Keeping Your Apartment Cool and Refreshing This Summer

Lake Oswego summers are golden. Blue skies, mild breezes, and just enough sun to make each day feel like vacation. But when your apartment starts to feel like an oven instead of a haven, it’s time to rethink your approach to keeping cool—and do it in a way that’s mindful of the planet.

Living at Westlake Meadows already means you’ve got a head start. With thoughtfully designed apartments and peaceful surroundings, you’re never far from feeling refreshed. Still, a few changes here and there can make a big difference when the temperatures start to rise.

Start With the Air

The trick is to work with nature, not against it. Keep your windows open during the early morning or late evening to let in cooler air. Then shut everything down—windows, blinds, and curtains—once the sun’s up. This traps the coolness and keeps that midday heat from sneaking in. If you’ve got a fan, use it strategically. Point it toward a window in the evening to push hot air out or circulate cooler air inside during the day.

Fabric Matters

Switch out heavier fabrics for breathable ones. Linen or cotton bedding and lightweight throws give your space a lighter feel without sacrificing comfort. Even the simple act of flipping your pillow to the cool side hits different after a long day. And when the sun sets, open things up again and let that clean Pacific Northwest air do the work.

Go Low-Energy

Appliances can sneakily raise the temperature in your apartment. Run the dishwasher or do laundry in the evening when things have cooled down. Keep lights off during the day and unplug electronics you aren’t using—your space will stay cooler, and your energy bill might surprise you in the best way.

If you’re feeling snacky, keep it fresh. No-cook meals and chilled snacks cut the heat and save energy. Grab local produce, make a simple salad, or head to your patio with something cold in hand.

Green Up Your Space

Adding a few houseplants can help lower indoor temps and purify the air. Bonus: they look good doing it. Ferns, palms, and pothos are all great picks—and they love the kind of indirect sunlight your Westlake Meadows apartment gets. Caring for them becomes part of your summer rhythm.

Summer at Westlake Meadows is about enjoying the season, staying relaxed, and living consciously. Keeping your apartment cool doesn’t need to be high-tech or high-maintenance. With a few thoughtful shifts, you can enjoy everything the season brings without overheating—literally or mentally. Now that’s living easy.