7 Cool Design Tricks to Get Heatwave-Ready

Summer in Western Canada might take its time, but when the heat finally hits, you’ll want your home to be ready. Even if you’re not sweating yet, here are a few stylish ways to keep your space cool (literally and aesthetically) when things warm up.

Swap out heavy fabrics

Chunky knits and sherpa throws are great for hibernating on the sofa in winter, but not so much in 30 degrees. Switch them out for breathable materials like linen, cotton or bamboo. These fabrics visually make your space feel lighter and airier—and yes, comfier too. Bedding like cotton percale sheets aren’t just crisp against your skin, but they also dry faster and feel soft without trapping as much heat.

Lighten up 

If your living room still looks like a rustic cabin with deep brown shades and burgundy throws, it might be time to lighten up. Swapping in lighter, natural tones like cream, oatmeal, pale blue, mint or light grey can instantly make your home feel breezier and more spacious. Light colours are known to reflect sunlight and absorb less heat, so your walls (and soul) stay cooler too. Butter yellow has also been having its moment, from runways to designer rugs—and for good reason. This sunny hue sits between beigey neutrals and bright yellow, giving a subtle pop of colour without adding too much warmth.

Cover up

Contrary to popular belief, sheer curtains are not so great during a heatwave. Translucent white curtains might look easy and breezy on Pinterest, but they let sunlight and hot air pass right through. When it’s sweltering, the type of window covering matters. Think of your windows like a glass door on a fridge: insulation is everything. Opt for heavier drapes in soft, sandy neutrals—they add a touch of visual warmth while blocking it out. Keep them drawn during peak daylight hours to keep the chill inside. If you want something a little softer, try layering airy sheers on the inside, with blackout blinds or drapes behind. 

Embrace your green thumb

A little greenery goes a long way when it comes to making your home feel comfortable. Snake plants, rubber plants and peace lilies don’t just add life to your space, but they can also slightly improve air quality and release a bit of moisture. While they won’t replace your AC, they’ll make your space feel more soothing and less stifling. (Just remember to water them).

Make scents of it

You may not control the weather, but you can trick your brain into feeling relaxed. Scents like peppermint, eucalyptus and citrus are often associated with clarity and that fresh, just-cleaned feeling, offering a cooling vibe, even if it’s half your nose’s imagination. Skip the candles (no one needs extra flames right now) and try a diffuser, essential oil blend or room spray to lift the mood. It won’t lower the thermostat, but it’ll smell like it did.

Keep it natural

Stick to earthy, lightweight textures that look and feel effortless to visually dial down the temperature. Think cane chairs, woven bamboo baskets, rattan side tables and light-wash oak pieces. Natural materials like these tend to absorb less heat than heavy, dark finishes and add subtle depth without weighing down a room. If you can’t commit to new furniture, try smaller accents like a jute rug or ceramic coasters to handle the heat without losing style.

Style that blows you away

You don’t need to sacrifice form for function just to survive a heatwave. Gone are the days of clunky white box fans ruining your living room aesthetic—fans today come in matte finishes, sculptural shapes and retro-inspired designs that look more intentional than industrial. Ceiling fans are still a solid choice for full-room airflow, but if installing one isn’t practical, try a tower fan, adjustable pedestal model or compact desk fan. Just make sure you pick the right one for your space. The wrong fan might just push warm air around and make it feel stuffier.

Look for a wide oscillation range, adjustable height or tilt, multiple speed settings, and low noise levels (especially if you’re using it in a bedroom or workspace). Fans also use less energy than AC, won’t dry out the air and feel gentler if you’re sensitive to temperature swings or migraines.