Oh Lighten Up!

Bringing more light into your home

He that will enjoy the brightness of sunshine, must quit the coolness of the shade.

-Samuel Johnson

This time of year means open windows, breezes and sunshine! But for some of us that live in wooded areas having leaves back on the trees means more shadow during the day. Or you may live in an older home whose design did not take natural light into account. Or you may live in the city where the building next door keeps your windows in perpetual shade. How to brighten up the room?

1. Decorate using a mirrored Effect

The more shiny surfaces you can add to rooms, the more light will reflect back into the room. Using objects like chandeliers, brass lighting, gold door knobs or silver photo frames, brass candlesticks or acrylic clear furniture should become part of your decorating strategy. They help to bounce light around your room. The placement of mirrors is very important. Experiment with various placements on the opposite side of a window to bounce as much of the light coming in as possible.

2. Change your curtains for the season

Thick window treatments and curtains often absorb precious natural light. Removing heavy or dark curtains will instantly add light into your dark rooms. Light colors and light weight fabrics both help to preserve natural light. If you need curtains for privacy, use sheer, light fabrics. Darker colored fabrics absorb light. If you prefer a flush, minimalist look, shutters could be the answer. They control the amount of natural light into your room and protect your privacy. Depending on your budget you can get wood shutters or faux wood shutters.

3. In fact, Change all of your textiles!

Who doesn’t love the idea of slipping in between cool white sheets on a hot summer night? Carry that over to all of your textiles. Use as many lighter colors as possible all grouped together for great effect. Use lighter fabrics in summer also – linens, cottons and silks.

4. Go Clear

Using glass in your doors is a great way to get more natural light further into your home. You can use frosted or tinted glass for privacy. If you are renting or new doors are not in your budget try frosted film for windows for existing windows and doors. Its translucent and allows filtered light in. The idea of using glass continues with glass tabletops or acrylic chairs to increase light moving through your rooms. They can be used anywhere and look great.Oh Lighten Up!