It is that time of the year when the breeze is getting warmer, days are longer and the flowers on the mango trees are in full bloom. Woollens are being stowed away, the sharper sun is a welcome change and the kids are looking forward to their breaks whilst enjoying the lemonades, mangoes and jackfruits. Yes, it is the onset of summer and what better way to celebrate brighter days than making your home ‘summer ready’. With mercury and humidity levels set to soar it is important to keep your home cool and pleasant as there is no better place than your own house to relax and beat the heat.
Yellow: color of summer
Declutter, Minimalist décor and a Neutral color scheme
Summers are the best excuse to discard what you do not need and declutter. Going minimal and leaving your house airy and open is the best way to channel ventilation and retain the freshness amidst the heat and humidity. “Start your spring cleaning and take out all the clutter and make the whole space very light and easy on the eye” says Karishma Sheth, Interior Designer, Ayushi Kanodia Designs.
Apart from adopting to have an understated and simple look for your home, it is best to avoid dark and metallic colours that absorb heat and are very heavy. Opt for colors like beige, white and pastel shades that help to keep the house breezy and cool. “The Scandi trend is set to be just as big in 2018 summers. Use whites predominantly with touches of grey, or pastels as scandi décor is all about the limited palette” says Piyush Bhandari, co- Founder, JumpingGoose.
“Don’t go for Orange, Red, and shades of that family, as it is mostly seen to disseminate heat” adds Mr.Vaibhav Jain, CEO, Deco Window. Mediterranean blues and refreshing yellows are some great choices too as they add a cozy vibe to the house. Who says hygge is just limited to winter! ‘Don’t go for Orange, Red, and shades of that family, as it is mostly seen to disseminate heat
Natural materials, fabrics and furnishings
Summer is the time to throw way those heavy rugs and thick curtains and opt for furnishing that have a naturally cooling effect. Use materials like soft cotton, linens and jute that are natural and help keep the heat away.
Avoid upholstery in heavy silks and leather as this tends to make the interiors stuffy and is certainly uncomfortable on the skin during high temperatures and humidity. “Cotton, wood, rattan and wicker are great materials to start integrating into your space. Reminiscent of Goan huts and beach abodes, rattan is the ultimate summer material. Consider trying the look of the moment — a rattan lampshade or maybe a wicker pendant light” says Ashish Dhingra from MarksDzyn.
Flowy fabrics add a sprightly and cheerful vibe to the room and add a sense of space. Also, small prints, floral patterns and even geometric designs go a long way in giving the space a pleasant yet lively look.
Greenery and fresh flowers
The importance of having plants all around especially during the summer can hardly be overemphasised. Apart from outdoor greens, having indoor plants adds to the freshness quotient and plays a great role in keeping temperatures under control. Money plant, peace lily, lucky bamboo shoots and climbers are great ideas to keep the room fresh and lively. Even flowering plants like hibiscus, dahlia and lilacs flourish well in summers.
Having aromatic herbs like thyme and basil provide a much needed “detox” effect to the house. “A valuable insight during such times is using hanging pots watered at regular intervals which acts as a cooling factor for nature as well as helps the birds” says Mr.Vaibhav Jain, CEO, Deco Window.
Even if you do not have a green thumb, go in for succulents that need plenty of light and are very low on maintenance. Place succulents in colourful planters on your kitchen window or the window sill of your living room to give the space a dash of life. Alternatively, you can use fresh flowers to keep you closer to nature.
Nothing is more refreshing than placing bunches of fresh roses, gerberas, gladioli and asters in vases in your bedroom, living room and even kitchen. “Decorate your space with lots of plants and go ahead in creating refreshing green corners which help you relax automatically. Exotic flower arrangements with oriental lilies, birds of paradise and the like add to the freshness.” says Vaishnavipratima Kodakalla , interior designer and founder Vaishnavipratima-the interiors studio.
Accessories for a bohemian and rustic chic look
Adding pops of color to a muted palette can add the right sense of balance and brightness to any space. Accessories like cushion covers in bohemian or even animal print can add the right amount of exuberance. Colourful vases, planters and quirky wall plates do go a long way in creating contrasts that are peppy but not really intrusive or heavy.
Terracotta accessories like floating bowls, windchimes and candle holders add a rustic chic yet stylish look to the house. “Add fragrance to the rooms by floating scented candles and fresh flowers. This will not only enhance the beauty of the rooms but also keep you energetic during the long and sultry summer days. Water is a natural heat absorbent and will help in keeping the home cool” says Dipti Das, Head of Design at HomeLane.com
This article was originally published in Deccan Herald here.
