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 a.m. 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.
Use light colors 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 colors be the base of your interiors. Work with neutral colors 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 to use during the summer. Accent pieces, inspired by nature, can also brighten up the home. Prints that are abstract or floral and bright can remind one of the better side of summer, and not just the temperature.
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, and also livens up the décor.
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 windowsills, 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. Homeowners can also grow plants on a 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. Homeowners 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.
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 weatherproof 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 colors 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 color and texture to your space.
Décor tips for summer
Insulated walls and roofs and double-glazed windows can substantially reduce heat gain and reduce the load on air-conditioning units.
Ensure that the air-conditioners in the house are serviced regularly and their filters cleaned, to maximize efficiency.
For beds, do away with heavy duvets, velvet satin silk and opt for lighter cottons. <
This article was brought to you courtesy of Farmers Insurance agent, Jonathan Priest, with an office at 57 Tandberg Trail, Suite 7, Windham and StaySafe.org. Call him at 207-893-8184 or send him an email at jpriest1@farmersagent.com
No comments:
Post a Comment