As much as we love our warm and cozy sanctuaries, the rising temperatures outside may not let us enjoy it as much anymore. That’s why it’s high time we transform our cozy sanctuaries into a summer oasis especially now that most of us are spending our time working or taking classes from home. From swapping out the sheets to changing the heavy window drapes, there are plenty of ways to give your home a light and airy look without spending a fortune. After all, you already have the inevitable utility bills to worry about.
Aside from making your room look cooler, there are actually other design updates that can actually help it feel cooler. With a few simple swaps, you can easily turn your home into a summer haven. Here are some decor swaps for a summer-ready home.
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Winter Drapes to Cooling Window Treatments
The first step to creating your very own summer oasis is to swap out those heavy drapes with gauzy, lightweight curtains. These let in that wonderful summer sunlight and give the room a summery vibe. If you want to have more control over how much light gets into your home, you can also opt for lightweight shades. Too much sunlight can jack up the heat inside though. So to avoid letting too much sunlight in, you can opt for materials with reflective properties to reflect back as much light as possible. Invest in shades that have plastic or blackout linings on the reverse to keep the room cool.
Additionally, consider incorporating colorful throw pillows and light blankets to enhance the seasonal atmosphere while keeping things cozy. For those living in limited spaces, these small apartment decoration tips can help you maximize style without overwhelming your environment. Finally, adding a few potted plants can further elevate the space, bringing in a touch of nature and freshness that complements your summer oasis.
Fuzzy Rugs to Bare Floors
Everyone loves that soft and fuzzy feeling underfoot. But when it’s hot and sticky, all you’d want to do is place your feet somewhere cool. So as much as you love those soft and fuzzy rugs, it might be time to give them the summer off. Vacuum them up nicely, roll them up, and put them in proper storage. Then, embrace that hardwood or stone floor. It’s a lot cooler and it’s a good change of style. For spots that need the customary rug, swap in a lightweight rug like those made of natural fiber.
Candles and Pinecones to Flowers and Mirrors
You don’t necessarily have to bring in a garden to your home to give it that summer vibe. But a change of accessories would definitely give any room a summer-ready feel. The best part about this is that you won’t need to do a complete overhaul. Simply swap a few low-key accents to reflect a beachy, tropical, or nautical feel. You can also play with colors and use more cool tones to cool down the look of the room. Incorporating some creative plant wall designs can add a fresh and vibrant touch to your space without overwhelming it. Consider hanging lightweight planters or arranging succulents in unique patterns to create an eye-catching focal point. This way, you can introduce greenery into your home while maintaining an airy, summery atmosphere.
Fanless to Open Windows and Cross Ventilation
The summer heat might feel nice and good some days but nobody wants to bake inside their own homes. In this hot weather, cross ventilation would be your best friend. Not only does it keep the room cool, it also keeps fresh air circulating.
To do this, open two windows facing each other. It doesn’t matter whether they’re only across the room or across the apartment. What’s important is that there’s a pathway for air to come in and out properly. Then, set up a fan facing the apartment next to one window. This will help usher in fresh air. If you’re in need of extra cooling, set up a bowl of ice in front of it. If you have a second fan at hand, set it up facing outward on the second window so that it’ll propel the inside air back outside.
Cozy Sheets to Breathable Sheets
If you don’t want to be turning and tossing sweaty in the middle of the night, consider swapping out your warm cotton sheets to lightweight linen sheets. You can also throw in a cooling pillow if you want to go along with it. This’ll make your bed so much cooler and your slumber a lot deeper.
Full and Fluffy Couches to Streamlined Relaxation Areas
Curling up on your sofas piled with soft throw pillows and snuggly blankets might’ve go-to after work relaxation activity. But now, it’s time to streamline. Think less is more. It’s time to store those knit blankets and swap out those velvet pillow covers to lightweight linen or cotton ones. Keep one or two cozy blankets in hand though in a woven basket nearby maybe just in case the AC gets a little chilly at the end of the day.
Smoky Scents to Fresher Scents
One of the best ways to bring the summer feel into your home is to engage your sense of smell. Switch up your woody, pumpkin, or gingerbread scents to lighter, citrusy, or floral scents. You can avail some candles but essential oil diffusers do the trick just as well.