Summer! The season of long evenings outdoor with friends. Holiday, travels and relaxed time with a book. As the days and evenings are long, life seems to go slower. And we slow down because fo the warm weather.
DIY leather magazine holder Burkatron - office space via Curbed - office on the right Evelyn Muller Fotografias
Summer is not all about holiday and long evenings on the patio, we also have to work. Being inside for a few hours a day, be it in the office or working from home. I know most people love to have the room temperature quite low to feel refreshed, personally I hate air conditioners. Not in the first place as they are, in general, very ugly pieces disturbing the room. It is as my brain is freezing and when I come out of such un-natural cold places I feel as I can defrost. So for me no air conditioner. And not to forget the impact it has on the environment, all the electricity you use to have it working all day. Think twice when you put your air conditioner on 20 degrees.
Have some air circulating in a natural way in your home. Some semi-transparent linen curtains will filter the light and keep the sun outside. Add plants; a recent study from the University of Melbourne shows that plants can reduce heat, they act as a natural air conditioner and evaporate water in their leaves to leave the air nice and cool. So, decorate your home with green plants and feel the benefits.
Cupboard via Stace King - outdoor dining area via The Identite - ceiling lamps via Amanda Kramer
We don’t need comfort food; salads, fresh fruits are all we need. They contain a lot of water and will keep us hydrated. Instead of plain water, make some infused waters and you will see that drinking water was never so easy. When possible, we will enjoy as much as possible our meal in the garden or on the patio. A beautiful wooden table, white plates and some nice simple white linen napkins will bring a crisp touch to the colorful fruits and veggies.
Terrace on the left via Gardening Lovers - on the right via Gardenista
Keep the colors simple; natural tones and materials are a perfect base. The lighter the colors the more it will reflect the light. Dark colors will absorbe the light and the heat. Imagine yourself wearing something white or black in summer, you will feel immediately the difference. We don’t all have a beautiful and green garden, but our balcony can be our little piece of heaven here on earth when we are surrounded by plants and flowers. I bought a jasmine this week, the perfume is just amazing. And all the red and pink tones of the flowers I have on my balcony put me in a cheerful mood even on a grey day.
sitting area via I-Shtar - outdoor shower via Vienna Wedekind - pool side via Danish Streets - wooden rings via Regards et Maisons
Water is probably to most favorite way to get refreshed on a hot mid summer day; at the beach, jumping in the pool or a cold shower in the garden. And than you will look for a spot to relax out of the sun. A parasol is one option; you are out of the sun but take care you can still get a sunburn sitting under the parasol.
I love to find an escape from the heat by sitting under a tall tree, as the air can circulate better than under a parasol it also feels cooler. Make a cover with some branches or bamboo sticks and create a nice play of shade and sunlight
bedroom via Desire to Inspire - ceiling fan via House Beautiful - slippers Nomadic Polska
Also the nights will be warm. Sleep with open window; a ceiling fan can bring some release by moving the air around. As we all know that the warm air goes up in the room, putting your bed lower to the ground will be cooler. Natural bedlinen such as fine cotton or linen are much better than a polyester mixture. Wide linen and cotton cloths will keep you also cool in the day.
outdoor fireplace Ecosmart Fire - Meridiiano wall lamp Vibia
Late evenings outdoor are one of the advantages of warm summer days and it will cool down in the evening. Depending on where you live, the evening can even be a bit chilly, an outdoor fireplace will bring ambiance and give just that bit of warmth to keep you comfortable. Nice outdoor light fixtures will make those evenings perfect.
Ready for summer?
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