With temperatures in the UAE hitting 40°C in the afternoons, the instinct to retreat indoors takes over often. Yet, the traditional design lexicon for the hotter months, defined by bright accents, does little to soothe the senses. This summer, we see a shift in design sensibilities as attention turns to how physical spaces are connected to one’s mood and act as sanctuaries from both the heat and chaos of the everyday. To better understand how to master this cooling, tactile approach to seasonal design, MOJEH speaks with UAE-based colour expert Anusya Das at Jotun about the interior trends to implement.
Image courtesy of Jotun
The long-standing preference for stark spaces is evolving into an appreciation for quieter, more nurturing environments this year. The modern home opts for a palette that absorbs the day’s intensity rather than bouncing it back into the room. “We are seeing people move away from overly crisp whites and high contrast palettes, and instead gravitate toward softer, emotionally grounding colours that create a sense of calm within the home,” Anusya Das explains. “It is about creating a space that feels like an escape from the heat rather than a reflection of it.”
Colour choice then becomes more than an aesthetic preference; it directly dictates how we perceive physical comfort and climate within an enclosed environment. While a space might remain mechanically cooled, certain undertones introduce a distinctly airy, breathable atmosphere that tricks the mind into unwinding.
Image courtesy of Jotun
“Soft mineral blues, muted greens, warm greiges and sandy neutrals tend to create a calming and breathable atmosphere because they reflect light gently,” Das says. “Ultimately, colour is not just decorative. It shapes the emotional temperature of a room and influences how we physically experience our surroundings.”
When natural light becomes sharp, the surface treatment of a wall is just as critical as its colour. Moving away from standard sheens toward velvety, ultra-matte options alter how light behaves, turning a potentially sterile glare into a subtle and welcoming glow. “Softer and more muted finishes work beautifully because they help diffuse light,” Das suggests. “The tactile suede effect subtly absorbs and scatters light, which reduces harsh reflections and gives walls a calm, velvety appearance.”
Image courtesy of Jotun
A meaningful seasonal update, however, doesn’t require a full structural renovation. Instead, impact is achieved by identifying the specific architectural features that interact with the changing path of the sun, using targeted texture to create a sense of movement. “I would recommend starting with the wall that naturally receives the most daylight because that is where colour and texture truly come alive during summer,” the colour expert advises. “What makes a summer update feel elevated today is not necessarily choosing a bold colour, but introducing depth and tactility into the space.”
As the region’s long summer unfolds, these deliberate choices demonstrate how the most sophisticated interiors are those designed for comfort without compromising style.
