Summer Decorating Tips

[Debra Bowis]

Decorating in the summer is all about the heat. In this warmest of seasons it’s important to control the temperature in your spaces, opting for cool accessories, and functional items which will help to naturally reduce the amount of heat that is transmitted into your home. While of course you can bathe the space in frigid air conditioning, that’s not healthy, cost effective, or environmentally sound. The alternative is to use clever home decorating to naturally maintain cool and relaxing environments in your home.

The first thing you should do is remove and warm or fuzzy accessories within the space. Change couch and cushion covers to reflect soft, cool cotton or smooth silk facades. Thick throws and blankets should be exchanged for softer, lighter pieces, or removed from the space completely. Fuzzy rugs can also be removed and, if necessary, replaced with bamboo or thatch throw pieces

Sunlight is another factor you should consider when decorating for the summer. Gauzy thin curtains that generally let in plenty of sunlight should be replaced or supplemented with heavier shades which will stop the brunt of light from getting in. If too much sun shines through closed windows, it can get trapped in the house, causing a greenhouse effect.

Another summer decorating trick is to try to lower, or eliminate lights whenever possible. A nice dark atmosphere tends to feel a few degrees lower, while brighter spaces can actually feel perceptibly warmer than they actually are. Brighter light bulbs also tend to give off a small, but constant amount of heat, which will have an effect on the overall temp of the space.

Summer decorating is about accommodating and controlling the heat in your home. Through control of light, air and texture, it should be possible to create a space which is comfortable and invigorating through even the warmest of the dog days of summer.