Summer may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean that you have to bid farewell to bright mornings or afternoon sunlight. In the fall and winter, it’s more important than ever to maximize natural light to create open, spacious rooms. In this guide, we’ll discuss some simple ways you can make your home lighter and more inviting all year round.
Paint, wallpaper and flooring
When it comes to designing open, bright spaces, it’s important to think carefully about the colors you choose for your walls and explore different flooring options. Light shades and neutral tones create the illusion of bigger rooms while dark tones and bright colors can often make spaces seem smaller and more cramped. Stick to white, neutrals or pastels on the walls and light wood or vinyl or tile flooring, and add pops of color or prints with accessories and details. Unless you’re keen to create cozy rooms that are designed to feel snug in the cooler months, avoid rich tones, clashing prints and dark wood floors. It’s also an excellent idea to consider the purpose of the room when selecting a color palette. Some colors energize us, while others make us feel calm. Opt for soothing tones for bedrooms and tranquil spaces.
Windows and doors
One of the best ways to increase natural light in your home is to add windows or alter the design of your windows and doors to allow more light to flood your living spaces. Patio doors and sliding doors that open out onto the garden are a fabulous addition to kitchens and living rooms, and they can really help you to maximize space and bring the outside in. You could also explore lanterns and skylights for loft rooms, kitchen extensions and hallways and stairwells. If you’re thinking about replacing your windows, or you’ve recently moved and new windows are doors are on your renovation to-do list, take a look at online galleries, get ideas from magazines and blogs, and contact companies to get quotes. Options like Renewal by Andersen windows could save you money by boosting energy efficiency as well as enhancing the look of your home. If you replace old windows or add doors, you could also add value to your home.
Mirrors
Hanging mirrors on the walls is one of the oldest but most effective tricks in the book when it comes to maximizing natural light and making your home look bigger and brighter. Mirrors bounce light around the room, making even small, dark rooms seem larger. You can choose from a vast selection of mirrors to suit the style and theme of the room and the purpose of the space. From ornate, antique mirrors that will make a statement in the living room to funky, contemporary styles for a cool home office, there’s a mirror for every room in the house.
Storage
Nothing shatters the illusion of bright, open spaces like clutter. If your shelves are packed to the rafters, or you have stuff piled high everywhere you look, investing in storage will make all the difference. From wall-mounted units and open shelving to boxes, crates and tubs, cabinets and hooks, you can find a home for clothing, books, toys, shoes, outdoor equipment, tools and bathroom essentials. If you are short on floor space, take full advantage of the walls. It’s also a fantastic idea to invest in furniture that provides storage, for example, coffee tables and TV units with cupboard space or shelves and beds with hidden drawers underneath. You could also look into renting a storage unit if you’ve run out of space and you don’t want to throw anything away. Storage units are brilliant for large items, such as furniture, and pieces you want to keep but don’t want to display, for example, pictures and prints.
Furniture
If you are buying new furniture or upcycling, and you’re keen to make your rooms seem bigger and lighter, it’s wise to avoid pieces that will dominate the space or block windows or doors. A huge couch will make a small room look even more bijou, for example. Opt for smaller chairs or a 2-seater couch or a loveseat, for example, and angle seats towards windows and doors to take advantage of natural light.
Summer may be drawing to a close, but that doesn’t mean your home has to look dark or cramped for the next few months. There are some very simple ways to maximize natural light and create the illusion of bigger and brighter living spaces.