nigeria. It's right next to the Grand Square Mall, and you can easily find it by public transportation or using Google Maps if you're driving.

The gallery was founded by Senator Olubunmi Adetumi, representing the Northern District/Consistency of Eikit State, Nigeria. Senator Adetumi loves art and has collected artworks and artifacts for 30 years. His collection became so large that he decided to open the Orisun Art Gallery to showcase some of it. He owns over 600 to 700 art pieces, but only 250 are displayed in the gallery.

When we arrived at the gallery, I noticed a small art and craft shop outside where they sold handmade wooden items. They had handmade bags, small statues, kettles, and artwork. I liked the statues in the glass case, especially the one with two little men wearing white shirts and red shorts. The Orisun Art Gallery was the cleanest gallery I have ever visited.

( Shelve with crafted souvenirs)

( Shop for arts and crafts)

A big bullhead was on the floor before the receptionist's table when I entered the gallery. Exploring the gallery didn't cost anything, but taking photos or videos was prohibited unless you paid three thousand Naira, which I did.

The gallery had the most extensive collection in Abuja. Most of the artworks showcased African culture, with works from artists mainly from Mali, Cote d'Ivoire, and Nigeria.

( A picture of the entrance)

Artworks displayed 

Animal Skin

I was surprised that animal skin was part of the delay in getting to this gallery. I felt scared and nervous when I saw a giant crocodile on the gallery floor. For a moment, I thought it was real. My favorite display was a real lion fur on a big frame hanging in the gallery.

( A picture of Crocodile )

( A picture of the lion fur in a frame )

Paintings, wooden sculptures & cravings, and stone works 

I liked their different artwork types, such as oil paintings, contemporary paintings, wooden sculptures, wooden carvings, and stone works. Each artwork told a story through art. One of my favorite pieces was a wooden carving of one of the obas of Benin (unfortunately, I don't know which one) hanging on a wall. Another favorite of mine was a piece called "Heavy Rain Series" by Iyke Okenyi. He described it as the expression of a heavy rain, where each person has a uniqueness. I loved how he created small faces with different expressions, all connected in a horizontal line. It felt like a representation of our experiences, emotions, ideas, and destiny.

(A picture of the Oba of Benin wood carving hung on the wall)

 ( A picture of Iyke's "Heavy Rain series)

(Picture of some painting)

(Picture of some paintings)

Scrap Metal 

A collection of scrap metal was displayed in one area. It wasn't awe-inspiring, but it was interesting to see. The museum had placed items like a metal ostrich, a hunter holding a gun, a woman's body with round African red beans around her waist, and a lion's head. However, the most impressive piece was a horse made from different colored metals.

( A picture of scrap metal art )

Ancient Art Pieces

The gallery showcased ancient objects, but I needed to determine if they were genuine or replicas. It made me think about our ancestors and how they expressed themselves through art. The collection included artifacts from the ancient Yoruba kingdom Ile Ife and the Benin kingdom. My favorite piece was an artefact known as the ancient sword seller.

( Ancient artworks from ile life)

(Oba of Benin)

The gallery featured works by various artists, such as Bruce Onobrakpeya, Jimoh Buraimoh, Osward Uruakpa, Tol Weww, Twin Seven Seven, David Dale, Susanne Wenger, Rufus Ogundele, and Bisi Fabunmi, among others. I had a great time at the Orisun Art Gallery, and it was worth my visit.

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is as famous for his abs as his play on the football field, so it comes as no surprise that last season's rookie standout would make an obvious choice for the ninth annual edition of ESPN The Magazine's Body Issue.

Notorious for the now-legendary crop top of his Ohio State playing days to the cropped dress shirthe wore to 2016's NFL Draft, the Pro Bowler spoke to the magazine about his mother's influence, growing up as the runt in his family (really), and his goal to become the best running back of all time.

CREDITS

PHOTO CREDIT: PINTEREST

ARTICLE CREDIT: NATE ERICKSON