In the Philippines, it already feels like summer all year round, but when the actual summer months hit, it’s a different kind of heat! It’s the unpleasant kind that lingers even indoors, where electric fans are always on, curtains stay shut by noon, and you start questioning every decision that adds warmth to your space. It’s also the season that makes you rethink your home. Not in a drastic, renovation-level way, but in small, practical adjustments that actually make daily life more bearable.
As a millennial who is just starting to learn the 101s of homemaking, I learned a lot of awesome tips at the recent SM Home Masterclass where experts like interior designer Raiza Poquiz, lifestyle creator and homemaker Rachel Kelly Davis, and SM representatives shared insights on how to make homes cooler, more efficient, and more livable during peak heat.
Here are some of the most useful tips I picked up and honestly, some of them were things I never thought would make a difference until now:
1. Rethink your layout
One of the simplest changes you can make is also the most overlooked. Try pulling furniture slightly away from the walls instead of pushing everything against it! This creates space for air to circulate better around the room and you’d be surprised how much that helps with airflow.
2. Open windows and let your home breathe
Open windows strategically during cooler parts of the day (like early morning or evening). Do cross-ventilation where air enters from one side and exits from another as it helps to naturally cool your space without relying too much on electricity.
3. Switch to lighter, breathable fabrics
Your home textiles matter more than you think. Thick curtains, heavy bedding, and dense upholstery can trap heat. Opt for lighter, breathable materials like cotton or linen to make your space feel instantly fresher. Velvet may deliver #aesthetic vibes, but it’s a no-no for summer, too.
4. Use blackout curtains
This was one of my biggest “wait, what?” moments from the Masterclass. I used to think blackout curtains would make a room feel hotter because of how thick it is, but it’s actually the opposite. They block out sunlight AND prevent heat from entering through your windows, especially during peak hours.
5. Choose sheer curtains where needed
If blackout feels too heavy for certain spaces, sheer curtains are a great alternative, as recommended by Poquiz. They allow light in while still softening the heat, giving your room a bright but breathable feel.
6. Upgrade your bedding for hot nights
If there’s one place you’ll really feel the heat, it’s in your bedroom at night. Cooling pillows, moisture-wicking sheets, and lightweight blankets can make a huge difference in how well you sleep and honestly, sleep is everything during this season.
7. Rethink how you cook
Kitchens naturally generate heat, so small changes go a long way. Using multi-cookers, air fryers, or microwaves instead of traditional stovetops can help reduce heat buildup, especially during the day, according to Davis.
8. Maximize your fan placement
Before immediately reaching for the air conditioner (AC), try optimizing your fan setup. Positioning fans near windows or across airflow paths can help circulate cool air more efficiently and make the entire room feel less stuffy. If you really need to use the AC, just leave it at 25C and position your fan near it to help circulate the cool air while saving electricity!
9. Declutter your space
Less clutter means better airflow. Open spaces allow air to move more freely, which can help lower the overall temperature of a room. Plus, it just makes your home feel lighter and more relaxed.
10. Make small, smart swaps
From switching to energy-efficient appliances to choosing materials that don’t trap heat, these little decisions add up. The goal isn’t to overhaul your entire home, but to make it work better for you during the hottest months. If you’re planning to refresh your space for the season, you can find everything from blackout curtains and cooling bedding to smart home essentials at SM Home, both in-store or online. Started my re-arranging plans by buying a cooling blanket and honestly, it was a really great decision! SM Home was offering a 20% discount when I made my purchase so that just saved me a couple hundred pesos
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