6 Ways To Stay Cool This Summer

Staying cool at home this summer can be a breeze! Aside from going downstairs to the basement or lying on the floor of the garage, I’ve got some solutions to help make you happier during the heat!

Air Conditioning

Did you know that air conditioning uses 22% of the average electricity bill? Help reduce these costs with the brilliant and beautiful new Nest thermostat. Developed by Tony Fadell, the man who led the creation of many generations of the iPod and iPhone, this technically advanced thermostat uses motion sensors, gets to know you and your habits and eventually begins to automatically turn itself down when you’re away, and this helps to reduce energy consumption.

Paint

Painting your walls in cool colours such as blues, greens and violets can actually make you feel cooler.

Colour Suggestions:
Benjamin Moore: 2055-60, Serenity
Behr: 630-A2: February Frost
Farrow & Ball: 269 Cabbage White

Fabric

Natural fibres such as flax, linen, cotton and especially bamboo stay airy and cool to the touch – perfect for items that will get a lot of use like upholstery, cushions and bedding.

Suggestions:
-Mattress Covers – St.Geneve carries St. Dormier wool mattress covers which help in wicking away moisture and keeping the body cool at night.

-Pillow Cases – “Hot Flash” wicking pillow cases from Discovery Trekking are made of a silky-smooth fabric that help keep you cool and comfortable.

Lighting

For summer, use Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs) inside. CFLs use 75% less energy and produce 75% less heat than incandescent light bulbs which saves on cooling costs. In the winter you can switch back to incandescent if you love that soft, warm glow like I do.

CFL Bulb                         Incandescent Bulb

Window Coverings

Roller shades made with a vinyl backing will help keep the sunlight and heat out of your home. Sun-Brite Drapery has a wide-selection of Shade-O-Matic shades that will do the trick and complement your home décor as well.

Outdoors

Nothing feels better than a fine mist while you’re on the go or doing some backyard entertaining. From hose attachments to handhelds; find everything you need at www.mistymate.com!

Written By: Yanic Simard, Toronto Interior Design Group Yanic Simard of the Toronto Interior Design Group is regularly featured in many Canadian and international publications and he also contributes as a design guest expert to the Canadian acclaimed City TV show City Line.