Beat the Summer Heat: 11 Tips to Help You Keep Your Cool

Summer is here, and the temperatures are rising! As someone who lives in the South, I know how hot and uncomfortable the days can be….so, I thought I’d share with you 11 tips to help you keep your cool through the summer heat—from a decorator’s point of view, of course! #1. Use fans to circulate air. Most of us are fortunate enough to have ceiling fans in many of the rooms in our homes, and the summer is a great time to put them to use! Turn fans on midday to circulate cool air. #2. Set a moderate temperature on your thermostat. Lowering the temperature on your thermostat can become an expensive habit, but if you couple a slightly lower temperature with the use of your ceiling fans (see tip #1), you just might find the right balance to create a comfortable environment that doesn’t break the bank! #3. Put away throws and extra throw pillows when they aren’t being used. Many of us like to use throw pillows and blankets to bring comfort and color to our spaces, but these elements can also add a bit of warmth (literally!) to your space. Find a place to store these items when you don’t need them to create a light and airy space.

#4. Go with a cooler color palette.

Don’t necessarily want to hide your beloved throws and blankets? Go with a cooler color palette of blues, greens and whites. You’ll be using color psychology to trick your mind into a more comfortable climate!

#5. Change your bedding for lighter options.

This one might seem obvious, but go ahead and stash the down comforter and extra blankets. Who needs them when temperatures are in the 80s and 90s? Lightweight options are your friend and will keep you comfortable through the night!

#6. Make that unused fireplace an attractive vignette.

Most homes and even some apartments are coming standard with fireplaces. While these are beautiful architectural elements that serve as a natural focal point for the room, they probably won’t be getting much use during these hot months. Instead of ignoring them, use them to create a bright, seasonal, summer-inspired vignette.

#7. Add seasonal flowers and plants to your space.

Aside from some fresh C20, live plants and flowers bring the outdoors in—thus allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors in the comfort of your air conditioned home!

#8. Use your blinds and shades to block out UV rays.

You invested a lot of money in those blinds, roman shades, curtains, etc…so USE them to block out harsh sunlight. Close them during the day to keep your indoor temperatures cool.

#9. Find your go-to summer duds.

Clearing out the clutter, storing cold-weather clothes and identifying your go-to summer outfits will not only keep you cool outside of your home, but it’ll also give your space a more light, airy and open feel.

#10. Try out easy-to-prepare summer recipes.

Cut down on your use of the oven this summer (and on the residual heat from that appliance) by incorporating a few light summer-inspired recipes.

#11. End the day with a refreshing summer drink.

You know you’ve got tons of icy, cool summer drinks pinned to your Pinterest board (if you don’t, it won’t be too hard for you to find a few yummy options). Take some time to try out a few of these recipes. This will refresh you at the end of a long day and it will give you a new option to share at your next summer gathering!

How do you cool off in your home during the summer? Let ForRent.com know in the comment section below!