Summer season can be brutal, with scorching sun outside, accompanied with intense heat and clammy humidity. Naturally indoors become a safe haven. But to truly feel comfortable, you need to tune your home to summer season so the space feels visually light, airy, refreshing and clutter-free. From breathable fabrics and cooling colour palates to better airflow, small decor changes can go a long way.
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To make your interiors feel visually cool and refreshing, you may need to make a few simple changes and move things around or add. From improving airflow to switching up textures and colours, small adjustments can easily make a space feel lighter and more comfortable for summer,
Arth Kumar, founder of Shreem Interior Designs, shared with us a brief guide, covering some of the best summer decor must-haves and easy styling tips to create a breezy, calming indoor space.
“Design is becoming more experiential, focusing on how a space feels, not just how it looks,” Arth said, suggesting that interior design is about more than just aesthetics. It is also about how a space emotionally and physically affects the homeowners. And in summers, your space needs to soothe you.
Here's his guide to summer essentials:
1. Smart layouts
- One of the most overlooked yet impactful decor changes that you can make.
- Instead of relying entirely on air conditioning, creating better airflow through the space can make a noticeable difference.
- Clearing pathways and repositioning bulky furniture can significantly enhance cross-ventilation, inviting a natural breeze into the home.
2. Linen and sheers
- Summer lean into softer, breathable materials like linen, cotton, and textured weaves.
- Pairing muted neutrals with soft pastels creates a visual ‘coolness’ that makes any room feel more expansive.
3. Curtains and drapes
- They are more than just window dressings, they infuse style and can instantly transform the very mood of our homes.
- Sheer curtains allow sunlight to dance across your room, casting a gentle, ethereal glow.
- They reduce the harsh glare of the sun without without sacrificing natural light and work beautifully when layered with blockout curtains for temperature control.
- Curtains trap the heat outside during peak afternoon hours, creating a bright, airy and calming atmosphere in your home.
4. Pop of colour
- Give your space a summer refresh with intentional pops of colour.
- Vibrant throw pillows, curtains, and rugs are the easiest way to transform a room.
- By pairing bold accents with sophisticated neutrals, you create a polished, inviting look that feels curated rather than cluttered.
- For instance, wake up a classic beige sofa with burnt orange or burgundy cushions.
- For coastal vibes, try a crisp white and sapphire blue palette accented with coral.
5. Reflective and organic walls
- Go for pastel abstracts or mirrors instead of moody art.
- Mirrors act as light amplifiers, making tight spaces feel airy.
- For a tactile touch, use wall-mounted vases with seasonal blooms.
- Hang some lovely coastal inspired artwork, a landscape, waves or perhaps abstract art in soft pastels or warm summer tones.
6. Sensory approach
- Subtle additions like fresh flowers, natural elements, or even fragrance create a softer, more inviting environment.
- Adding a bowl with flowers and fresh, summery scents.
- Switch your candle scents for something fresh like citrus, oceanic or floral notes.
- Earthy Textures: Incorporate rattan, jute, and light woods. These "beachy" textures soften the aesthetic and feel less heavy than dark timbers.
7. Greenery
- Bring the outdoors in with indoor greenery.
- A herb garden on a windowsill or large potted plants can make a kitchen or living area feel lush and cool.
8. Stone finishes
- Utilize materials like stone, terrazzo, and matte textures as they are excellent sustainable decor choices.
- These materials don’t just look summery; natural finishes like terrazzo and matte stone remain physically cool to the touch, offering a functional reprieve from the heat.