Summer is almost upon us and it's quite essential to give your decor a facelift in hues and textures that will not only keep the home cool but also soothe the mind. Besides trimming your garden to a bare minimum so usage of water is minimised, and cleaning up the garden water body or fountain of weeds etc so that you don't have mosquitoes in the hot, humid months, you can alter house materials that will leave your living space cool and inviting.

Carpets
Try and use thin, cotton dhurries or mats (chatai) in attractive colours which will help keep your floor cool. Remove faux leather carpets as these tend to be quite warm. In case of marble floors, the floor is naturally cool so there's no problem, but in case of wooden or tile flooring, make sure you don't cover it with a heavy rug during summer at least. Also, if you're using a throw rug over your sofa, try using a cottonbased one as this will help to keep it cool during your afternoon siesta.

Curtains
With regard to drapes and curtains, do away with twin curtains, and those thick, heavy synthetic ones which normally keep your house warm in the winters. Thin muslin cotton drapes for both windows and doors work well to keep the house cool. Sheer drapes don't give too much privacy but offer easy ventilation and a sense of greater space and coolness. Use colours like blue, green, or lavender for a soothing effect and curtain tie-ups for greater ventilation.

Balconies
Usually, hot winds enter through your balconies and terraces and make your entire living space an oven. Shield your open terrace and balcony with an awning, preferably in a light fabric, and consider putting down chiks as a shield from hot winds and the sun. In some places, chiks are also splashed with water during the afternoons, allowing the air that passes through them to be cool and refreshing.

Upholstery
If you have removable upholstery, then you're lucky as the textured, woollen, jacquard, or velvet upholstery can give way to soft cotton or linen floral design. Always make two or more sets of sofa slip covers, one slightly thick with rich, dark hues for the winter months, and one in light, soft cotton fabric that is both comfortable and cool. If you can't change the upholstery, make a few sofa slips in easy, breathable fabric, and preferably in light pastel hues or solids, and use them to cover the synthetic upholstery.