8 ways to bring more natural light into your home
It is said that natural light is the most important feature people look for when buying a family home.
The survey, conducted by door, window and shutter manufacturer Origin Global, revealed that 26 percent would choose natural light as an "essential" element of a family home, followed by a large, secure garden (19 percent) and an open kitchen/dining room plan (16 percent). Meanwhile, a survey of 2,000 people by David Village Lighting found that the fifth wish is that they have more natural light in their home, and poor natural lighting makes homeowners feel dissatisfied with the appearance of their home.
Exposure to daylight has been linked to improving our mood and well-being, and in the home, natural light can brighten and brighten a room and give a sense of more space. If you want to flood your home with natural light, these eight top tips are a great place to start.
Bright colors
Introduce brighter colors to your walls by removing the statement wallpaper and dark block colors in favor of a soft white paint shade. Shades of white will make the space feel brighter, as it reflects the natural light coming into the room instead of absorbing it.
Avoid using glossy white paint on the walls, as this can make the space feel cold, while a whiter shade will provide a much warmer effect. Another trick is to paint the ceiling a few shades lighter than the walls to create the illusion of height and space. Choosing paint with a satin finish will help reflect light better than matte paint.
Shiny surfaces
Gloss in the kitchen and bathroom with glossy surfaces on the units, again this will reflect the light coming into the room and make the space brighter and larger.
Charles Bettes, managing director of. Architecture and interior design firm, gpad london ltd, explains that when it comes to the kitchen, "choose a bright color scheme and maintain consistency through the walls and cabinet doors. This will make the natural light reflect off the surface and make it more spacious.
"You don't necessarily have to choose white or cream; any pale colors, such as blues or grays, work just as well," he says.
In other rooms, adding furniture and accessories with reflective surfaces can help diffuse light. Metal, glass and mirrored accessories can help make the most of available light and add a stylish look throughout the home.
The right flooring
Floors can also be transformed into environmentally friendly reflectors by choosing wood, ceramic or stone floors with a polished finish, which will reflect much more light than carpets. If you prefer a rug, stick to light, neutral colors.
Green
Don't forget the effect of greenery outside the house on lighting levels inside. Pay attention to your garden and trim trees, shrubs or climbing plants that grow around your doors and windows.
Clean windows
When you're outside, thoroughly clean your windows and glass doors to ensure as much light as possible can enter your home through the glass.
Glass
If you have the budget, the best way to increase natural light in your home is to install large new windows and doors. Bi-fold doors are a particularly good choice because they can transform an entire wall of a house into glass for breathtaking views and the highest level of illumination.
Artificial light
Increase brightness with artificial light that will enhance, rather than take over, any natural light entering your home. Pay special attention to areas where light from windows does not reach, such as awkward corners, hallways or alcoves.
Installing dimmer switches will give you more control over how your space is lit, allowing you to gradually change light levels as the natural light in your home changes throughout the day.
"Popular LED bulbs offer three main options: soft/warm white, bright/cool white and daylight." - says Jo Dyson. "For a cozy and relaxing space I use warm white. I'm a big fan of dimmers and not just for the main living areas; they're just as important in bedrooms and bathrooms. If you're getting ready for work in the morning, you might choose a bright, light-filled bedroom and bathroom, but you want the lights dimmed when you're calming down and getting ready for bed ".
