How to endure a heatwave elegantly?

Unusual Heatwave Advice: Small Rituals for Big Relief

How can we mentally endure a heatwave without calling an air conditioning company—only to hear about a waiting list of several weeks? How can we find strength and intentionality in our daily rituals? That’s what Marga and I have been texting about, and we’d like to share our no-brainer (yet subtly effective) advice.

Did I hear that correctly—sharing no-brainer advice? Yes! As our brains (and perhaps yours) feel cooked and barely functional, we might as well share the most obvious tips. After all, sometimes the simplest ideas are the most overlooked.

At Handmade Luxury Home, we specialise in textiles, so that’s where our first advice begins. Swap heavy throws and cushions for lightweight linen, cotton, or bamboo fabrics. These materials breathe better and feel cooler against the skin. 

Colour psychology matters: Opt for pale blues, soft greens, or crisp whites—colours that evoke freshness and calm.

For yourself and your pets, lightly dampen a thin cotton throw or towel and drape it over a chair, sofa, or pet bed. The evaporation cools the air slightly and adds a refreshing visual touch.

We also care about scent. Especially fresh scents. If you have an essential oil diffuser (preferably electric to avoid added heat), try:Peppermint, eucalyptus, or citrus oils—scents that create a mental association with coolness.

Or try a DIY linen spray, mix water, a splash of vodka (as a preservative), and a few drops of lavender or bergamot oil in a spray bottle. Lightly mist curtains or bedding for a fresh, cooling effect.

Rituals for the Body and Mind

We are coffee, tea, and matcha ladies. Drink them cooled. Here is our advice on chilled herbal teas: brew iced mint, or chamomile tea and serve in beautiful glass pitchers or vintage glasses. The act of sipping something cold and visually appealing can be a small moment of relief.

And use frozen fruit bowls: Fill a glass bowl with frozen grapes, berries, or citrus slices and place it on a coffee table or kitchen counter. It’s both a cooling snack and a pretty, temporary centre piece.

Curtains: The Old-Fashioned Lifesaver

We usually prefer minimalist interiors, but during a heatwave, light-coloured glazing curtains (vitrage in Dutch) are essential. They soften harsh sunlight while still allowing a breeze to pass through. The gentle movement of the fabric can be soothing and even lend a poetic touch to your space.

Well, if scent matters so does sound!

Subtle Sounds. To mentally reduce heat stress, create soothing sounds: Play recordings of gentle rain, ocean waves, or a babbling brook in the background. The sound of water can psychologically lower the perception of heat. Or hang wind chimes near an open window. Their soft, random tones can be meditative and remind you of a breeze, even if there isn’t one.

A Heatwave Journal: switch from enduring to observing  

Instead of filling a journal with complaints (though it’s okay to acknowledge the difficulty), try noting observations about the heat:. How the light changes.. The sounds of the day. Fill your notebook with sketches of shadows. Turning your attention to these details can make the experience feel more intentional and less oppressive.

The Long Cool-Down

Phew… the hottest part of the day is almost over—but not quite. It takes a few days for the nights to cool, for your home to cool, and for your body to follow.

"After a heatwave, I need three weeks to get the heat out of my body."

How can we return to restful sleep without sleeping aids? Apply a cool bedding ritual: Before bed, place your pillowcase or a thin cotton sheet in the fridge for 10–15 minutes. (disclaimer: this only helps in rooms that won't turn the sheets into damp covers). The initial coolness can help you drift off more comfortably. Nighttime mist: Keep a DIY mist spray (water + a tiny bit of baby lotion) in the fridge. Lightly mist your face, neck, or bedding before sleep.

However.....

Let’s be clear: These small, intentional touches won’t lower the temperature of your home or body. For that, you’d need larger investments like sun screens, French doors, or powerful fans. But our subtle ideas can shift your mindset—turning the heatwave from something to endure into something to observe. And by observing, you become less involved, more of a spectator. That tiny shift can give you the extra strength to get through the toughest days.

A Note on Climate Change

It goes without saying that we’re furious about global warming. We’re not denying that climates have changed naturally since prehistoric times—but what we’re seeing now is human-driven global warming. Do what you can to help: take the train instead of the plane, reduce waste, and support sustainable practices. However, when we’re under a heat dome and suffering, adding angry energy to the suffering doesn’t help. We need advice that keeps us going elegantly.

Paula & Marga 

P.S. Look after the elderly, the ill, children, and pets.