Last Updated:June 08, 2025, 19:20 IST
By embracing breathable materials, thoughtful colour palettes, and clever ventilation, your home can become a natural retreat from the heat.
In a season where the sun reigns supreme, our homes deserve to be our coolest sanctuaries
As summer blazes on, transforming your home into a soothing oasis can feel like a necessity rather than a luxury. With sweltering days and lingering warmth, the right design strategies can make all the difference not just in aesthetics but in actual comfort. Interior experts suggest that by embracing breathable materials, thoughtful colour palettes, and clever ventilation, your home can become a natural retreat from the heat.
Cool Palettes, Calm Minds
“The first step to a summer-ready space is lightening the palette,” says Sukriti Sharrma, Partner, Plüsch. “Soft, sun-reflective tones like whites, pale blues, and mint greens can instantly make interiors feel more open and breathable.” Whether it’s cream-toned countertops or linen slipcovers, these subtle shifts in hue contribute not only to visual serenity but also to a sense of airiness that offsets the intensity outside.
Echoing this, Anika Mittal Dhawan, founder, Mold Design Studio, emphasizes the power of tone and texture. “Muted whites, warm beiges, and soft greys reflect rather than absorb sunlight. When paired with natural materials like rattan or loosely woven linen, they create a space that feels cool and welcoming.”
Let It Breathe: The Art of Ventilation
With rising temperatures, good ventilation is more than functional—it’s foundational. “Use ceiling fans to circulate a cooling breeze and open windows during the early morning or late evening to create cross-ventilation,” recommends Sharrma. “In the kitchen, high-performance range hoods also help reduce indoor heat and humidity.”
Meanwhile, Dhawan suggests styling decisions that further enhance airflow. “Avoid overcrowding your interiors. A space that breathes—free from excessive furniture—naturally promotes circulation and reduces stuffiness,” she says. “It’s about creating an uncluttered, calming environment that feels inherently cooler.”
Natural Materials: Form Meets Function
Summer decor thrives on materials that are as practical as they are beautiful. “Cotton and linen are heroes of the season,” says Sharrma. “They’re breathable, durable, and adapt well to both body temperature and humidity, making them ideal for slipcovers, bed linens, and curtains.”
Dhawan adds a tactile, earthy layer to the conversation. “We love reintroducing terracotta into contemporary homes from clay jaalis to handcrafted pots. These act as natural coolers and also bring a grounded, artisanal charm to interiors.” Even terracotta lamps or planters, she notes, can assist in regulating indoor temperatures while celebrating Indian craftsmanship.
Nature’s Touch: Green is the New Cool
Indoor greenery plays a dual role in summer interiors: aesthetic and atmospheric. “Placing plants like areca palms, snake plants, or rubber plants near windows helps create a cooling buffer,” says Dhawan. “They purify the air and reduce indoor temperature subtly but effectively.”
Indoor-Outdoor Harmony
For those with balconies, terraces, or garden nooks, Sharrma suggests embracing seamless transitions. “Extend your dining or lounging area outdoors with modular furniture made of aluminium or resin wicker. Pair them with UV-resistant fabrics to create a casual, resort-like vibe perfect for shaded brunches or evening tea.”
The Summer State of Mind
Ultimately, both experts agree, a summer-ready home isn’t just about staying cool. It’s about feeling cool, through intentional design. “Prioritise openness, natural light, and ease of movement,” advises Sharrma. “The rhythm of summer should be mirrored in how your home functions and feels.”
Dhawan concurs, adding, “Home décor in high temperatures should serve more than an aesthetic purpose — it should actively support your well-being.”
So whether it’s swapping out heavy drapes for khadi curtains, letting terracotta pots cool your space naturally, or simply choosing a more breathable colour scheme, creating a serene, summer-ready home is a blend of smart design and conscious living. After all, in a season where the sun reigns supreme, our homes deserve to be our coolest sanctuaries.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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