Cool Interior Color Combinations to Help You Escape the Summer Heat

It's the middle of summer, and the sun is sweltering hot. Doesn't it feel great to escape the heat by stepping inside a cool, air conditioned house? But what if you don't have an air conditioner? "Cool" interior colors, like blue and green, can help create a psychological feeling that a room is cooler than the thermometer says it is. Here are a few cool interior color combination ideas, room by room, to help you escape the summer heat.

Combinations for the Entryway

The entryway of a home should not be overlooked. Being the first room a visitor enters in the house, it should feel inviting, while refreshing them from the sun's hot rays. Keep it mostly neutral with cool undertones. Add some fresh greenery and a pop of color, maybe with an area rug, a painting or a plush chair as a place to sit down and rest.

Combinations for the Kitchen

The kitchen can get pretty hot in the summer, so it can be hard to get motivated to cook on those sweltering days. Cool off the kitchen with a violet and silver (or gray) color scheme. For a complete remodel, think stainless steel appliances (with black accents), dark stained cabinets with gray or silver-flecked countertops and violet accents. If you are unable to make drastic changes, simply change the wall color to a cool gray or purple for a new look.

Combinations for the Bathroom

Create a cool summer retreat right in your own home by giving the bathroom a fresh look. Plus, a cool blue and white color combination can help give your bathroom a spa-like feel. Go for a soft, sky blue with a crisp white, and add a little sandy tan for variation. This look works best with white fixtures (tub, sink). Then you can incorporate a little blue with paint, tiles, a shower curtain...and some tan with a bath mat and accessories. Add a couple plush, white towels for a further spa feel.

Combinations for the Living Room

Invite guests into the living room to cool off with a glass of iced tea -- and a visual retreat from the outdoor warmth. White combined with beige, tan, cream....any light, neutral color will look and feel refreshing in the summertime. Soft, cotton fabrics mixed with some satin and plush carpeting will keep the neutral color scheme from becoming too boring. Add a select amount of dark wood in the form of furniture, trim or flooring for a little contrast and variation.

Combinations for the Bedroom

What is worse than trying to sleep in a hot, stuffy bedroom? Not much. Sage green, dusky purple and ivory will help soothe and cool you off at night. Think purple bedspread and ivory accents, with green walls. One thing to keep in mind: Make sure the colors have cool undertones (blue, green), not warm ones (yellow, red) to keep the combination cool and inviting on a warm summer night.

Related Content:
Spring Paint Color Combinations for Your Kitchen
Paint the Kitchen in Fresh, Summery Colors
Home Color Trend Forecast for 2011