Texas summers are not for the weak of heart, as everyone who has ever experienced them knows. Maintaining a comfortable and effortlessly elegant house is crucial due to the constant sun and triple-digit heat. At Keller Design Studio, we believe that the changing seasons should inspire a makeover of your home’s look as well as its atmosphere. Now let’s discuss how to get your place ready for the next hot months without compromising on elegance or sanity.
Bring in Lighter, Cooler Colors
Replacing warm, heavy decorations with lighter, cooler hues is one of the most basic ways to visually “cool down” your home. Lighter hues reflect heat, making your room feel lighter and more airy, whereas darker hues tend to absorb it. Light greys, sage greens, soft whites, and pale blues can quickly turn your house into a cool summer haven.
Repainting your entire house is not necessary to update your color scheme. Start small by changing your bedding, replacing heavy curtains with linen panels, or replacing throw pillows. These small changes significantly contribute to the seasonally appropriate light, airy look.
Choose Breathable Fabrics
Heavy textiles such as velvet, wool, and faux fur are inappropriate for the Texas heat. Choose materials that are cool against the skin and have good breathability instead. Cotton and linen are excellent options since they are durable, breathable, and add a relaxed elegance to any area.
Making the transition to breathable materials for your curtains, slipcovers, and linens can significantly increase the level of comfort in your house. Specifically, sheer window treatments let in natural light while reducing harsh glare, giving the space a touch of coziness without increasing the temperature.
Manage the Light and Heat in Your Windows
Your windows are your home’s first line of defense against the unrelenting Texas sun. Although too much sunlight can make a space feel like a sauna, natural light is still a good architectural element. Installing window treatments that use less energy can have a significant impact.
Blackout curtains are excellent for bedrooms to guarantee calm, pleasant sleep, and light-filtering or solar shades minimize heat and UV rays without compromising brightness. For a more fashionable option, consider layered treatments, which combine function and style. For example, sheer panels might be used with heavy drapes.
Add Greenery That Can Handle the Heat
Houseplants are a great way to give freshness and life to a room, but even indoor plants can suffer in the heat if not chosen correctly. Choose low-maintenance, resilient plants that do well in warm, dry climates. Rubber trees, pothos, and snake plants are all great options for adding a natural touch without requiring a lot of care. They not only look amazing, but they also contribute to air purification, which is a huge plus when you’re trying to create a peaceful, clean environment indoors when the outside world is sizzling.
Simplify and Declutter for a Breezier Feel
Summer is the perfect time to simplify your home. Heavy layers and over-decorated surfaces can feel stifling when temperatures rise. Clear off your countertops, store away thick throws and layered rugs, and opt for a more minimal aesthetic. This helps your rooms feel more open and breezy. Decluttering also gives you a chance to restyle your shelves or coffee tables with lighter, summer-themed accents like ceramic vases, glass objects, or books with bright, coastal covers. The result is a home that feels fresh, intentional, and perfectly in tune with the season.
Designate Cool Zones
Creating a “cool zone” in your home is about more than air conditioning. It’s about creating an atmosphere that encourages you to rest and unwind. Whether it’s a cozy reading corner by a window or a small nook with a fan and your favorite chair, having a designated cool-down space can make hot days much more bearable. Use soft lighting, light textiles, and calming scents like eucalyptus or lavender to complete the experience. With the right design touches, even a small corner can feel like a personal retreat from the heat.
Take Your Style Outdoors
Summers in Texas were meant to be spent outside, provided that you have some shade. Make the most of your outdoor spaces by giving them a seasonal update. To make the area more usable during peak hours, place a light-colored outdoor mat, use UV-resistant cushions in soft neutrals, and think about including an umbrella or sunshade.
A misting fan or outdoor ceiling fan can also be extremely effective. Remember to add ambiance as well. Potted plants, lanterns, and string lights give your outside area character and warmth, making it the ideal place for summer night use.
Let Your Floors Breathe
Your floors can either help or hinder your home’s ability to remain cool. During the summer months, roll up large area rugs and let tile or hardwood do the heavy work. These materials may significantly alter the feel of a space and are inherently colder to touch. If you’re not ready to go completely bare, choose flat-weave cotton or jute carpets instead. They provide softness underfoot but do not trap heat like plush rugs do. Even small flooring changes can immediately make your home feel more summer-ready.
Update Your Lighting
Lighting plays a bigger role in interior temperature than you might think. Traditional incandescent bulbs generate more heat than you’d expect, so summer is a great time to switch to energy-efficient LED options. Not only do they stay cool to the touch, but they also come in customizable color temperatures, allowing you to shift to a warmer or cooler glow depending on the time of day. Smart lighting can also help you set the mood without heating the room, giving you control and comfort with the touch of a button.
Add Personal Touches That Celebrate the Season
During the summer, it’s crucial to have a practical mindset, but don’t forget to add elements that make you happy. Showcase pictures from previous trips, add light-scented candles, or change your wall art to something with a breezy, coastal theme or softer colors. A counter-mounted bowl of fresh lemons or herbs can serve as both decoration and a functional accent, bringing in a burst of color and fragrance. No matter how you dress it up for the season, your summer house should still feel like your home.
Create a Home That Keeps Its Cool
Texas summers can be harsh, but with a few well-considered adjustments, your house can become a cool, peaceful retreat. At Keller Design Studio, we take great pride in helping our clients remodel their homes to reflect the changing seasons while maintaining their individual style. We can help you realize your vision, one sunny room at a time, whether you’re planning an entire makeover or just a few changes.
If you’re ready to give your home the seasonal upgrade it deserves, reach out to us at 817-881-9155 for a consultation. Let’s turn your home into the ultimate summer escape.
