Whilst we never really know what’s going to happen when summer rolls around in the UK, it’s best to be prepared, just in case the sun does end up making an appearance. As things start to heat up, we’ll find ourselves starting to look for ways to call down. Away from rotating fans and ice-cold drinks, you might be surprised to hear that some slight changes in the way you decorate your home can make all of the difference.
Read on to find out more.
Protect yourself from the sun
Although you may be thanking your lucky stars that a glimpse of sun has finally broken through the clouds, that doesn’t mean you won’t need a way to temporarily block it out and have a chance to cool down. There are a few ways you can do this, depending on your choice of window fittings.
If blinds are your preference, then bamboo or chik blinds are a great eco-friendly way to get a little respite from the glaring sun and minimise the heat that is radiating into your home. Make sure to keep them clean and wiped down so that when your windows are left wide open, dust isn’t being circulated and blown through. If curtains are more your style, then lighter coloured materials will be your best friend, however if your windows are exposed to heavy sunlight, then darker and thicker fabric may be a better choice for you. Shutters might be a good idea to fully block out the strong sunlight at times, Interior Shutters Worthing is a great option.
Choose your colours wisely
When decorating for summer, your priority should be to maximise light and inject a sense of calm into your space. A fresh lick of paint can go a long way in transforming the drabbest of rooms — icy mints, soft powder blues, pale pistachio greens and light lilacs are just some of the colours to consider if you want to make a room feel cooler.
Another option is to invest in luxurious bedlinen in any of these shades, or even a nice clean white, in order to reflect colour and keep things feeling airy. Your choice of colours and material can make all of the difference this summer – for example, a leather suite can prove to be difficult in hot weather as you find yourself sticking to the surface, whilst cotton is a consistently cooler option. If you’re not wanting to switch out your sofa just for the season, a light-coloured throw could act as a simple problem solver until the temperature begins to drop.
Introduce plants into your environment
Houseplants are great and inexpensive way to transform any room. Tall plants can be used to facilitate our original tip and create some shade in certain areas. The soil inside the plant pots also helps to humidify the air, and maintain a calming atmosphere. Calm and relaxation are essential in the hotter months as they’ll make it a lot easier to stay cool.
Plants and flowers also bring a subtle splash of colour into the room, complimenting the recommended neutral colours that you’ll most likely adopt this summer. Fresh flowers on your bedside will ensure that you always wake up with a smile on your face, as well as giving off pleasant scents and an air of sophisticated decoration.
