7 Decorating Design Trends To Avoid Heat
9 months looking forward to the good weather to enjoy the beach, the pool, the terraces... The heat is wonderful! But it can also become suffocating and unbearable, especially at home.
Although taking advantage of the air conditioning and fans is a great help, the bill of the light does not usually please. Fortunately, there are cheaper and easier ways to turn your home into a much cooler place in summer. One of them, decorating. Therefore, today we tell you a series of decoration ideas to avoid heat. You can not miss it!
Light Colors
One of the keys of decoration to avoid heat is, without a doubt, to use light and cold colors because, apart from attracting less light, they make the house seem fresher ( placebo effect ). White and blue are referents in these types of colors, so their combination will immediately refresh the environment. On the other hand, light touches of stronger tones such as pink or green or little ornate prints can also give vitality and dynamism to the home.Change Of Textiles
Summer 'on' mode: replace the warm winter fabrics with a cooler one that helps us combat high temperatures. Say goodbye to the wool, the skin, the chenille, the flannel and the velvet, prone to create a warm atmosphere, and receive with joy the linen, the silk and the cotton, that perspire better and do not retain the heat. In the same way, natural fibers are ideal to increase the feeling of lightness and freshness, since they absorb moisture and reduce the sensation of heat. Thus, we can pick up those thick woolen carpets that they gave us so much gustito in winter and bet on some of this material. Keep summer rooms cooler by switching out heavy textiles for breathable, light reflecting materials. In bedding, choose cotton percale in thread counts from 180 to 300 or washed linen for natural airflow and a dry feel. Replace thick duvets with a matelasse or pique coverlet and a lightweight cotton blanket. Select natural pillow fills such as down or buckwheat to disperse heat. At the windows, trade velvet or polyester drapes used alone for light colored solar roller shades or cellular shades, then add linen panels for softness and insulation.
For seating, slipcover dark leather with linen or cotton in pale colors and rotate plush throws for airy linen gauze or cotton waffle. Underfoot, roll up shag rugs that trap warmth and lay flatweave options such as jute, sisal, wool kilims, or cotton dhurries on breathable felt or a ventilated natural latex pad. Choose high LRV colors like chalk, bone, flax, sea salt green, and dusty blue to reflect sunlight. Care also matters. Wash bedding weekly, skip fabric softener that coats fibers, and line dry when possible for the coolest feel. These simple swaps reduce radiant heat, improve comfort during heat waves, and lower reliance on air conditioning throughout the season.
The Plants As Best Friends
Federico Garca Lorca already said it in his 'Gypsy Ballads': " Green that I love you green ". We must transfer this idea to the world of decoration, because placing indoor plants is another option that will help us to mitigate the heat. The plants purify and refresh the rooms, oxygenate the environment and create spaces with greater humidity. In this way, we can place some in the room, like a ficus or a bamboo. Other alternatives are the areca palm, the mother-in-law language or the money plant. Outside they also play a role against heat. For example, the vines on the facade will make thermal insulation, as well as the plants on the windowsill, which will minimize the entrance of heat to the house. Plants can help keep homes cooler by shading windows, boosting evaporative cooling through transpiration, and softening glare. Place tall potted trees like ficus, rubber plant, or areca palm near west and south windows to filter harsh sun while letting light through. For renters, use movable planters on rolling stands so you can track the sun across seasons. Train climbing pothos or philodendron along simple tension rods to create a living screen. In kitchens and baths, ferns and peace lilies enjoy humidity and return a fresher feel.
Choose light colored pots that reflect heat. Unglazed clay helps keep roots cooler because it breathes. Water in the morning so leaves are dry by evening. Group plants in loose clusters to create a small cool island without blocking airflow. Keep six inches between foliage and glass to prevent heat stress. Combine plants with light colored cellular shades for an effective one two punch.
Outdoors, use vines on trellises outside windows to stop heat before it hits the glass. Native species and drought tolerant choices reduce water use. Finally, clean leaves monthly so pores stay open and cooling stays efficient. Greener rooms often feel calmer, smell fresher, and stay a few degrees cooler naturally.
Blinds, Awnings And Curtains
The incidence of the sun through the windows of the house directly produces the rise of temperature in the interior. Therefore, another idea of decoration to avoid heat is to protect these heat inputs well by lowering blinds or placing an awning. Another effective resource are the curtains. These should be of clear tonalities so that they prevent the heat from entering while allowing some light to pass through. It is also a good idea to opt for double curtains that have opaque fabrics so that heat does not enter during the day. The curtains, on the other hand, are equally useful, because they let the air pass regulating the light and preventing the rays of the sun from overheating your home. Blinds and curtains are the first line of defense against summer heat. Start with heat blocking curtains and blackout curtains in bedrooms and media rooms. Dense weaves and light colored backings reflect sunlight, reduce heat gain, and protect furniture from fading. Pair them with cellular shades for superior window insulation. The air pockets inside the shade act as a buffer that helps keep house cool during peak sun.Â
Color matters. Select ivory, sand, or soft gray fabrics to reflect rays rather than absorb them. If you are energy conscious, focus on energy efficient window treatments and pair them with reflective liners. This combination can lower cooling loads and supports the goal of how to keep home cool without AC on mild days.
When shopping, include terms like best blinds for heat and energy efficient window treatments to compare products and reviews. Thoughtful layering, light palettes, and closure during afternoon sun will keep interiors comfortable and can reduce energy bills through the hottest months.
Ventilation, Please
It is not a technically decorative idea, but it deserves to be commented given its great influence in increasing the freshness of the home. The ideal time of day to ventilate is early in the day, whose fresh air will make the air renew and the rooms refresh. Then, of course, we must close the blinds well, which will prevent the glass and the frames of the windows and balconies from heating up. In the late afternoon, it is also a good time for outside air to enter. Whenever possible, it is advisable to open the windows crosswise, that is, by opening the opposite ones of the house. With this we will be able to generate current. The evening breeze is also ideal to cool the atmosphere, so it is preferable to sleep with doors and windows open so that the air travels throughout the house. Insulation
Another idea of decoration to avoid heat is to insulate the house well, which will keep, as much as possible, the heat away from home. It should be noted that if your home is well insulated you can save up to 40% on the electricity bill. An alternative, for example, is to install weather stripping on the windows. In addition, there is the possibility of using vertical windows, roof windows or external shutters. Control The Heat Spots
The house has spaces, materials and appliances that are a permanent source of heat. An example are light bulbs. We can change the analog bulbs by LEDs, which heat less and do not generate waste heat. Another resource is to turn off the light and use candles that, in addition, will create a more welcoming and natural lighting. The heat is also concentrated in the kitchen. Therefore, try to use the oven as little as possible and, in account, prepare cold dishes such as gazpachos or salads. On the other hand, appliances also attract heat. If you're not watching TV, it's better to unplug it, because even if it's off, it continues to generate current and, therefore, heat. So far these 7 decorating ideas to avoid heat. But these are not the only ones, with time and imagination sure we can think of many more. In Indecortrends you will find all kinds of furniture to undertake this transformation of your home from winter to summer.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I specialize in writing insightful content across a variety of topics including interior design, beauty tips, IT services for businesses, real estate, and international trade. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of these industries, I aim to deliver information that is not only practical but also engaging for readers across different sectors.
Beyond my professional work, I’m deeply passionate about the creative world—games, comics, art, literature, and design fuel my imagination and inspire much of my personal and professional perspective. I also have a strong affinity for fashion and home decoration, always keeping up with the latest trends and styles. Whether it’s blending aesthetics with functionality or telling compelling stories that inform and inspire, I’m driven by a love for learning and a commitment to high-quality content.
