What, When, Where: Desperately Seeking Shade

By Kara Lashley

As summer reaches its sweltering height, there’s no hiding where you stand: sun worshipper or shade seeker? For members of the latter camp, here are five fun ways to beat the heat in style. (All are best enjoyed with a mojito in hand.)

1. Sit under a fanciful umbrella. In the absence of a huge, leafy tree, Droog‘s Shadylace parasol will drape you in delicious dappled shade.

Photo courtesy of Droog

2. Duck beneath a magnificent arbor. This nine-foot-tall creation by artist Laura Spector, whom we featured in New England Home’s Connecticut earlier this year, is made of oriental bittersweet vines.

Photo by Peter Baker

3. Retreat to a sleeping porch, preferably one with a luxurious daybed. The Daydream by Dedon is a favorite of designer Pamela Jimenez.

Photo courtesy of Dedon

4. Commission a breezy hideaway by treehouse artiste Roderick Romero. Or, just check out his Web site and imagine yourself in one.

Photo courtesy of Roderick Romero

5. Dangle from a sturdy bough in Dedon’s Nestrest pod.

Photos courtesy of Dedon

How cool is that?