How to get your home ready for summers?

Summers are a great time to spruce up the look of your home and bring in some cool elements, to escape the scorching heat. “The easiest way to keep a house cool, is by using heavy curtains and shutting the windows and drawing the curtains at 11 am, sharp. One can go in for blinds and bamboo curtains, to keep the excess heat out and keep the space cool. One can keep small pots filled with water in the corners, to cool the space, especially in areas where there is breeze blowing in. Also, in the evening hours, ventilate the house by opening the windows and allowing some air in,” says Lekha Gupta senior architect, L.A.B. Language Architecture Body.

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Opt for cool and soothing colours

Use light colours as much as possible within the house, as it will reflect light and heat and give a pleasant ambience to the living space. In summer, let light colours be the base of your interiors. “Work with neutral colours like ivory or shades of green, to retain the cooling effect. Warm tones like olive, lilac or burgundy can be soothing, without seeming overwhelming. Blues, greens and beige, are all ideal colours to use during the summer,” states Sandesh Dhanraj, founder and CEO of Noah Interiors. Accent pieces, inspired by nature, can also brighten up the home, adds Gupta. “Prints that are abstract or floral and bright can remind one of the better side of summer and not just the temperature,” she explains.

Spruce up the home with natural fabrics

Cotton is by far the best natural fabric to use in the summer, for bedding and sofas, followed by linen. “These fabrics are ‘breathable’ and have great insulating properties, allowing you to remain cool when it is hot. Natural fabrics are skin friendly and environmentally friendly, as well. Moreover, changing the bed linen according to the season, also livens up the décor,” Dhanraj maintains.

Cool the home with indoor plants

Keeping indoor plants, is a simple way to cool a space and purify the quality of air. Indoor plants or plants on the window sills, not only bring the temperature down but also add style to the house, when arranged in fancy pots. “Some house plants like English ivy and peace lily, absorb moisture from the air and reduce humidity. Plants that are tolerant to heat, such as sunflower, lemon grass, banana and palm, give a cooling touch to the house, while areca palm, aloe vera and baby rubber plant are known for removing toxins from the air,” explains Dhanraj. Home owners can also grow plants on the terrace, to protect the house or building from the sun’s rays.

Choose energy-efficient and cool lights

Artificial lighting tends to add heat to a space. Home owners can counter this, by switching to cooler lighting fixtures, such as compact fluorescent or LED lamps, in place of incandescent bulbs. In addition to reducing heat, these lights also help to save energy. For a pleasant ambience, you can even experiment with mood lighting.

know about: best cooler for home

Prepare your garden

Now that the winter is over and the risk of frost has passed, it’s the perfect time to start preparing your garden for the summer season. Begin by sweeping up any dead leaves and debris, and mow the lawn to give it a fresh look. Remove any weeds that may have grown and prune the bushes and plants to encourage new growth. If your garden looks a bit dull or bare, consider planting quick-growing annuals like night-scented stocks, sweet peas, sunflowers, and cornflowers. These plants will not only add colour and beauty to your garden but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. By following these steps, you can ensure your garden is ready for the warm weather ahead.

Dust off your outdoor furniture

Summer is the perfect time to give your outdoor furniture a makeover. With a little effort, you can restore them to their former glory. Start by removing any dirt, cobwebs, and debris accumulated from the winter and spring storms. Warm soapy water is an effective and affordable way to do this. For wooden furniture or benches, a pressure washer can be used to get rid of stubborn grime. If your furniture still looks a bit worn out, consider giving it a new look with weather-proof paint or a coat of varnish. These simple steps can go a long way in rejuvenating your outdoor furniture without having to buy new ones.

Add a splash of vibrancy

Are you planning to give your home a seasonal makeover? Try incorporating fresh colours such as zesty yellows, pastel blues, and oranges to create a vibrant summer vibe. You can start by painting one wall of a room with a bright hue or adding some sea-green turquoise scatter cushions to your sofa. Alternatively, consider buying new bed linen that captures the essence of a bright summer morning. Summer provides an excellent opportunity to experiment with home decor and add splashes of colour and texture to your space.

Décor tips for summer

Insulated walls and roofs and double glazed windows can substantially reduce the heat gain and reduce the loan on air-conditioning units.

Ensure that the air-conditioners in the house are serviced regularly and their filters cleaned, to maximise efficiency.

Rexene, leather and other artificial materials should be avoided for sofas. Instead, opt for ‘breathable’ materials like cotton and linen. You can even use cotton slip covers on the sofas, for a quick seasonal makeover.

For beds, do away with heavy duvets, velvet satin silk and opt for lighter cottons.

Clutter makes a space appear smaller and therefore, more overwhelming, adding to the heat. Think minimalistic and weed out unwanted things.

Avoid silk carpets for the floor and instead use stylish dhurries or let the floor remain bare.

Bamboo blinds can be installed on doorways, balconies and verandas, to keep the house cool. Use natural materials like rattan and teak, for a relaxing feel.

Use shading devices over the windows, to reduce the heat gain. Allow for ample cross-ventilation at home, by opening the doors and windows on opposite directions, in the evening.

In summer, the bathroom can be a relaxing space to beat the heat. Hence, dress it up in colourful and stylish accessories, soft bath linen, fragrant oils and refreshing bath products.

FAQs

How can I make my home feel cooler during the summer?

There are a few things you can do to make your home feel cooler during the summer months. One easy tip is to keep your curtains or blinds closed during the day to block out the sun's heat. You can also use fans or air conditioning to circulate cool air throughout your home. Another idea is to switch to lighter bedding and textiles to create a breezy, summery feel in your bedrooms and living areas.

What colours should I use to decorate my home for the summer?

When it comes to summer decor, think light and bright! Colours like white, cream, pale blue, and soft pink are perfect for creating a refreshing, summery feel in your home. You can also incorporate pops of bold, sunny colours like yellow or orange to add a playful touch.

How can I make my outdoor space more inviting for summer entertaining?

To make your outdoor space more inviting for summer entertaining, start by cleaning and decluttering the area. Next, add comfortable seating and shade to keep your guests cool and comfortable. You can also add pops of colour and pattern with outdoor rugs, throw pillows, and table linens. Finally, consider adding some lighting to create a cosy ambiance for evening gatherings.

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Purnima Goswami Sharma

Purnima Goswami Sharma is a freelance writer based in Mumbai, who has been contributing to various newspapers, magazines and portals for the last two decades. Besides being a research writer for various TV shows, she has been a visiting faculty at SNDT for Communication Skills. She hold a master’s degree in English Literature from Mumbai University and a diploma in Communications and Journalism. She writes on diverse subjects like real estate, interiors, education, lifestyle, health, entertainment and environment.

Email: [email protected]