Cold comfort

Struggling with these hot, stuffy nights? Gabrielle Fagan reveals how to turn down the heat with a light touch in the bedroom

The long, hot days of summer call for a light touch in the bedroom. When the temperature is rising, an unfussy, uncluttered space can help you feel cooler and even simple changes such as replacing heavy drapes with floaty fabrics like voiles and using cotton or linen bedding will all add to the relaxed vibe.

Choose from one of these three looks to create the perfect chill-out zone.

DIVE INTO DREAMY BLUES

“Crisp white and serene blue is a classic combination, it can conjure the freshness of a by the sea setting synonymous with clear summer skies and scudding white clouds,” says Mark Chambers, marketing manager at English Blinds (englishblinds.co.uk).

“Dressing the window with a blind like our Visage Mayfair Snow, which echoes the colour palette rather than bulky curtains, can help make the room appear larger and more airy. For a light summery scheme, balance a white backdrop with splashes of blue in prints and cushions to add depth and interest.”

TIP: Suit the season with bedding to help keep you cool at night – Slumberdown’s Climate Control collection, designed to help regulate body temperature, includes a 4.5-tog duvet from £9.99 for a double and £12.99 for kingsize, available from Aldi while stocks last. Slumberdown Sleep Solutions Scented Pillow Enhancers, available in menthol and eucalyptus or lavender and vanilla, from £5, available in-store at Matalan, would make a refreshing addition.

PLAY WITH SUNNY SHADES

“The hot weather’s inspiring people to create their very own summer sanctuary,” says Samantha Parish, interior design account manager at bed specialists Hypnos (hypnosbeds.com/ uk).

“Statement colours can create a truly stylish bedroom and when used in the right way will still conjure a relaxing ambience. Combine colour, such as bright sunshine yellow or deep, zingy citrus orange, with a neutral white, to keep a look light, fresh and contemporary.

“Don’t be afraid to be bold and brave with your colour choices. Think of the impact of those distinctive vibrant shades in sun-splashed Mediterranean settings, which achieve dramatic impact by contrasting cool and hot hues.”

TIP: Bring personality to classic white sheets by layering them with throws and cushions in bold colours and patterns. Ideally, stick to one style of pattern and just vary the scale, and use complementary shades. Add more interest by varying textures.

CREATE A PALM-FRINGED SANCTUARY

“Even with the scorching temperatures outside, the right choice of textiles, accessories and plants will help create a relaxing and cool bedroom,” says Ali Szalinska, director at Dekoria (dekoria. co.uk).

“The concept of bringing the outside in, with greens, natural textures and lots of house plants, has stolen our hearts this season for a very good reason. Natural colours have a calming effect on the mind and plants help oxygenate the air, which aids restful sleep.

“To make the most of this trend, remember to add succulents, fern, ivy and snake plants for their air-enhancing properties. Don’t be afraid to mix real plants with faux ones to create your very own easy-to-maintain urban jungle, especially if you want to minimise watering, or would like green touches in dark areas, where real plants would struggle.

“Adding large botanical prints is a fabulous way to make an instant style statement and we’ve drawn inspiration from tropical beach palms for our bold

The hot weather’s inspiring people to create their very own summer sanctuary

cushions and blind. Ensure the rest of your accessories are in neutral shades like pale grey, and keep the space uncluttered so those statement pieces shine.”

TIP: The bedroom’s an ideal place to use neutral muted colours for decor and bed linen. As with clothing, dark colours absorb the heat and light colours reflect it so opt for whites and pale pastel colours for bedding, in soft cotton or breathable linen. The White Company’s desirable range includes the Camborne Bed Linen Collection, in a luxurious 400-thread count Egyptian Cotton Sateen in a soft oyster shade: Oxford Pillowcases from £30; Duvet Cover from £100, and Flat Sheet from £60 by The White Company.

Bring the outside inside for a calming effect