Feel Cool

July proved to be one of the hottest on record here in Boston, and August is off to a very warm start. When things are feeling oppressive outside, try to make your home feel as airy and cool as possible.  I like to refresh my home for the summer by de-cluttering, organizing and changing out a few things.  Here are a few summer tips:

• Remove decorative throws.  These blankets are wonderful in the colder months, but ditch them for the spring and summer.  It’s a good time to send them off to the dry cleaners!
• Switch up your decorative pillows.  Brighten up some of your spaces with brighter colors and lighter fabrics.
• Eliminate extra knick-knacks.  You will be amazed how much better you feel if there are fewer things around the house. (You might even like it so much you’ll decide to keep it this way all year round!)
• If you really want to go for a refreshing summer look,  switch out your heavy rugs for lightweight natural fibers or even bare wood.
• Piles of books and stuffed bookcases definitely have a certain charm, but try boxing up a few for the summer. You will instantly change the feel of your home.
• Bring the outside in.  Vases with fresh flowers and bowls of seasonal fruit will bring in some bright color.

Here are some photos of Architect/Designer Deborah Berke’s Manhattan apartment that were recently published in the Wall Street Journal. Deborah is passionate about eliminating clutter and keeping her home highly organized.  The result is quite streamlined  - perhaps a bit too uncluttered and unrealistic for most of us, but it certainly does look airy and cool!