Summer is knocking at our doors, which can be exciting for some – but with pollen levels rising and the risk of sweaty nights keeping us awake, you wouldn’t be blamed for feeling a bit of apprehension.
If you’re dreading the heat or just looking for a summer refresh, Interior designer Amy Wilson and Product Developer Helen O’Connor from 247 Curtains have provided their expert tips on how to prepare your home and get excited about the new season.
1. Invest in smart home solutions
In the UK our houses are not built for hot weather, but there are preventative measures we can take to better regulate the temperatures of our homes.
Helen says: “Blackout curtains are a great all-year-round investment, as they keep in the warmth in the winter, but block out light and heat in the summer. With the sun setting later in the evenings and rising earlier in the morning, keeping out light is essential to achieve better sleep quality.”
She adds: “During a hot spell, your first reaction might be to open your windows to get fresh air flowing but this can often lead to heat seeping into your home. But with blackout curtains, they do a great job of reducing the amount of heat entering your home as well as any cool air escaping, which means it’s easier to maintain a comfortable inside temperature.”
2. Clean and dust more regularly
Dusting and cleaning more often is important during summer months as you bring in pollen from the outdoors, and it’s even more so if there are allergy sufferers in the house. If you have a central air conditioning system installed in your home, make sure to have it repaired and change its air filters with the help of professional hvac contractors who can provide expert air conditioning repair services. Through regular tune-ups from ac repair oahu technicians, you can rest assured that your ac unit will be running at its maximum efficiency.
Helen explains: “Pollen particles can be carried into the home through many different means, for example through pet fur, clothes and open windows. Because of this, it is essential to be thorough with cleaning, which means upping the frequency of tasks such as brushing pet hair, wiping down surfaces, and washing your bedding.”
She stresses: “Running a vacuum and dust brush around your house daily will also really help to alleviate hay fever symptoms. Don’t neglect your curtains, if you’re leaving your windows open then over time they will collect pollen particles. Take your dusting brush and lightly run along the curtains, left to right. Try to do this on a weekly basis as part of your cleaning routine.”
3. Remember to remove these items from your window sills
To prepare for summer, make sure you move any light-reflecting objects away from windows as these can be quite dangerous when exposed to intense, direct sunlight.
Adam Pawson, Marketing Director at Safestyle advises: “Make sure to move objects such as beauty mirrors away from direct sunlight and off windowsills, especially in a heatwave as they can concentrate the sun’s rays and cause other nearby objects such as clothing to set fire. This goes the same for other reflective items such as glasses of water too.
“It is also important to keep aerosols such as deodorants and sprays out of direct sunlight as these items can easily build-up pressure and explode.”
4. Switch out your bedding
Don’t underestimate the importance of switching out your duvet as the seasons change as it could be what’s ruining your sleep.
Lucy Ackroyd, Head of Design at luxury bedding company Christy, explains: “It really makes a difference having the right tog duvet for the time of year – being too hot or cold is enough to keep you up at night. During these warmer months, a lighter tog of 4.5 is recommended. If you like something a little heavier but still breathable, try a 10.5 tog.”
She continues: “Everyone sleeps differently so understanding your own personal needs is crucial. If you’re quite a sweaty sleeper, opt for more breathable duvets and bedding, or if you’re on the other end of the scale and get quite cold at night, heavier duvets that retain heat will work best to keep you warm.”
5. Brighten up your colour scheme
Summer is the perfect time to get the paintbrushes out and use colour to give your home a new lease of life.
Amy suggests: “Try to utilise the sunny weather as a chance to paint as it allows for quicker drying conditions. Why not switch up the colour of your front door or upgrade your bedroom? If you’re not ready to commit to a big change, you can swap out any moody or cosy soft furnishing and accessories for brighter alternatives. Accent a room with some vibrant green curtains for example.”
She advises: “Other colours like sunshine yellows or gentle duck-egg blues are perfect for this time of year. Not only do these colours look great when the sun hits, but when we transition back to the darker seasons, these mood-boosting tones can help to bring life and light into your home throughout the year.”
6. Get garden party ready
We all want to be able to enjoy our gardens with our friends, but some prep work may be needed if the space has been neglected during the cold and rain.
Amy encourages: “If you’re planning loads of barbecues this summer, start thinking about removing weeds and trimming back any overgrown plants that may be blocking any sunlight into your garden and plant some new flowers to add some colour. Don’t forget to give any outside furniture a good clean and wipe down before your guests arrive, and make sure any covering or pillows you use for them are put through the wash.”
