Month: June 2023

Catching yourself going “it’s too hot!” in the middle of the day, every day, for the nth time?  Even temperatures being a few degrees too warm can leave skin feeling irritated, sensitised and red. With this summer set to ramp up, it’s only wise to have a game plan for staying cool.

Here are our top five suggestions for a skin-friendly summer:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Draw those curtains and watch that thermostat
2. Refresh your skincare routine
3. Have a healthy diet
4. Wear linen
5. And then make your house wear linen

Draw those curtains and watch that thermostat

Throw some shade… on yourself! Afternoon sunlight may be beautiful but not when it means trapping hot air indoors.

Whether you’ve got roller blinds, drapes, curtains–keep them shut and keep the heat out where it belongs. For even better results, install some light-coloured backings for curtains to deflect sunlight away.

Tips if you’re using an air-conditioner: To maximise cooling, don’t set your thermostat less than 46°F below outdoor temperatures. Consider using a timer or a smart thermostat to further regulate your cooling and stay on top of those bills.

Refresh your skincare routine

Move aside, seltzer–we’ll need space in the fridge for skincare! Pop your toner, moisturiser and body lotion in for instant cool first thing in the morning. You can also chill a rose facial spray and sheet masks for a little midday, work-from-home mini spa. Productivity!

For the ultimate refresh, swap out heavy, creamy moisturisers, lotions and sunscreen for lightweight gel textures. They deliver a shot of instant cool, absorb quickly, and can be just as nourishing as richer creams. To soothe heat-irritated skin, look for formulas with calming centella asiatica and skin-barrier-boosting ceramide.

Have a healthy diet

We tend to sweat easily in the summer, and your skin can become dry due to excessive water loss. Besides drinking a lot of water to rehydrate, eating nutritious foods will also help with skin hydration. Eating fruits that are high in water content and vitamins, such as watermelon and orange can boost skin hydration. Vegetables like spinach, lettuce and broccoli, which contain more than 80% water, are also good for the skin (and body) especially in the summer.

Wear linen

For summer, cotton is a go-to but really, nothing beats stylish, smooth linen! Think breezy drawstring pants, sundresses and camp collared shirts. Flax fibres are thicker, creating a loose weave for air to circulate. The best part? It’s iron-optional. Linen looks great both creased and smooth.

Another fantastic, low maintenance fabric option to consider is seersucker, a type of weave made from cotton, linen, and if you’re feeling fancy, silk.

You’ll know it from its puckered finish, caused by bunched threads that make it sit away from the body. This encourages air flow to keep you cool while looking delightfully vacation-ready.

And then make your house wear linen

If it works for your summer wardrobe, it works for your house. You’ll likely be spending lots of time indoors, lounging and staying away from the sun, so skin-friendly linen for soft furnishings just makes sense! 

For sofas, linen slipcovers are as quietly luxe as they are comfortable, all the better for snoozing through lazy afternoon naps. The natural slubs and creases of the fabric make for an inviting, relaxed feel.

Our linen sofa covers come in gorgeous neutral tones from white to a warm hazel, perfect to match any interior style. Furthermore, with the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification of our fabrics, you can spend long hours on the sofa without having to worry about your skin. Pick from the Pure Linen fabrics for a 100% linen experience or the Everyday Linen fabrics – a linen-cotton blend that’s pretty soft too – on the wallet. Either way, you get the elegant appeal and cool comfort of this forever classic.

Your skin-friendly summer doesn’t just end here. Our Hypoallergenic Collection sofa covers are all-natural and certified free from harmful chemicals, preventing skin irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Explore our Hypoallergenic Collection

Concerned about the extreme weather lately? There’s no denying that global warming plays a big part in the extreme weather changes, what with the recent heat waves affecting Asian countries drastically. With the Pacific Northwest now also being put under a heat advisory, it’s important for us to be mindful of ways we can cope in spite of these intense changes. Here are some recommendations you can incorporate in your home this summer to keep your home cool:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Draw those curtains and work on natural air circulation
2. Opt for evaporative cooling
3. Invest in a portable air conditioner
4. Add natural, breathable fabrics to your home
5. Stay cool while being mindful

Draw those curtains and work on natural air circulation

The first and perhaps easiest step is to cool down your house as best you can naturally. Now’s a good time as any to put your blinders and curtains to full use. Keep windows closed and draw your curtains during the day, especially around parts of the house that get the most direct sunlight. Once it gets cooler at night, open your windows to allow cool air to come in and circulate around the house. Then make sure to close your windows the next morning once it starts getting hot again. Repeat this cycle to keep your home as naturally cool as possible.

Opt for evaporative cooling

Want to cool down the house, minus the help of A/C? A well-known trick is to hang wet towels in a room that requires some extra cooling. Just soak a few towels in cold water, wring them out, and hang them either in front of an open window or on a drying rack. The evaporation process will help to cool down your room naturally. This process is also known as evaporative cooling.

Tip: Make sure your room is also well-ventilated to avoid mould from forming due to the moisture in the air.

Invest in a portable air conditioner

If you don’t have central A/C where you live, the next best option is to invest in a portable air conditioner (PAC). After doing some research, we’ve found that the Midea Duo 12,000 BTU (10,000 BTU SACC) HE Inverter Ultra Quiet Portable Air Conditioner is a great choice because it can intake and exhaust air outdoors while also using less electricity than other PACs in the market.

The unique hose-in-hose setup allows efficient and balanced air circulation indoors. Aside from using less energy, it’s also one of the quieter options out there going as low as 42dB. The wi-fi module allows you to sync it with your Alexa or Google Assistant too, which is great if you have a smart home. All you need to do is download the Midea app!

Add natural, breathable fabrics to your home

Choosing the right fabrics for your home furniture can go a long way for you and your family during hot spells. For example, linen and cotton both have thermoregulating properties that can absorb moisture well and assist in helping the body dispel heat throughout the day.

Check out our hypoallergenic collection for all-natural linens, cottons and blends that are great for your sofas. An added plus is that they carry the Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX certification, making them perfect for those with allergies or skin sensitivities, making these fabrics a comfortable choice suitable for everyone.

These fabrics are also durable and easily washable so they’re a practical everyday choice that’s great for the summer. They range from budget-friendly to luxurious choices that are perfect for your home.

Stay cool while being mindful

Though staying cool is part of the plan, it’s important to also be mindful of our electrical consumption during this time. Did you know that straining the electrical grid could lead to blackouts and brownouts? These strains happen when many households overuse electric devices, something that’s prone to happen with these extreme changes in weather.

Do your part in helping by switching off artificial lighting when possible and turning off any electric devices that aren’t in use. Consider taking advantage of the heat to air-dry dishes instead of using a dishwasher or use your dishwasher/dryer at night when energy demand is lower. Make sure to also schedule maintenance for your A/C regularly for maximum energy saving.

The U.S. Dept. of Energy also recommends using cost-effective and cooler lighting options such as LED lights to reduce electricity usage.

Though the extra warm weather can definitely make things more challenging, we hope that you can stay cool, safe and healthy this summer!

Prefer to be lounging out in the heat? We have the perfect summer couch covers for that – The Summer Vibes Collection. They can withstand the sun, unfazed by your party food and drinks and are skin-friendly too.

Lounge in the sun with your sofa

Summer nights are meant for creating lasting memories with loved ones, and what better way to do so than by hosting your very own outdoor movie night? With just a few simple preparations, you can transform your backyard into a captivating open-air cinema. So grab your popcorn and get ready for an unforgettable experience under the stars. Here’s how to make your own outdoor movie screen with these 5 essential things:

1. Comfortable seating with outdoor sofas and slipcovered cushions
2. Snack bar with food and drinks
3. DIY outdoor movie screen
4. Outdoor lighting to set the mood
5. Cosy blankets and pillows for extra comfort
   

1. Comfortable seating with outdoor sofas and slipcovered cushions

To ensure maximum comfort during the movie, create a cosy seating area using outdoor sofas and plush slipcovered cushions. Opt for durable and weather-resistant materials that can withstand the elements while providing a soft and inviting seating option for your guests. You can even customise your slipcovers to match your outdoor decor, adding a touch of style to your movie night setup.

With the new indoor-outdoor fabrics from our Summer Vibes Collection, it’s easy to recreate a space like this. The customised couch covers from this collection have a few main functions that make it suitable for your outdoor movie screening:

• Spill-resistant 

The fabric repels liquid, so they do not penetrate the fabric easily. 

• Easy clean

Easiest way to clean – spot clean with a cloth where the spill is. 

• Mildew-resistant

If the weather is humid or you get tiny splashes from the pool, mould will not grow on these fabrics. 

• UV protection

The colour of the couch cover does not fade even after years under the sun.

Check out the Summer Fabrics Collection now

2. Snack bar with food and drinks

No movie night is complete without delicious snacks and refreshing beverages. Set up a snack bar or a designated area where guests can help themselves to a variety of treats. Pop some popcorn, serve up classic movie candies, and offer a selection of chilled drinks. Consider providing a mix of sweet and savoury options to cater to different taste preferences. Don’t forget to have plenty of napkins and disposable plates handy for easy clean-up.

3. DIY outdoor movie screen

Constructing your own outdoor movie screen is easier than you might think. Start by selecting a flat, white surface, such as a blank wall or a large white sheet, where you can project the movie. Secure the sheet or screen tightly using clips or hooks to ensure a smooth surface for optimal viewing. If you prefer a more permanent setup, you can build a wooden frame and attach a white screen fabric for a professional look. Experiment with different screen sizes to find the perfect fit for your outdoor space.

Check out this post that includes step-by-step processes to build an outdoor movie screen.

Once you have that ready, it’s time to get the latest short-throw or better, the ultra short-throw projector. With the ultra short-throw projector, you’re getting better image quality with less glare and less shadows. The ultra short-throw also allows you to place the projector at a shorter distance from the wall, so it’s great for small spaces.

Check out how this Youtuber feels about switching to an LG ultra short-throw projector.

4. Outdoor lighting to set the mood

To create an enchanting ambience, incorporate outdoor lighting into your movie night setup. String fairy lights around trees or along fences to add a touch of magic to the surroundings. Place lanterns or solar-powered pathway lights strategically around the seating area for both decoration and functional lighting. Dim the lights as the movie begins to enhance the cinematic experience and let the screen steal the show.

5. Cosy blankets and pillows for extra comfort

As the night progresses, temperatures may drop, so it’s a thoughtful idea to provide cosy blankets and pillows for your guests. Set up a basket filled with soft blankets and plush pillows, allowing everyone to snuggle up and stay warm during the movie. Not only does this add an extra layer of comfort, but it also creates a cosy and inviting atmosphere, encouraging relaxation and enjoyment throughout the evening.

This summer, create an unforgettable outdoor movie experience with your family and friend.  From comfortable seating with outdoor sofas and slipcovered cushions to delectable snacks, DIY movie screens and cosy blankets, every element contributes to a magical summer night filled with laughter, joy, and cinematic wonder. So gather your loved ones, choose your favourite films, and let the enchantment unfold under the starry sky. Happy movie night!

 

Get your outdoor-friendly couch covers here