Cool home decor ideas for the hot summer months

I love Toronto’s warm summer months, though we haven’t had that many scorching days; I haven’t even put my air conditioning on yet! There’s still time though because August can get really hot! In California (where I also design), we’ve had some very hot, dry temperatures this summer. How we design and decorate our homes can have a cooling effect on us. Are you looking for some cool home decor ideas for the hot summer? Here are five to consider!

1) Add some blue to your décor

via homebunch.com

Blue will cool down your space. Pair your blue with white and it will enhance the feeling as white reflects the heat. Try adding pops of your favourite blue hue through textiles such as curtains and throw pillows to create this timeless look!

2) Reupholster your headboard

via porch.com

Make your bedroom feel like an island resort by reupholstering your headboard with a tropical printed fabric! Try incorporating bright florals or larger prints to bring life and spontaneity to your bedroom. Use white linens for a cooling, fresh contrast.

3) Hang up tranquil art

via stylecaster.com

An effective way to make a change in your space is through swapping out your art pieces. To create a calming effect, aim for pieces inspired by nature such as oceanic images. If blue and green hues work with your décor they are a great choice for mixing complementary colours. You can change up art and accessories with the seasons or enjoy the cool feeling all year round.

4) Take control of the light

Usually, you want as much light as possible, but too much light can also make a room feel warmer. There are a number of ways we can control light to warm or cool a room. Using fluorescent or LED bulbs and dimmers can bring the temperature down in a room. Lower your shades or add awnings outside to regulate the amount of sun. Also, the fixtures you choose can develop the feeling of cool in your space. For example, rattan fixtures with wicker elements and accessories make for a cool vibe.

5) Embrace minimal décor

via sightunseen.com

Declutter and reorganize! Stick to a few large scale, staple pieces and rely on simplicity to revamp your rooms. Not only will this make your space feel more open, but it can have a cooling effect.

These cool home decor ideas can bring down the temperature in your space. They will also look great in any season. Find more cooling decor ideas on our Pinterest board.

Jo-Ann Capelaci is president and principal interior designer of Colours & Concepts Inc. The award winning company specializes in model homes and colour and upgrade selections for builders. They have been helping new home buyers choose finishes for their homes for over 20 years. Jo-Ann is dedicated to helping new home buyers create a model home feeling in their new home. Look for future articles on other topics to assist in decorating and designing your new home.