Beat the Heat: Stylish tips for a breezy home makeover

UAE décor experts share stylish home tips to stay cool this season with linen & balconies

Last updated:
Krita Coelho, Editor
3 MIN READ
IKEA Stockholm 2025 Collection
IKEA Stockholm 2025 Collection
Supplied

If your living room currently feels like a toaster and your bedroom is more sauna than sanctuary, it’s time for a summer home reset. Because here in the UAE, where temperatures hit high double digits before breakfast, beating the heat doesn’t just mean blasting the AC, it means styling smarter.

The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice chic for cool. We asked top home brands how to summer-proof your interiors, and they delivered a playbook full of breezy fabrics, clever furniture swaps, and mood-lifting colours.

Lighten up

“Summer in the UAE means staying cool indoors, and your home should reflect both comfort and style,” says Ajay Antal, CEO, Homebox. His advice? Swap out heat-trapping materials such as leather for breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen, especially on sofas, curtains, and cushions. “Our linen-look sofa collections and cotton blend covers not only feel fresh but also elevate your living space aesthetically,” Antal adds.

Pan Home echoes that sentiment, saying your space should “feel like the cool escape you crave.” Flatwoven or jute rugs help instantly refresh floors, while light upholstery with clean lines and minimal tufting promotes visual (and literal) airiness.

Meanwhile, IKEA’s new Stockholm 2025 collection takes the idea of ‘cool comfort’ and gives it a Nordic spin. “The very essence of Scandinavian interiors is clarity without coldness,” says designer Paulin Machado. Their sculptural, foam-free sofa, filled with coconut fibres and upholstered in breathable cotton, sets the tone for a space that’s calm and climate-friendly.

The colour of calm

Summer palettes are getting an earth-toned upgrade. “This season is all about soft, earthy tones mixed with sun-washed pastels,” says Antal. Sage green, terracotta blush, light mustard, and taupe rule the scene, paired with jute rugs and rattan accents for that easy summer calm.

Danube Home favours warm tones and nude palettes for “boho-inspired, Japandi-style spaces and healing home concepts,” says Director Sayed Habib.

Pan Home is going coastal. “Chalky whites, soft beiges, taupes, and muted sand tones, punctuated with sage and sky blue, help reflect natural light,” says their spokesperson. Woven accessories, linen drapes, and matte wood finishes tie it all together.

At IKEA, nature does the colour-matching for you. “Every colour matches beautifully in the natural world,” says Machado, pointing to the collection’s palette of forest greens, sandy neutrals, and pops of rust or deep blue inspired by Swedish landscapes.

Your mini holiday at home

Vacation mode doesn’t require a boarding pass, just a shaded nook and a little styling magic. “Creating a ‘vacay’ vibe at home starts with carving out a dedicated relaxation zone,” says Antal. Their suggestion: a reading nook with an accent chair, throw, floor lamp, and scented candle, or a balcony setup with floor lanterns and faux plants.

Danube Home recommends sinking into a recliner. “Britan is a youthful, energetic pick, while Tacos adds LED lights, cup holders, and power reclining, perfect to dive into ‘vacation at home’ mode,” says Habib.

Pan Home wants you to “slow down and exhale.” Their tips? Ground the space with a jute rug, soften the light with bamboo dividers, add breathable poufs or cushions, and finish with a calming diffuser scent. “An indoor tabletop fountain brings instant spa-like peace,” they add.

IKEA takes a slower, more layered approach. “Each item is designed to be timeless and tactile,” says Machado. Their handwoven birch rugs and solid oak benches add soul without bulk. “We wanted this collection to feel like a home that’s been collected over time,” says designer Nike Karlsson. Whether you buy one piece or the whole range, it’s all about furniture that “feels good to live with.”

Less but better

Across all brands, one message is clear: summer styling is about intention, not excess. Declutter, lighten up, and choose textures and tones that make your home feel breathable.

“Sometimes, the best summer refresh isn’t about reinventing everything,” says IKEA’s Creative Leader Karin Gustavsson. “It’s about choosing the right things that last.”

From blackout curtains and breezy linen to coconut fibre sofas, this season, the cool factor lies in thoughtful design that invites you to linger, relax, and quite literally chill.

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