Stylishly Cool – Technical Solutions for Summer Days
More Than Decoration – Active Cooling in Your Home
Summer interior design is not only about playing with colors, materials, and furniture, but also about technical and functional solutions that help keep the heat under control. Effective shading, a well-chosen air conditioner, and conscious use of the living space all contribute to making your home not only stylish but truly livable during the hottest days.
In the second part of our current article, we provide practical advice – naturally inspired by Italian design.
Air Conditioning
Fan: Quick and Easy Solution
A fan does not reduce the air temperature but improves the perceived temperature by keeping the air moving. Its advantages are that it is inexpensive, mobile, and requires no installation. A simple yet effective trick is to place a cool pack or a bowl of ice water in front of the device – this way, the fan circulates cooler air into the room. Types include floor or stand fans for greater airflow, tower fans for smaller spaces, and ceiling fans, which serve as a fixed solution for both small and large rooms.
Portable AC: Mobile Comfort
Portable air conditioners have the advantage of being ready for immediate use, requiring no installation, and being ideal for quickly cooling smaller rooms. Their drawbacks include being noisier, and the hot air must be vented through a hose out the window, which requires placement near a window and a special seal.
Split AC: Efficient and Discreet
A split air conditioning system consists of one indoor and one outdoor unit. Its advantage is that it efficiently cools larger spaces and is quieter than the portable version. However, installation requires a professional and comes with a higher cost. Regular maintenance is essential, especially for health reasons: an unclean unit can cause respiratory illnesses.
Multisplit and Heat Pump Systems
If you want to cool multiple rooms at the same time, it's worth choosing a multisplit system, where a single outdoor unit can be connected to up to four indoor units. Inverter heat pumps can both cool and heat, making them usable year-round. Although the initial investment is higher, they offer a cost-effective and sustainable solution in the long run.
Shading and Light Protection
External and Internal Shading
Direct sunlight is one of the main sources of heat in the home during summer. The most effective solution is external shading: shutters, blinds, and awnings. These block the sun's rays before they reach the glass surfaces. Inside, light-colored, densely woven curtains, roller blinds, and Venetian blinds help reduce heat entry. Light shades also reflect light, providing a visually cooling effect.
Heat Protection Window Film
An increasingly popular solution is heat protection film applied to windows, which reduces the amount of heat transmitted by sunlight and also blocks UV radiation. It is aesthetic, easy to apply, and does not obstruct the view.
Green Shading: Plants and Natural Solutions
Natural shading is gaining popularity in modern homes. Shade-providing trees, climbing plants, and green walls not only filter sunlight but also humidify the air, improving indoor temperature perception. In Mediterranean-style homes, this is not only a practical but also an aesthetic solution that harmonizes nature with the living space.
Summer Comfort in Small Rooms
Small Space, Big Possibilities
Summer heat is not limited to the living room or bedroom. Smaller spaces like the entryway, bathroom, or home office can often become even hotter due to poor ventilation, dark surfaces, or cluttered furnishings. However, these spaces can be refreshed easily with a few conscious choices. A well-placed mirror, light-colored storage, or airy layout can make the room appear larger and promote better airflow. These areas also contribute to a fresh summer home atmosphere, so it is worth paying attention to them.
Practical and Light Furniture Pieces
In small spaces, it is especially important to avoid heavy, dark, or oversized furniture that absorbs light and creates a feeling of clutter. Instead, choose slim-lined, light-colored, and functionally designed furniture. A narrow shoe cabinet or open console table not only provides practical storage but also offers a clean look. Light wood tones, pastel colors, and open-shelving solutions make the room feel more airy.
One such functional yet aesthetic piece is the Sedia bench, also available in the Italia Bútor selection. This bench not only offers a comfortable seating option but also includes storage functionality, and thanks to its design and color options, it easily fits into smaller spaces.
Lifestyle Tips for a Cooler Home
Refreshing Meals and Hydration
In the summer heat, it’s worth changing your eating habits. Instead of heavy, greasy meals, choose light, fresh dishes like salads, cold soups, or fruits. These don’t burden the body and don’t require lengthy cooking, which would heat up the home even more. Ample fluid intake is also essential: cold water, unsweetened lemonade, or iced tea not only refresh but help maintain the body's optimal temperature balance.
Nighttime Ventilation
For effective cooling, you can also use natural air movement. At night or early morning, when the outside temperature drops, open windows to ventilate the entire home. If you can create a cross-draft, cooling will be even more effective. In the morning, however, close all windows and darken the rooms to retain the coolness from the night.
Closing Off Minimally Used Spaces
It's a good idea to designate areas in your home that are less frequently used during the day and keep their doors closed. This prevents cooler areas from warming up unnecessarily and allows the air conditioner or fan to operate more efficiently in the actively used rooms. This is especially true for attic rooms or south-facing areas, where the air heats up quickly.
Italia Bútor: Cool Inspiration All Summer Long
If you're looking for ideas, check out Italia Bútor’s light-toned bedroom or living room collections, where summer freshness meets Italian elegance. A well-placed piece of furniture or accessory not only adds style but also contributes to a pleasant indoor climate.
