BEAT THE HEAT

IN June and July, as the mercury soars, we all need respite from the sweltering heat.

To get ahead of the challenge, here are some interior design tips to keep your home cool - and stylish - during the hottest months of the year. Whether you are lucky (an anything-is-possible home builder or handyman), or plucky (a keep-cooland-carry-on stoic), the number one piece of advice is: Don’t let the heat in!

If you’re building from scratch, the golden rule is: Windows exposed to direct sunlight become radiators, so set them back under bulkheads,

Cool interior design tips for the sizzling spanish summer, writes Julia Begbie

overhangs, and louvres. But if your home is built you’ll need to embrace shade, and the most effective cooling strategies for existing buildings include:

1. Applying window film to reflect heat

2. Installing awnings (toldos*), sail shades and pergolas to keep the sun off windows

3. Fitting external blinds (persianas*) to block the sun completely

4. Insulate and ventilate the roof.

Solar-powered roof vents help to release hot air that gets trapped inside. (ED: our Velux windows achieve a similar affect)

*With toldos, choose light colours to help reflect the sun’s rays, and for traditional-style homes look at traditional materials such as esparto grass, see examples at MIV Interiores

Other tips

TRADITIONAL: Esparto blinds are cool hello@sedesigns.studio www.sedesigns.studio

Otherwise (perhaps counter-intuitively to some) keep your windows shut when the sun is up, and consider installing mosquito screens so you can throw windows wide open at night.

If possible, open windows to create a through-draught. Magnetic mosquito door curtains are an inexpensive and effective solution. At times of abundant water, i.e. not right now, hose down your balconies and patios at dusk. Harness the cooling effect of evaporation to reduce radiant heat outside as you throw open your windows at night. If it’s important to match your hose to your house – or, for that matter, to your handbag - check out the exquisite range from Garden Glory And, by way of an eco-apology for that last suggestion, choose the most energy efficient appliances and light bulbs available. Energy-efficient appliances not only save money on energy bills, but also generate less heat, helping to keep your home cooler. And if you want hot food, cook outside in the evening: everyone loves a barbecue.

From a small sitting room to the hottest new restaurant, we will assist in creating your vision. With over a decade of experience, based between Barcelona and London. Curating a bespoke design plan using the best local and international artisans.

References and testimonials available.

WhatsApp: (+44) 7775 782 418

Big fan

Just as evaporation cools your terrace, it can also cool your body. Electric fans don’t change interior temperatures, but the wind chill effect of air moving over your body helps evaporate sweat and creates a cooling effect. Magnovent sells stylish ceiling fans, but remember to turn your fans off while you’re out; they don’t shift the mercury. That deals with physical heat, now to psychological heat. What decorative measures make for a chilled look? In terms of colour, think cool and refreshing. Light colours like white, beige, and pale blues and greens reflect sunlight, conveying a sense of coolness and calm.

Ceiling fans stir the air and create movement in gauzy fabrics like sheer linen and muslin, visually supporting the sense of breeze.

Look at suppliers like Mark Alexander, a company producing light linens, perfect for a stylish Spanish summer.

Replace any thick rugs and carpets with lightweight, natural fibre options like jute or sisal. Let the jungle in Houseplants add greenery and help purify the air and regulate humidity levels, so incorporate nature within your home for a cooler, more refreshing atmosphere.

Opt for low-maintenance plants like succulents and ferns, plants that thrive in the summer heat.

Cluttered surfaces gather dust and make a room feel stuffy and hot, so clear the clutter and embrace a minimalist approach to your summer decor. Keep surfaces clear, and select simple, streamlined furniture that allows air to circulate freely. And finally, keep hydrated and add colour and elegance to your space by keeping a stylish jug of ice-cold water or a refreshing summer cocktail on hand, served in chic glassware, or indeed super-chic Italian poolside acrylic courtesy of Italian brand Memento Synth