Homeowners who are building or renovating their homes always want to have a living space that is filled with natural lighting from dawn to dusk. While structural changes can make a dramatic difference in the amount of natural light in your home there are many other quick fixes that you can use to maximise natural light. For structural changes, consider Residential Architects at //www.quattrodesign.co.uk
Outside of your home– Letting more light in, begins from the outside. Trim any large hedges or bushes outside your home (as long you own them!) Include climbing plants around windows and front doors.
Reflective accessories– Place these items in front of windows to help reflect the light that filters into your room. Dark, large artworks can absorb any sunlight that enters your room. Hanging artwork, bookshelves, etc. should be done perpendicularly to windows/natural lighting sources.
Decorate with light colours- to maximise natural daylight. Light colours reflect light rays rather than absorb them. The lighter colours can also create a feeling of peace and calm, which we all deserve.
Cleaning Windows- It may sound easy, but you’d be surprised at how often people overlook this simple and inexpensive way to bring more light into their home. Grab a bucket and roll up your sleeves to start washing the inside and outside of your home!
Is it time to declutter or reshuffle your furniture? Moving large furniture items away from light sources will make a big difference. If you don’t have the room to move items around, a decluttering could be a good idea to make more space. A simple clear out will make your space more open, light and airy.
If you need to make bigger changes, then a skylight or enlarging/installing additional windows or bi-folding doors will be the next option. There are many options available that not only let in more natural light but will also change the style of your home.
Making small rooms feel brighter and bigger
Natural light works hand in hand with a few simple design choices to make a room feel larger. Light colours reflect light while dark colours absorb it, so choose bright, airy shades and consider painting skirting boards and trims lighter than the walls. Swapping heavy, dark curtains for sheer ones lets more daylight in, and glass panels in internal doors help light travel through the home.
Clutter makes any space feel cramped, whether it is ornaments, furniture or too many pictures on the walls. Cutting back and investing in good storage clears the room. Multifunctional furniture, such as a sofa with pull-out storage or an ottoman that doubles as a coffee table, reduces the number of pieces you need.
Bulky, solid furniture shrinks a room, while pieces you can see through, like a table on legs or a glass coffee table, give an impression of more space. The same rule applies to floors: lighter shades feel more open, and if you have dark wooden flooring, a lighter or patterned rug can brighten it.
Planning each room when you move in
Moving into a new home is the ideal time to make the most of the light you have. Take each room in turn and decide exactly what it will be used for, as that guides the furniture you need and how best to lay it out.
Check how much natural light comes into each room and choose wall colours that enhance it. If you want darker shades in some rooms, an accent wall lets you use them without losing brightness across the whole space. Think about the windows too, and choose curtains that tie in with the colours or patterns on your walls while letting in as much daylight as possible.
Flooring can make a real difference. Changing it can lighten a room and even make it feel bigger, so consider lighter finishes where rooms feel dark. Whatever you choose, make sure the flooring suits the way you live, so it stays practical as well as bright.