Colin and Justin: Keep it cool this summer

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Learn to live comfortably without air conditioning

Being that we spend each summer running North Star, our boutique hotel on the Atlantic coast in Cape Breton, it’s no coincidence we’ve learned to embrace the beach home aesthetic.

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Less so, however, the hackneyed royal blue and white schematics of old, and more so the ‘tone on tone’ shade register, chosen to suffuse cooling atmosphere at every turn, that populates much of our beach front hotel.

To lower temperatures, a mix of white, cream and linen hues will help ‘reflect heat, the resultant vibe feeling fresh and clean.

Bear in mind, though, you needn’t always reach for the paint brush; create the look with accessories, especially if you already have a neutral backdrop.

The Stockholm flat weave rug from IKEA (seen here as part of a recent vignette created for CTV’s ‘The Good Stuff’) is a great starting point for any cool scheme like this, composed with upholstery, tables and a credenza from Casalife (www.casalife.com).

Sure, the rug also contains graphite colour notes, but these serve as super ‘anchors’ to punctuate and balance an otherwise neutral scheme.

Shield windows from heat

Keep coverings closed during the day to avoid the greenhouse effect, where sun blares in and temperatures soar.

Blackout blinds (or curtains) don’t only stop light, they reduce heat build up. Blinds To Go (www.blindstogo.ca) have well priced inventory, and with convenient online measuring – and cross Canada delivery – you’ll be ready to chill in an instant.

Cross breezes

If evenings are cooler where you are, open windows (safely, of course, mindful of pets and home security) and let fresh air flood in. Cross breezes are remarkable, their science proven (even if air is warmer) to cool space in the absence of mechanical systems.

Make your own ‘air conditioning’

When at the cottage, we keep cool by positioning a large bowl of ice — or ice packs — at the front of an electric fan. Place in the bedroom an hour before turning in to create a cool ‘air conditioned’ feel and, if the noise doesn’t intrude, leave in place, whilst sleeping, to awaken refreshed and invigorated.

Dress your bed accordingly

Cotton bedding feels cool in summer, whilst bamboo sheets and pillowcases are lightweight and breathable to engender temperature balance. Wash linens regularly and, if you want to be extra cool, pop laundered sheets into a large ziplock bag and stash in the freezer before dressing your bed.

Okay, so the coolness won’t last all night, but – in the short term – the temperature dip could be enough to despatch you to the land of nod.

Check out Canadian owned Hush (www.hush.ca) for a bedding range that’s hypoallergenic and cool to the touch.

The Big Chill

The ‘Climate Comfort Sleep System’ will help keep you cool under the covers. Operated from a neat box that slips easily under most beds, it delivers (via a flexible hose) cooling air to wick away body heat and moisture.

Particularly useful for hot sleepers, and those prone to night sweats and hot flashes. Find out more at www.bedjet.com/en-ca

Choose a single life (at bedtime). Whilst the thought of summer nights might conjure a spot of ‘Danny loves Sandy’ magic, truth is bedtime can be cooler spent alone. Nocturnal solitaire removes the heat source of your partner, so you can spread out and better control personal temperature.

You spin me ’round

Set overhead fans to spin counterclockwise to maximise cooling potential during summer months. Sleeping below counterclockwise blades, you should experience a wind-chill down draught that makes you feel much cooler.

Conversely (in winter) set fans to clockwise to produce an updraft, which forces warm air (gathered near the ceiling) into the space below. For a stellar range of devices, check out Canadian owned Fan Shoppe, (www.fanshoppe.com) whose collection serves a perfect mix of style and realistic price points.

In the city, jump under a cold shower before bed to help moderate body temperature. And if at the cottage? Keep cool by by jumping in the lake.

Alternatively (wherever you are) try diving head-first into a deliciously chilled beer. We, of course, would be good with any of the foregoing options…

Watch for Colin and Justin on Citytv’s Breakfast Television and Colin and Justin’s Sub- Zero Reno on Paramount Plus TV. Find the Colin and Justin Home Collection in stores across Canada.
Visit www.colinandjustin.tv