The New Nation - Internet Edition

Summer is in full swing and many people are taking advantage of the great weather and bright sun for outdoor activities. Most people however, don't know that summer offers them a unique opportunity to freshen up their decor.

Yes it's true; the summer season gives us an opportunity to do some quick and cheap interior decorating to liven up our homes. Bright colors, breezy fabrics and fragrant flowers are the fundamentals of an easy summer decor.

One of the easiest and most cost effective ways to make an impact is with the addition of fresh flowers. Fresh cut, brightly colored flowers either from your own garden (if you happen to be so lucky) or from the local florist. Place them in a light and understated vase; avoid heavy, dark or bulky vases and let the flowers take center stage. Placement should be casual and on table/counter tops to ensure the flowers are always visible. Consider the foyer, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom as prime locations.

The second decorating idea you involve livening up the colors in your home. It's no secret that color has an impact on our moods and plays a major role in any decor. Since we're trying to take advantage of the bright summer sun and increased light levels, it's a good idea to choose bright and airy colors or patterns. These are sure to raise energy levels and lift your mood. A great way to do this is with small accessories such as throw pillows and table runners. These are items that are available at just about any home store and can be had for as little as a few dollars each.

Last but not least, consider changing your curtains. Forget about those dark heavy drapes; instead think light, translucent curtains that will let the sun and light breezes into your home. A light airy curtain can transform your home! Just think of all the extra sunlight and those lovely summer breezes blowing a breath of fresh air into your home. Take advantage of the nice weather as it wont last forever!

Interior Shades Provide Summer Cooling

If your home gets too hot in the summer, you can stay cooler by installing interior shades to reduce the solar energy flowing into your home. Roller shades, mini-blinds, or fabric curtains can all reduce solar overheating, reduce the cost of operating your air conditioner, and improve your summertime comfort.

Interior shades work by reflecting some of the solar energy that enters your windows back to the outdoors. Shades that are light colored or aluminized on their outside surfaces work best because they reflect more solar energy than darker surfaces. Darker exterior surfaces of shades tend to absorb energy and release it into the home.

You'll receive the greatest benefits from reflective window shades if you install them on windows that get a lot of sun. These might face east, where the low morning sun starts to heat your house. They might face south, though on some homes the high noon sun isn't at the right angle to actually enter your windows. Or you might choose to install shades on the west side of your home, where the low, hot afternoon sun really heats up.

The cheapest and most effective interior shades for cooling are simple roller shades. Fabric curtains can also be effective sun shades if reflect solar and insulate the home from the hot area near the window. Venetian blinds are also effective sun blockers, if they are reflective and closed during the day. Some homeowners install roller shades behind fabric curtains so they have both effective sun shades and designer curtains.

Interior shades can only keep your home cool if you use them effectively. Close shades or blinds in the morning before the sun has a chance to overheat your home. Leave them closed as long as the sun shines on your windows. Open your shades at night, and open your windows if you can, so your home will be cooled by cool evening air. Your home will be more comfortable and your power bills may be lower, too, when you use interior shades to block solar energy.

l Set a festive table for dinner outside - even if just for yourself! Use colorful tableware, light some candles (citronella for bug protection), and enjoy!

l Use outdoor lighting to highlight plants, trees, walkways - whatever you prize. Just avoid the "runway" effect with too much, too bright.

l When entertaining, bring the indoors out with rugs, pillows - even the nice crystal and china!

l Or you can bring the outdoors in by using casual outdoor furniture in your décor. Wicker looks great inside or out. And try a piece of yard art in your foyer!

l Keep flowers from your garden around at all times. Put a bit of salt in the water to make the blooms last longer.

l Not able to grow flowers for cutting? Keep a bowl of a summer-scented potpourri somewhere special.

For your bedroom

The bedroom is a vital part of any home as a place of retreat and relaxation. It is important that the bedroom always be a welcoming place of respite, but this is especially true during those warm summer months, when a place of cool retreat is needed the most. Use these simple tips to turn your bedroom into a cool oasis this summer.

Step 1:

Replace your heavy comforter or quilt with a lightweight blanket or throw, or cover your existing blanket with a duvet cover. Choose a white or pastel solid. Because the bed is such a focal point of the room, covering it with dark bedding can have the effect of darkening the entire room.

Step 2:

Put away flannel sheets for the season and replace them with a bright crisp cotton set in a color scheme that complements the blanket. Choose a pattern such as stripes that will offset the solid color of the blanket.

Step 3:

Throw a couple of pretty new decorative pillows on the bed in colors that blend with your sheets. You could also give existing throw pillows a facelift by recovering them and adding trim or a tassel.

Step 4:

Hang sheer drapes to bring an airy feel to the room and to allow light to enter in.

Step 5:

Mount a mesh canopy on the ceiling above your bed. The sheer netting will lighten up the room and bring the feel of summer right to your bed.

Step 6:

Place a large vase in a fresh summer color, such as bright blue or butter yellow, on your dresser or nightstand. Keep it filled with fresh-cut flowers. Remove any dried flowers, since they contrast with the feeling of freshness you want to infuse into your room.

Step 7:

Hang a bright new piece of artwork to add a splash of summer color to the room.

Step 8:

Use a plug-in air freshener to continually fill the room with a light floral scent.

Step 9:

Clear off any surface clutter from the dresser and nightstand and use a small wicker basket to store perfumes and lotions. Clearing surfaces and consolidating items will give a fresh look to the room.

Step 10:

Arrange a plate of white candles on the nightstand. This will add a bright decorative touch.