Summer is in full swing, and people are gearing up to deal with some of the worst heat waves in years. With extreme heat becoming a threat to resources and human lives, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for increased global efforts to limit temperature rise by phasing out fuel fossils and expanding passive cooling solutions. “The world must rise to the challenge of rising temperatures,” said Guterres. The UN leader also pointed out that people who are most at risk when mercury rises are older people, pregnant women, and those with disabilities. This is why living in homes with access to cooling through natural solutions has become more important than ever.
With temperatures predicted to soar in the coming years, finding effective ways to naturally cool homes should be a priority, no matter where you are in the world. For a sustainable way to cool your home, consider incorporating tropical design techniques to keep your abode breezy and comfy all year round. Homes in tropical regions such as Southeast Asia, Australia, and parts of Africa and South America are designed to reduce and block heat to keep inhabitants cool even during extreme heat events. Here are some tropical interior design ideas to create a naturally refreshing home environment.
Furnish Living Spaces with Dark Wood Furniture
If your home feels like a furnace during the summer months, consider replacing your sofa, dining table, and other large pieces of furniture with ones made of wood. Natural wood is typically used to furnish tropical homes, particularly those in Asian countries. While light colored woods are popular in western regions, those who live in Southeast Asia, such as the Philippines, prefer the look of dark wood furniture. Not only do they add visual weight to a space, but they can also help to create a feeling of coolness in homes.
Dark woods like mahogany and narra absorb heat and prevent it from radiating back into the room. Even though the furniture will feel slightly warm to the touch, your living spaces will be fresher, cooler, and more comfortable overall. What’s more, wood furniture can regulate your home’s humidity levels and create a more refreshing environment during the hot summer months. Look for dark wood furniture with minimalist designs or simple shapes to give rooms a contemporary feel, then add wooden accessories for a cohesive look. You can place photos in wooden frames after placing a border around the print with a custom picture mount. You can also add wooden bowls on tables and fill them with fresh fruits, or have a tall wooden vase and use it to display cut flowers like dahlias or peonies.
Enhance Windows and Doors
Many homes in tropical regions have wide windows and doors that open fully, and they’re often placed on opposite walls to maximise ventilation. So instead of having a picture window, replace it with casement windows or sliding windows for easy access to fresh air. You can also pair your picture window with operable windows on either side of it if you want to create a unique look for your home. To keep the air flowing throughout your space, think about installing screen doors to your front and back doors. Ideally, the screen should be made of a metal weave so that it’s strong enough to keep pests and small insects from entering or chewing on it.
Decorate with Natural and Sustainable Materials
There are certain decorative items that you’ll never see in a typical tropical home. Fur throws and rugs are a definite no-no since they trap warm air and make a room feel hotter than it is. Velvet or suede are also rarely used for soft furnishings since they can feel too warm, especially in hot and humid climates. When decorating a tropical-inspired home, think about using natural, breathable, and sustainable materials since they’re better suited for warm climates.
For instance, you can dress your windows with unbleached linen curtains, which are environmentally-friendly and do a great job blocking the heat from outside. To add softness to wood furniture, place a few throw pillows on your sofa, and see to it that they’re covered in natural cotton pillow cases. Finish by bringing in coastal rugs, woven baskets, and a few houseplants to incorporate a bit of nature into your spaces.
Create a pleasant and comfortable environment by incorporating tropical interior design techniques into your home. Having a cool and naturally well-ventilated home can make the hot summer days more bearable, and it makes your abode healthier and more pleasant for your family and guests.
