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:
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.
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.
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.
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
Image credit: honeyandtimber
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.
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:
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.
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.
Image credit: Comfort Works
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.
Planning on hosting a Fourth of July party but don’t want to spend too much time cooking? We’ve got you. Here are some easy peasy recipes that’s sure to impress your guests! From cultural recipes to classic favourites, here are some of our ‘go-to’s when it comes to hosting a 4th of July ‘do.
Did somebody say ‘antipasti’? Bite-sized snacks fashioned into an American flag are a perfect offering for any party. The best part of this Italian treat is how easy it is to assemble all the yummy ingredients together. All you need is black olives, mozzarella ciliegine, red grapes, two types of aged white-coloured cheese, a jar of roasted red peppers, assorted salami, and one sheet tray as well as some parchment paper.
Let your creativity guide you as you assemble all the colours of the American flag onto the sheet tray that’s pre-laid out with parchment paper. If you’re not in the mood for testing your creativity, you can always follow the original instructions on Giadzy to get your flag just right. What’s for sure is you’ll have guests snacking happily when you’re done. This recipe’s got just the right amount of salty, savoury and sweet flavours.
Want a dish that can also help you cool off in this heat?
We like this watermelon, cucumber and feta salad because of how refreshing the flavours are when they’re put together. It’s an ingenious way of making the most of summer produce! The recipe is so simple that we daresay it’s foolproof. All you gotta do is get the ripest watermelon and the juiciest cucumbers you can find from your local market, dice them up, then assemble everything together with some feta and slices of red onion. Next, make a homemade vinaigrette out of olive oil, honey, salt and pepper and drizzle it on top of all the ingredients earlier. Refrigerate for at least half an hour before your guests arrive. That’s it! It’s simple, juicy, fresh and healthy.
Amp up the patriotic vibes with this refreshing drink! This colourful punch is a classic American favourite and it’s easy to see why.
Mix together cranberry juice, blue sports drink (Powerade Zero Mixed Berry works just right), and lemon-lime soda in a large pitcher or punch bowl. Add ice and garnish with fresh berries or mint for a colourful and thirst-quenching drink.
According to homecook Amanda Formaro, you can even turn this drink into a colourful slushie. Just pre-freeze all the layers and carefully pour the slushie layers one at a time into your mason jars or cups. We also recommend getting cute punch straws and cute see-through cups to serve along with this drink if you’d like to add a bit of pizzazz to your hosting skills during your party.
If you’re in the mood for something heavier, this 15-minute recipe for pulled buffalo sliders by Little Vienna is great. Get some store-bought brioche buns from a nearby supermarket, prep the chicken as per the recipe, add some fresh greens (spinach is a good idea but lettuce works too!) and finish each slider off with a dollop of blue cheese dip. You’re sure to have guests reaching out for more than one piece!
When you’ve got meals like this to share, it can be fun to enjoy them on the couch. With liquid-resistant, stain-resistant and easy-clean couch covers, you don’t have to feel restricted when doing so. Coming in 14 different colours and textures, our Summer Vibes Collection couch covers are perfect for your Fourth of July parties.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Sunbrella® is founded on the belief that fabrics should be both beautiful and functional. Established in 1960, the company that started out by creating an innovative awning canvas is now world-famous for their indoor and outdoor fabrics of unsurpassed quality. Sunbrella® textiles are made with close attention to design detail, and engineered with robust performance characteristics that provide resistance to fading and degradation from sunlight and chemical exposure.
And you wonder how that affects you? Oh, it’s a game-changer, alright.
Especially if you enjoy summer like we do.
Why makes Sunbrella® cool?
Firstly, we’d like to announce that we’ve partnered with Sunbrella®, so we’re able to customise your sofa covers with Sunbrella® fabrics that are exceptionally functional, comfortable, skin-friendly and beautiful.
Now, back to the reasons that Sunbrella® is cool:
Practicality. Spill-resistant. Easy clean. Withstands high traffic. This one’s for the people who love hosting parties for friends, family and even your neighbours.
And we all know that at parties, the food and drinks are essential. Whether you love recreating your own party recipe or preparing snacks in general, there’s no need to be afraid of spilling on the couch when you have these Sunbrella® sofa covers.
The Sunbrella® fabrics’ liquid-resistant function means that liquids won’t be able to penetrate the material easily for a short period of time. When spills do happen, spot clean with a cloth and there is no need for washing the Sunbrella® sofa covers.
The Sunbrella® Canvas Flax is spill-resistant
With its low to no pilling characteristics, there’s no need to worry about guests hopping on and off the couch throughout the day (or night).
Aesthetics. This season, we’ve got a range of neutral shades and geometric patterns from Sunbrella®, which go well with all sorts of home designs and add a touch of elegance to any space.
You can enjoy looking at its colours under the shade, or even under the blazing sun. That’s because Sunbrella® fabrics are UV-resistant, so the colours won’t fade even after years of being out in the sun – guaranteed by Sunbrella®’s 5-year warranty.
If you’re one who likes to lounge outdoors in the summer heat, it’s going to be the Sunbrella® couch covers for you.
Plus point: Sunbrella® is mildew-resistant, so humidity from the rain or small splashes coming from the pool wouldn’t be able to cause mould to grow on your couch.
The Sunbrella® Canvas Flax basking under the sun
Skin-friendly. This is an important factor when it comes to taking care of your family’s health. Young kids tend to have sensitive skin and if they’re spending a lot of time on the couch, then a skin-friendly couch cover would ensure that their skin does not come in contact with harmful chemicals.
Our Sunbrella® couch covers have all been certified with the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 label, which means that every component of this couch cover, such as threads and buttons, has been tested to verify that they’re harmless to human health.
The Sunbrella® Canvas and Fretwork fabrics both have the Greenguard certification, which are given only to products with low chemical emission because they don’t pollute indoor air. That’s just another step to keep your family safe and healthy.
If that’s not enough, our Sunbrella® Canvas Antique Beige also has the Seal of Recommendation from The Skin Cancer Foundation. That means that the fabric is recommended by the foundation as part of a complete sun protection regimen to aid in preventing sun-induced skin damage.
Image credit: Comfort Works
As the summer fun begins, keep your worries away with these new Sunbrella® couch covers. It’s a way of protecting the people that you care about in your home.
The Summer Vibes Collection is our new couch cover collection made exclusively for Summer 2023. We’ve curated this collection to make sure your summer days on the couch are easy, worry-free and comfortable – backed by the great performance features of our summer fabrics.
Although they’re called “The Summer Vibes Collection”, these new couch covers can be used both indoors and outdoors. Or should we say, wherever the sun shines.
What do we mean by performance?
It means all of these:
High traffic Get on and off the couch; jump on it as many times you want. The couch covers are practically abrasion-resistant.
Colour-fastness Unlikely to fade or transfer colours to other fabrics (ie: jeans).
Low/No Pilling When rubbed against other materials or fabrics, little balls of fabric don’t build up easily.
Easy-clean No need for washing, just spot-clean spills or dirt.
Warranty All fabrics come with either a 1-year or 5-year warranty.
Stain-resistant Food or liquid spills will not leave a stain easily on your couch. Even if it happens, they come off easily with a simple swipe of a cloth.
Spill-resistant Liquid droplets will roll off the fabric without penetrating the fabric easily.
Mildew-resistant Resistant to the growth of mould.
UV-protection The colours on the fabric will not fade even after years under the sun.
Flammability Test Under a test where a cigarette butt was smouldered against the fabric for more than 45 minutes, the fabric did not catch fire.
Certification OEKO-Tex® Standard 100 Every component of this fabric has been tested to verify they’re free from harmful chemicals.
Greenguard The fabric has low chemical emission and doesn’t pollute the indoor air.
Seal of Recommendation by The Skin Cancer Foundation The fabric is recommended by the foundation as part of a complete sun protection regimen to aid in preventing sun-induced skin damage.
The Summer Vibes Collection fabrics are the perfect and only fabrics you need for this season.
Let’s dive into the details of each type of fabric we have in the collection, shall we?
The Sun Care+ Series
Rain or shine, the Sun Care+ Series couch covers will be by your side. It’s ever-ready to serve you all year long, indoors and outdoors – the kind of loyalty that’s hard to come by.
Performance Tweed
Under the Sun Care+ Series, the Performance Tweed has 7 fun shades you need for the summer feels, and it’s great for both indoor and outdoor use. Using 1 thread or a combination of 2 different coloured threads, the tightly woven Performance Tweed is a couch cover that adds a vibrant texture to your couch.
Who is it for?
If you’re a fan of bright, bold colours, then the Performance Tweed will not go wrong. Whichever colour that you choose, it will be able to liven the space in an instant. This summer fabric also makes a great match for accent furniture.
If summer vibes remind you of the deep blue ocean, let the Performance Tweed Teal take you there with its blend of deep blue and green.
Performance Tweed Teal
Also in the category of blue, we have the Performance Tweed Mineral Blue that’s lighter, like a pale blue lake.
Performance Tweed Mineral Blue
Yellow is an energising colour, and we’ve got that on our Performance Tweed Amber to make your summer even brighter than it already is.
Performance Tweed Amber
Do you feel stimulated or motivated by reds? If so, pick the Performance Tweed Sunset. It’s a fabric consisting mostly of reds, with bits of orangey-yellow thread woven together.
Performance Tweed Sunset
Performance Tweed Tangerine, just like its name sounds, makes you think of tangerines in a bright orange colour.
Performance Tweed Tangerine
Performance Tweed Moss has a deep green colour resembling moss found in the deep ocean.
Performance Tweed Moss
Performance Tweed Midnight eases you into hot summer nights, perhaps even guiding you into a midsummer night’s dream as you lay down and relax at the patio.
Performance Tweed Midnight
What it means
Performance Tweed
High traffic
Withstands high traffic
✅
Colour-fastness
Colours don’t transfer easily
✅
Low/No Pilling
Does not pill easily with friction
✅
Easy clean
Spot-clean without washing
✅
Warranty
Covered under our warranty
1 year
Stain-resistant
Does not stain easily
✅
Spill-resistant
Liquid rolls off fabric
✅
Mildew-resistant
Fabric does not become mouldy
✅
UV-protection
Fabric colour will not fade
✅
Certification OEKO-TEX
Free from harmful chemicals
✅
Flammability Test
Passed cigarette smoulder test
Pass
Performance Canvas
An upgrade from our ever-so-popular Canvas range, the Performance Canvas is mildew-resistant, UV-resistant, spill-resistant and stain-resistant. With the Performance Canvas, you get to enjoy the comfort our canvas cushion covers, inside and outside of your home.
Who is it for?
The Performance Canvas comes in muted tones of Sage and Ash – suitable for people who want a more low-profile couch cover, yet still has a presence in the space.
Performance Canvas Ash
Performance Canvas Ash is a light neutral that adds elegance to any space.
Performance Canvas Sage
Performance Canvas Sage is a muted green fabric that works best in homes with a mid-century interior.
What it means
Performance Canvas
High traffic
Withstands high traffic
Domestic Use
Colour-fastness
Colours don’t transfer easily
✅
Low/No Pilling
Does not pill easily with friction
✅
Easy clean
Spot-clean without washing
✅
Warranty
Covered under our warranty
1 year
Stain-resistant
Does not stain easily
✅
Spill-resistant
Liquid rolls off fabric
✅
Mildew-resistant
Fabric does not become mouldy
✅
UV Protection
Fabric colour will not fade
✅
Certification
OEKO-TEX
Free from harmful chemicals
✅
Flammability Test
Passed cigarette smoulder test
Pass
Performance Knit
Available in a soft, oatmeal colour, the Performance Knit has a knitted texture that is easily felt with a soft touch. This lightweight fabric doesn’t wrinkle easily and is easy to care for.
Performance Knit Natural
Who is it for?
Anyone who’s all about staying classy, just like a glass of champagne, would love the Performance Knit Natural in their homes.
What it means
Performance Knit
High traffic
Withstands high traffic
✅
Colour-fastness
Colours don’t transfer easily
✅
Easy clean
Spot-clean without washing
✅
Warranty
Covered under our warranty
1 year
Stain-resistant
Does not stain easily
✅
Spill-resistant
Liquid rolls off fabric
✅
Mildew-resistant
Fabric does not become mouldy
✅
UV Protection
Fabric colour will not fade
✅
Certification
OEKO-TEX
Free from harmful chemicals
✅
Flammability Test
Passed cigarette smoulder test
Pass
Sunbrella®
This season, we’ve included outstanding fabrics from Sunbrella® as part of our Summer Vibes Collection. With textiles made with close attention to design detail, and engineered with robust performance characteristics to combat the sun and its harsh UV rays.
Sunbrella® Canvas
Introducing the Sunbrella® Canvas, with a linen-like design in neutral shades that go well with various interior designs.
Whether rain or shine, the Sunbrella® Canvas sits well in the shade outdoors with its UV protection and mildew-resistant properties.
Who is it for?
People who love beige or brown neutral colours on their furniture that are also able to bring some warmth to the room.
Sunbrella® Canvas Flax
Sunbrella® Canvas Flax is a light, warm neutral with an earthy brown colour inspired by nature. Although neutral, the Sunbrella® Canvas Flax has a warm tinge to it, giving you those summer vibes in a subtle manner.
Sunbrella® Canvas Antique Beige
Sunbrella® Canvas Antique Beige is a soft, cool-toned neutral that resembles sand on the beach. It’s great for a laidback look and also modern farmhouse interiors. Take a look at the ultimate modern farmhouse decor guide here.
What it means
Sunbrella® Canvas
High traffic
Withstands high traffic
✅
Colour-fastness
Colours don’t transfer easily
✅
Low/No Pilling
Does not pill easily with friction
✅
Easy clean
Spot-clean without washing. Machine-wash if needed.
✅
Warranty
Covered under our warranty
5 years
Stain-resistant
Does not stain easily
✅
Spill-resistant
Liquid rolls off fabric
✅
Mildew-resistant
Fabric does not become mouldy
✅
UV Protection
Fabric colour will not fade
✅
Certification
OEKO-TEX GREENGUARD ACT
Skin Cancer Foundation
Free from harmful chemicals
Reduce indoor air pollution
Recommended as part of sun protection regimen
✅
✅
✅
Flammability Test
Passed cigarette smoulder test
Pass
Sunbrella® Fretwork
Our high-quality Sunbrella® Fretwork has all the characteristics for a great summer party outdoors, or even indoors. Feel free to spill all that cocktail on the Sunbrella® Fretwork – all it takes is a wipe to make it look clean again.
The Sunbrella® Fretwork is available in Flax and Pewter. Both have geometric patterns but are of different neutral colours. The Fretwork Flax has more of a beige tone to it whereas the Fretwork Pewter, a more greyish one.
Sunbrella® Fretwork Flax
Sunbrella® Fretwork Pewter
What it means
Sunbrella® Fretwork
High traffic
Withstands high traffic
✅
Colour-fastness
Colours don’t transfer easily
✅
Low/No Pilling
Does not pill easily with friction
✅
Easy clean
Spot-clean without washing. Machine-wash if needed.
