Summer is quickly approaching and you might be wondering how you can keep your house as cool as possible this summer. The most obvious answer, of course, is to crank up the AC.
However, there are also some interior design tips you can use to help keep your house cool on those hot summer days. From incorporating lighter colors throughout your home to switching your bedding, here are ten ideas you’ll want to take into consideration.
1. Use lighter colors
Lighter colors help deflect light, therefore making your house cooler! Paint your walls a color such as white, cream, beige, or a pastel. Not only will this help keep your house cooler, but these colors tend to give your house a lighter and airy feeling.
Dark colors tend to make rooms feel small and stuffy, where those light colors help rooms seem more open. Light shades of blue can also help give rooms an icy, cool vibe.
2. Add plants
Plants are a great way to decorate your home. Not only do they look nice, but they also naturally purify the air and cool down your house! This is because plants absorb carbon dioxide and emit fresh oxygen.
There is a wide range of plants available. Easy plants to care for include aloe, lavender, succulents, and snake plants. Depending on the plants you purchase, you can also place them directly in front of a window to help block sunlight from coming in. Plants are an easy option and great for cooling down a room, especially during the muggy summer months.
3. Incorporate water features
When you think of water features, you might think of an outdoor fountain! However, there are many modern decor items that you can purchase that allow you to add water features throughout your house. Not only can water features have a slight cooling effect on your house, but they can also boost your mood!
Many find the sound of flowing water soothing and uplifting. All those outdoor fountains and ponds you’re familiar with come in miniature versions that are intended for indoor use.
4. Create good airflow
While the AC and fans can help create airflow throughout your house, you also want to make sure you’re not obstructing this airflow with your furniture layout. For example, you want to make sure vents aren’t hidden under furniture.
Decluttering your house and getting rid of unnecessary decor items can also help create better airflow. A few other ways to improve airflow in your house include opening windows on nice days and using exhaust fans to draw hot air out.
5. Shade windows appropriately
The sun’s rays can quickly warm your house during hot summer days! There are a few different ways to shade your windows. Some people prefer to use outdoor awnings. Others prefer to coat their windows with a frosted coating. Or, you can use heat-reflective blinds and curtains throughout your home and keep them closed during the days.
Curtains not only help to keep your house cool, but you can also choose a color and pattern that matches the decor of your house.
6. Consider using natural stone
Whenever you’re renovating your kitchen or bathroom, consider using a natural stone material, for your countertops or your tiles. Natural stone is cooler to touch than other materials. This is because they can dissipate heat quickly. Plus, natural stone is an extremely stylish and timeless material that will increase the overall value of your house!
Types of natural stone material include marble, granite, limestone, slate, ceramic, and terra cotta. All of these materials come in a range of colors.
7. Add ceiling fans
If you don’t have ceiling fans already, considering installing them throughout your house to help with the airflow. Fans come in a variety of styles, so you find ones that match your existing decor. While fans won’t reduce humidity, they will add a cool breeze to the air.
During the summer months, you should make sure your fans are rotating counter-clockwise. This helps pull hot air away. Fans should ideally be installed in the middle of the room to provide maximum coverage.
8. Get rid of incandescent bulbs
If you’re still using incandescent bulbs throughout your house, it is time to get rid of them! There are more modern lighting options that will keep your house cooler. Fluorescent and LED lights are not only more energy-efficient, but they also let off less heat!
This means your house will be cooler and your energy bills will be lower. Most people are starting to use LED lights. While LED lights might initially cost more, they tend to last longer than fluorescent lights.
9. Change your flooring
The flooring you use throughout your house could be making your house hotter. While synthetic carpet and rugs are nice during the winter months, they make your house warmer during the summer months. Depending on your budget, one option is to replace the carpet in your house with hardwood, laminate, or tile flooring.
All of these materials will be cooler during the summer months. You can then use rugs on top of your flooring during the winter months to make rooms warmer.
10. Use seasonal bedding
Down comforters and fleece blankets can keep you cozy in the winter, but they can make you sweat during the summer months! Put those toasty blankets away until next fall and get out your summer bedding. Look for light-weight fabrics, such as cotton, to help keep you cooler.
Choosing a lighter color, such as a white or pastel color, can also help. If you want some pops of color to your room, add colorful throw pillows on top of your white bedding.
Final thoughts
After spending several hours outside in the summer heat, it can be extremely refreshing to step into a cool house! In addition to getting your AC running for the season (it is time to start checking AC freon levels!), you should consider making some changes to your interior design.
Switching your decor at the start of every season is always a good way to freshen up your house. So put those fleece blankets away, buy a new plant, and get ready for summer!
Article Submitted By Community Writer
