5 Tips to Stay Cool in Your Outdoor Spaces

Chillin’ On The Patio

With Nashville’s hottest months ahead of us, we thought this would be a good time to talk about some of our favorite ways to keep cool – or at least cooler — in our outdoor spaces.

Made In The Shade

A permanent roof and screened enclosure may the best way to shade your outdoor living area and could even add value to your home, but these types of improvements can be pretty costly.  If you already have a covered deck or patio or plan to build a cover, the addition of an outdoor ceiling fan can make the difference between spending a couple more hours outside or heading back indoors for the afternoon.  For screened enclosures, consider adding some shades or curtains to block the afternoon sun.

If you are unable to extend the roof structure of your house out over your deck or patio due to aesthetics or because it is not feasible from a budget standpoint, there are other options that may be more suitable for your situation, such as retractable awnings, pergolas, sails, or large adjustable umbrellas.  All of these options will keep you in the shade.

Screened porch enclosure Nashville TN

Go Green

Adding a climbing vine to an arbor or trellis, as well as other strategically placed trees or shrubs, is an effective and beautiful way to screen the sun.  Some plants even repel mosquitoes.

Plants that add shade

Add a Mister

Another way to beat the summer heat is with a misting fan.  It will spray a steady mist of water while you want it, and you can turn it off when not in use to conserve resources and control costs.  Consider adding a patio mister for a simple do-it-yourself and budget-friendly way to stay cool this summer.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated with a chilled drink is one of the easiest ways to cool off when it’s hot outside.  One of our favorite refreshing drinks is a Watermelon Smoothie from our Forest Feast for Kids cookbook. For a 21+ spin on these delicious smoothies, try adding a splash of rum.

Consider installing an outdoor bar area, which offers a place to store ice, beverages, and popsicles.

Watermelon Strawberry Smoothies

Wearables

Lightweight clothing will keep you cooler.  Wide brim hats and sunglasses will shield your face from the sun.  And don’t forget your sunscreen!

Stay Cool, Nashville!

Chillin’ On The Patio With Nashville’s hottest months ahead of us, we thought this would be a good time to talk about some of our favorite ways to keep cool – or at least cooler -- in our outdoor spaces. Made In The Shade A permanent roof and screened enclosure may the best way to shade your outdoor living area and could even add value to your home, but these types of improvements can be pretty costly. If you already have a covered deck or patio or plan to build a cover, the addition of an outdoor ceiling fan can make the difference between spending a couple more hours outside or heading back indoors for the afternoon. For screened enclosures, consider adding some shades or curtains to block the afternoon sun. If you are unable to extend the roof structure of your house out over your deck or patio due to aesthetics or because it is not feasible from a budget standpoint, there are other options that may be more suitable for your situation, such as retractable awnings, pergolas, sails, or large adjustable umbrellas. All of these options will keep you in the shade. Go Green Adding a climbing vine to an arbor or trellis, as well as other strategically placed trees or shrubs, is an effective and beautiful way to screen the sun. Some plants even repel mosquitoes. Find A Mister Another way to beat the summer heat is with a misting fan. It will spray a steady mist of water while you want it, and you can turn it off when not in use to conserve resources and control costs. Consider adding a patio mister for a simple do-it-yourself and budget friendly way to stay cool this summer. Stay Hydrated Staying hydrated with a chilled drink is one of the easiest ways to cool off when it’s hot outside. Consider installing an outdoor bar area, which offers a place to store ice, beverages and popsicles. Wearables Lightweight clothing will keep you cooler. Wide brim hats and sunglasses will shield your face from the sun. And don’t forget your sunscreen! Stay Cool Nashville!

About the Author

My wife and I live in Donelson, where we both were raised and graduated from high school (DCA Classes of 1983 and 1984).  Our current home is on the Cumberland River, very close to my childhood home and the former homes of both my McDonald and Rice grandparents.

Our daughter and son are grown now, and our daughter, Stephanie Miller, is my real estate partner.  She lives in Lebanon with her husband and their two children.  While Stephanie and I specialize in the areas of Downtown Nashville, Donelson, Hermitage, Old Hickory, Mt. Juliet and Lebanon, we have and do serve clients all over Middle Tennessee.

As a Nashville native, I’ve spent a lifetime watching our city evolve, and I am enthusiastic about showcasing it to others and serving their real estate needs.

Services

1997 — 2000   Fleetwood HOA Board Officer

2013 — 2016   Rhythm at Music Row HOA Board Officer

2017   Greater Nashville Realtors: Housing Opportunities & Affordability Committee

2017 — 2018   St. Martin Square HOA Board Officer

2017 — 2019   Brentwood Photography Group Board

2018 — 2019   Senior Ride Nashville


Memberships

National Association of REALTORS®

Tennessee Association of REALTORS®

Greater Nashville Association of REALTORS®