Controlling the internal temperature of Australian homes is an important factor when it comes to the practical side of interior decoration. This is because the Australian summer can be extremely hot no matter how far in the south of the country you happen to live. North-facing windows and conservatories can be a delight, but they are susceptible to overheating a home when they start to act as miniature greenhouses. However, the thermal control of homes need not always be about large – and often unsightly – air-conditioning units being installed. A good designer has other tricks up his or her sleeve.

Slatted Aluminium Windows

When the home gets hot, opening the window can be enough to allow a breeze in and cool the home. However, open windows often have a security risk associated with them and are not much good when the house is unattended. These days, the stylish option is to go for slatted aluminium-framed windows. Aluminium is a heat conductor, but when it has a polyamide insert in the frame, this chic-looking metal makes a great heat-resistant frame. If the upper part of the window is fashioned from slatted panes, then these can be opened allowing hot air to escape from the home, but be locked into place so that unwarranted access is prevented. In addition, aluminium frames can be powder coated to any colour you might wish so they will fit in with the rest of the décor perfectly.

Cut Out the Sunlight

An attractive way of stopping excess light flooding into your home and heating it up is to install indoor blinds. Available in a huge array of fabrics and finishes, indoor roller blinds are the best option because they can be set to just the right height to block the sun, depending on its height in the sky. Unlike curtains which can only block the sun with a horizontal movement, roller blinds are raised and lower vertically, perfect for effective thermal control.

Install Photochromic Glass

Ideal for conservatories, this type of glazing changes colour as the ambient temperature increases. When used in homes, it looks stylish and is formulated so that the windows only darken when sunlight falls directly on them. Unlike electric switchable glazing, it does this automatically and does not require a system or an operative to control it. Therefore, it will look good and function perfectly when you are out, keeping the home cool ready for your return.