Make Your Home Summer Ready

Calgary’s infamous June showers are almost over and – from what we hear – it will be a long hot summer. So while you’re stuck inside, avoiding the rainy weather, why not spend a little time prepping your home for indoor-outdoor living. Here are a few tips and décor ideas to get you started:

• Make It Pop: Bring in some summer colours with fresh flowers, accent pieces and tableware. Think of it like a summer wardrobe for your home. A few quick changes will make a world of difference. Towels, bedding, throw pillows, serving platters and picture frames are easy seasonal updates to make.
• Cool it Down: Hot temperatures can make for long, restless nights. Swap out your heavy sheets and duvets for something lighter. Silk comforters are a great option, as they are breathable, hypoallergenic and help regulate heat so that you can maintain a constant body temperature throughout the night.
• Fan Power: Installing a celling fan in all of your bedrooms is another way to keep cool during those long summer nights. There’s an added energy saving bonus in winter – just change the direction of the fan and it will push warm air back down into the room. Think beyond utilitarian function and check out design inspiration sites like Houzz for beautiful ceiling fans.
• Dark Night: Long days are great for outdoor play, but all of that late evening and early morning sunshine can affect our sleep – most parents of young children can attest to this. Blackout curtains and/or blinds will definitely help block out unwanted sunlight. There are lots of trendy and traditional curtain options available. To lighten up the look, simply add sheer panels behind the heavier drapes.
• Screen It Up: Let the sweet smell of summer flow through your house, while keeping those pesky mosquitos out. If your home already has window screens – great! But perhaps think about investing in screens for the front and back doors, as you’ll get much better airflow that way.
• Al Fresco: Fresh and potted flowers will brighten up any outdoor space. Perhaps try window boxes, hanging baskets and herb planters. Try switching up your patio throw cushions – bright colours and floral or tropical patterns will add instant pizazz. The same goes for outdoor flatware and tablecloths. Small hits of bold colour will go a long way. Solar lanterns and fairy lights are another way to add a bit of fun and whimsy your outdoor space. Don’t forget the kids, as the backyard becomes their outdoor playroom in the summer. Sand and water tables, inflatable pools, and brightly coloured tents are portable options that can be stored away easily.