
As the summer months approach, it’s a great idea to plan for how you want to make the most of the warmer weather. Whether that means taking a roadtrip to explore your own state, visiting new places, or utilising your existing outdoor space at home for a chill and relaxing holiday break, there can be a lot of preparation that needs to be done before the mercury goes up.
If you’re like many Australians, you might have already invested in your own bespoke outdoor space – or you may have an existing one that you’re not quite sure how to use just yet. Either way, there are just so many things you can do to set yourself up for a great summer. If you’re wanting some handy tips and tricks for your own outdoor space, read on to get the lowdown on how to keep cool while still making the most of your outdoor areas for the warm summer months!
Shade Your Space
Trees are not only a great way to add some lively greenery to any outdoor space, but they can also serve a multipurpose function: adding some light shade that can keep the heat of the sun off of you while you’re making the most of your outdoor spaces. This can look like shade umbrellas, patio, pergolas, verandahs, carports, and so much more, so it’s important to figure out how you want to use your space to be able to invest in the right shading solution.
Install Shade Umbrellas
During spring and autumn, trees can be more than enough shade when you’re wanting to enjoy your own outdoor space. But when it comes to keeping cool in the summer, making sure that your outdoor living space is covered is extremely important! Not only is the temperature in shaded areas lower than when you’re in the sun, you also have to be mindful of harmful UV rays that can not only cause sunburn from prolonged exposure, but a myriad of health issues down the line, too.
This means that investing in coverage, like shade umbrellas, can bring some much-needed relief on hotter days, while still letting you enjoy the summer weather. Plus, if you grab a free-standing shade umbrella, you have the flexibility to move it around however you like, giving you the freedom to enjoy the entirety of your outdoor space as you please.
Build a Pergola
Not a fan of the look of shade umbrellas? Maybe you’re wanting something a bit sturdier, or a structure that’s multipurpose for all your needs? This is where a pergola comes in: you get the shade that you need, while also creating an additional outdoor space that’s perfect for entertaining and relaxing, too.
Nowadays, there’s a wide range of pergolas available from your local pergola builders Melbourne, with styles and shades that are customisable to give you a personalised pergola that suits your needs while also complementing the design of your existing home.
With pergolas, it’s extremely easy to add a personal touch to the outdoor space, with bright greenery that catches the eye, or string lights all around the space to evoke a comforting and lovingly lit nighttime space.
Invest in a Misting System
Misting systems can be an inexpensive and easy-to-install way to keep cool in the summer. There are systems that connect to your existing hose, which can be an amazing relief on those summer days when the breeze just won’t come. Studies have shown that misting systems can reduce the feeling of hot outside temperatures by as much as 6 degrees celsius, which can make all the difference when there’s heat and humidity outside.
Utilise Ceiling Fans
Not interested in misting systems. Ceiling fans can be a great alternative, keeping the air circulating during those hot summer days while also keeping bugs away.
Now, it’s important to remember that fans only circulate air, and don’t actually cool it. While this can be great for days with slightly lower temperatures during summer, you might not feel like a ceiling fan is doing much when the mercury hits 40 degrees. So, it’s a good idea to figure out what type of cooling option you’re wanting, as misting systems and ceiling fans are not the only products available on the market for outdoor relief.
Plan Your Outdoor Grill Location
The summer months are a great time to have friends and family over for dinner. If you’ve invested in some beautiful outdoor dining furniture and are wanting to add an outdoor grill to your space, make sure to place any heat-producing appliances, such as barbecue equipment, to a shady spot that isn’t right next to your outdoor seating. Not only will this lessen the heat, but it also lessens the smokey smell that can stick to your guests’ clothes.
Use Outdoor Blinds and Curtains for Cooling and Privacy
If you’ve got a permanent outdoor living space solution, outdoor blinds and curtains are a great way to lower the temp of the space during the warm summer months. These provide some protection from bugs and pests while keeping the heat of the sun away from you and your guests. Plus, they’re a great way to keep things private if you’re worried about neighbours looking in from time to time!
Make a Splash
From mini to big fountains, outdoor showers, and even a unique water feature, there’s a way to make a splash during the summer without investing in a pool if you don’t want one. These keep water flowing in your outdoor space, adding to the ambience while also cooling you down with just a few strategic splashes.