We often think of winter as the season where we feel cooped up, shuffling from one heated space to another. But when summer’s peak hits, the same thing happens, only now we’re racing from air-conditioned room to air-conditioned room, trying to escape the relentless heat!
The good news? As your trusted color expert/color consultant, I have some design tips to help you ease that overheated feeling without cranking the AC! A few quick changes, especially those centered around cool, soft colors, light textures, and interior design layouts, can make a significant difference in how your home feels during the hottest weeks/months of the year.
Color affects mood, yes, but it also affects how warm or cool a space feels. Cool summer colors, like soft blues, seafoam greens, airy lavenders, and creamy off-whites, can visually chill a room even on the most humid days. Think of it like dressing for a summer picnic: you wouldn’t wear a black sweater in the sun (right!?) Your décor color palettes deserve the same seasonal shift.
Paint is one way to go, but for a quicker change, try swapping out heavy accent pillows, dark rugs, and warm-toned art for accessories in cooler tones. A pale linen throw draped over a light couch or a whitewashed tray of sea-glass-colored tumblers on a coffee table adds to the effect without a full redesign. Even a few changes done well can go a long way!
Sunlight is lovely until it heats your space like an oven. Swap thick or insulating curtains for airy sheers that diffuse natural light while keeping out direct heat; this strategy helps to soften the whole room, giving it a breezy, spa-like feel.
Fabrics like cotton, linen, and muslin breathe better and feel cooler than plush velvets or faux furs. You can also roll away thick rugs and let wood or tile floors cool your feet. If you’re feeling truly ambitious, try rearranging your furniture to allow for better airflow. Avoid blocking windows with large pieces and create paths for air to move freely through your space.
Designating one or two “cool zones” in your home can help reduce your reliance on central air. These might be shaded corners, north-facing rooms, or areas with cross-ventilation. Add a fan, a carafe of cucumber water, and a few cool-hued accents, and you’ve got yourself a mini sanctuary; sounds blissful, doesn’t it?
One of the most underrated perks of high-heat summer? A covered porch that feels cool and calm even without AC; this is where those cool, soft colors come in handy again. Picture muted sage cushions, sky-blue enamelware, and white or driftwood-toned furniture. Layer in breezy textiles, such as flowy curtains or outdoor rugs made from woven jute, to ground the space without retaining heat.
Arrange your seating to encourage conversation and airflow. A mix of light wicker chairs and a painted bench creates both visual variety and good ventilation between parties. Add a few side tables to hold trays of iced tea, lemonade, or chilled wine spritzers. It doesn’t take much – just enough intention to make your guests (and you) want to stay longer, savoring every minute you have together, forgetting about the heat!
If it helps, imagine this space like a porch picnic: relaxing fabrics, cool drinks, and the soft glow of early evening dusky-light. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply enjoying a solo moment, this is your chance to treat yourself. Live it up! Focus on what makes you feel so good (forgetting about the oppressive weather conditions!)
Speaking of entertaining, add splashes of color to brighten the mood wherever you can. Crisp white linens paired with colorful flowers will add a touch of sweetness to your table decor. Even just a few flowers in bud vases can go a long way. Whether you are setting the table for company or splurging for yourself, making the effort will certainly make a difference!
Creating a cooler-feeling home doesn’t require a total overhaul. With just a few color and texture swaps, lighting strategies, and some thoughtful use of space, you can beat the heat and fall into a cool, relaxed vibe; one cool breeze at a time!
