The soft light of the sun rising and the golden glow of afternoon sunlight, combined with natural light, can instantly elevate a space. Although natural light is highly adaptable, it can be a bit cumbersome to manipulate. We wanted to help you get the most out of natural light in your home by referring to this prosody
“Bright, unfiltered light can enhance a bedroom’s tranquility, while direct sunlight provides energy.” Breakfast nook “says interior designer Andy Weier. They could also be used as” task lighting “in a kitchen or home office, with the added benefit of skylights over shower heads!
The process can be an one-stop-shop for paint colors and tips on the best color scheme Placement for your furniture , these eight designer-approved tips will help you make the most of every sun-filled space so you can turn light into your home’s best design feature
Andy Weier, the co-owner, serves as the principal Rockledge Design + Architecture After studying Interior Architecture at U CB erkeley, he has worked in the residential Interior sector for several years
1. Embrace creativity with Reflective Surfaces
Incorporating Reflective surfaces A room’s appearance can be made more spacious and open by reflecting natural light. Despite the fact that it may only pass through one or two windows, this can still give the impression of ample light entering
Mirrors are the primary means of accomplishing this, but you can also use other reflective materials like glass tables, metallic embellishments, or reflective mirrors Wall art A client’s moody, Victorian-era home was decorated with a reflective tin ceiling in their dining room, which we have utilized as our unique finishing touch
2. Choose Light Paint Colors
Soft whites and delicate pastels not only look beautiful but also help to reflect light, which can maximize the amount of sunshine entering your home. If you want a room that’s brighter and more spacious, go for this Light paint colors Pay attention to paint colors with a higher LRV on the walls and ceiling
According to Weier, the LRV ranges from 0% where pure black absorbs all light to 100% where true white reflects all of the light. Your room’s color will become darker as the LRV decreases and more light is absorbed into it.”
3. Keep Windows Clean
Creating a space that maximizes natural light can be a fun and rewarding design project, but you’ll also want to roll your sleeves up for a bit of Home maintenance If you want your rooms to truly shine. One of the simplest ways to make sure your home gets that natural glow is by taking care of your windows and door glass. Dust and grime can quickly dull the light streaming in, so a good Cleaning routine Can make all the difference
“Dirty windows and exterior doors truly rob your home of light, so this might even be worth the investment of a professional service if it sounds like too much of a chore” Weier explains. He recommends Washing your windows From the inside and outside a few times per year as the seasons change.
4. Use the Right Window Fixtures
Instead of heavy drapes and Black-out blinds , stick to sheer Window treatments Dark window coverings can block light even when they’re open, leaving you with an underwhelming dose of sunshine when you pull your curtains back in the morning
Sheer window treatments, on the other hand, allow sunlight to pour in without blocking the view outside or the warmth of the Sun. But if sheer fabrics aren’t your style, you can also explore window fixtures with non-traditional mechanics
“One creative method is to install shades that operate from the bottom up” Weier says. “This allows all the light at the top of the window to pour in, while still giving you privacy for the bottom portion in street-facing living rooms, bedrooms, or bathrooms.”
5. Ditch the Awnings
If you haven’t installed awnings over your windows, doors, and porches for some time, it may be time to think again. It is likely that awnings were installed in older homes before the advent of air conditioning Keep things cool During the summer months
Weier suggests that removing awnings could be beneficial for homes with modern AC systems, which may lead to increased natural light. “You should also keep in mind that they can safeguard your residence from other hazards such as water and wind.”. ”
6. Avoid Cluttered Spaces
Excessive furniture and decor can block sunlight from reaching your windows, so keeping your Design layout open and airy Will allow light to flow freely through the room
” We’ve actually worked with some clients who ultimately swapped rooms such as their living and dining room in order to capitalize on light “Weier says.” Evaluate How you have your home laid out , and see if there are better opportunities. Get creative! ”
To maximize natural light in a space, be mindful of where you place bulky furniture. Try to arrange the room in a way that works with the light you get throughout the day. Also, avoid clutter near windows. Placing furniture or Tall plants Directly in front of light sources can create shadows and block sunlight from entering the room
7. Maintain Your Greenery
Indoor clutter is not the only thing that can block your home’s natural light. Overgrown trees and shrubs can also prevent sunlight from reaching your windows, limiting the light that fills your rooms. If it seems like only a few rays manage to filter through the leaves of a tree or bush, consider Pruning your plants For a cleaner, more open look
There’s also a Strategy for planting greenery Around your house, depending on where it’s positioned on the lot and which direction it faces. You can spend a few days observing how sunlight interacts with your house and yard to establish a new layout or consult an arborist or landscape architect for expert guidance
8. Layer Artificial Light Sources
Layering Artificial lighting To complement natural sources can help maintain a consistent ambiance as day turns to night. By blending your light sources, you can preserve that fresh, open feeling of natural light, even after the sun has set
” While not all ‘natural,’ supplementing your home’s window light with an abundant mix of other lighting types will give you options for any room at any time of day “Weier says. This can include ambient, task, and accent lighting:
- Ambient lighting Is overhead, often providing the main light source for the room
- Task lighting Includes smaller light sources that still provide enough light for activities, such as pendants, under-cabinet lighting, and desk lamps
- Accent lighting Is typically decorative, and not meant to light a whole room. Types include sconces, picture lights, and table lamps