The secret to an IKEA style European house that stays cool in a tropical climate

European classical architecture is known for its elegant and orderly appearance. Its grand pillars, intricate ornamental details, and luxurious impression inspire many people to try incorporating it into their homes. 

But what if this style is implemented in a country with a tropical climate that tends to be hot and humid? The answer is yes. With design adjustments and the right furniture selection, the classic style can still feel comfortable and cool. 

The key lies in good air circulation, natural lighting, and materials suitable for the tropical climate. Let's look at what design elements you can apply and how the right furniture collection can help you achieve your dream home. 

Read Also: How interior design styles influence the ambiance of a home - IKEA Indonesia 

Why are high ceilings the main key to a cool tropical European house? 

High ceilings are a distinctive feature of European style home architecture, and they turn out to be very suitable for houses in tropical climates. 

By providing extra vertical distance in the room, you not only get a magnificent appearance but also better air circulation. 

Hot air will naturally rise up and collect in the highest area of the room, so the lower part where you are active feels cooler and more comfortable. 

This design keeps the house cool without having to rely too much on air conditioning, making it an efficient and aesthetic natural solution for tropical homes. 

Creating the illusion of a more magnificent and spacious room 

Besides the thermal function, rooms with high ceilings provide a significant visual perception for the occupants. 

This extra vertical space will give the impression of a room that is much wider, luxurious, and not stuffy. As a result, your house will feel spacious, in line with the original character of the european design which is grand and highlights magnificence. 

This feeling of spaciousness also helps reduce the heavy impression that often arises from the use of strong character classic style furniture. 

Read Also: Modern Scandinavian living room interior design ideas - IKEA Indonesia 

How does a neutral color palette give a cool effect to the dwelling? 

After addressing the vertical aspect of the room, the next focus is on color. To ensure the cool and elegant impression remains, the use of a neutral color palette is an essential strategy. 

Reflecting heat, not absorbing it 

Bright colors like ivory white, light gray, or beige have a natural ability to reflect most of the spectrum of light and heat from the sun. 

This is different from dark colors which tend to absorb heat energy. Because of their ability to reflect heat, the walls and surfaces of the house will not absorb excessive heat from outside. 

As a result, this neutral color palette helps keep the interior temperature stable and comfortable throughout the day, reducing the workload of air conditioning. 

Becoming the perfect canvas for classic furniture 

Walls painted in neutral colors will serve as an elegant and non dominant background. This is very important when you want to emphasize the beauty of classic character furniture, such as finely carved armchairs or display cabinets with glass doors. 

The beauty of classic furniture, from sofas to coffee tables, will become more prominent and full of character, without making the room atmosphere feel heavy, crowded, or busy. The neutral palette ensures the visual focus remains on your main furniture. 

What is the role of large windows in adapting European design? 

Large and symmetrical windows are a key element in classic European architecture. In a tropical climate, the adaptation of this element can be maximized. Here is the full review. 

Maximizing natural lighting and saving energy 

Morning and afternoon sunlight can optimally enter through the large window openings that are characteristic of European houses. 

This design significantly reduces the need for lamps during the day, making your home more energy efficient. 

Besides saving electricity, the intensity of natural light that enters will create a brighter and livelier home atmosphere. To control the light intensity during the day, you can use thick curtains and blinds for protection. 

Connecting the indoor space with the freshness of the tropical garden 

Large windows do not only function as a source of light but also as a frame for the outdoor view, such as a garden or yard. This design will visually connect the interior and exterior beautifully. 

Large windows give a spacious impression and bring the nuance of tropical nature into the house. Using indoor ornamental plants near the windows can also strengthen this visual connection. 

Choosing natural materials that are tough against humid weather 

After discussing design elements that affect circulation, now is the time to determine the materials to be used. Here is the information for you. 

The charm of natural stone for cool floors 

For the floor, consider using materials such as marble or terrazzo. Both materials have natural properties that are dense and do not store heat easily, making them ideal for tropical climates. 

When stepped on, these materials will provide an instant cooling sensation, reducing the stuffy feeling inside the house. 

Besides its cooling effect, natural stone flooring is also very durable and sturdy, able to withstand high air humidity levels without being easily damaged or moldy. 

The use of these cool materials will keep the house temperature stable and give an eternal luxurious impression, in harmony with the european style. 

The warmth of solid wood that has been processed for a tropical climate 

Although natural stone offers coolness, the touch of solid wood is very important to provide the classic warmth typical of Europe. 

Choose types of wood that have been tested, such as teak or merbau, which have gone through the proper drying and coating process. 

This process is crucial to prevent common problems such as decay or termite attacks due to high humidity. Through proper preparation, wood elements, whether on the dining table or bed frame, will provide an elegant sturdy and warm touch. 

Proper processing ensures that the wood elements remain durable in the long term, combining beauty and functional durability. 

Pitched roof: double protection from rain and heat 

A roof design with a steep slope is not just an aesthetic of european architecture, but a highly effective functional solution to face tropical weather challenges. 

Draining rainwater quickly 

One of the biggest challenges in tropical climates is high rainfall that comes suddenly and intensely. A roof design with a steep slope ensures that rainwater can flow down very efficiently towards the gutter. 

This rapid water flow is very important because it reduces the risk of leaks and water pooling on the roof, which could potentially damage the building structure over a long period. 

Reducing direct sun exposure with overhangs (overstek) 

To protect the walls and windows from direct sun exposure, European style roof designs are usually equipped with an overhang (overstek), which is the part of the roof that juts out from the building wall. 

Its main function is to provide shade so that the walls and windows are not directly exposed to sunlight. That way, the heat entering the house can be naturally reduced. 

Finding the balance of elegant, non excessive decoration 

To ensure that European design remains in line with the light and functional concept of a tropical home, decoration curation becomes very crucial. Avoid excessive ornaments that can make the room feel full and difficult to clean. 

Focusing on architectural details like moulding 

Instead of adding many ornaments, focus on improving the quality of the walls and ceilings with the addition of subtle trim or moulding ornaments with a classic design. 

This detail will provide a touch of European style luxury that blends with the building structure itself. The main advantage is that you don't need to add heavy decorative elements that are prone to collecting dust. This style keeps the room looking elegant, full of character, yet also clean and minimalist in a functional sense. 

Choosing characterful accessories in limited numbers 

Choose decorative accessories such as vases, mirrors, or photo frames with an elegant design but not too many. 

Strategic placement as a focal point on a wall shelf or side table is enough. As a result, your room will still feel like it can "breathe" and is easy to clean, in line with the principles of a modern, functional lifestyle. 

Realize your European style house with functional furniture from IKEA 

Classic European style can still be suitable for a tropical house as long as the arrangement is careful. The key lies in the balance between beauty and function. 

Use furniture with simple shapes, soft colors, and a layout that provides ample space so that the house feels cool and not stuffy. 

Avoid excessive decoration, just add warm elements like soft lighting or natural textures from wood to add character. The combination of elegant design and adaptation to the tropical climate will make the house feel more classy without losing comfort. 

Take real steps now and use the help of professional designers through IKEA's Interior Design Services to realize your dream European style home today! 


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