Brightening a Dark House
Sally Haas
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
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Sally Haas
4 years agoRelated Discussions
Help me brighten up my dark kitchen - pics
Comments (17)I think maybe I would paint the walls a lighter shade of the same color, and maybe change the shades of the pendant lights so they are lighter and brighter. I also wonder what kind of bulbs that you have in your light fixtures. Could they be a higher wattage? That would brighten things up a bit. I also don't see a backsplash. A backsplash with some lite reflective glass tile would brighten things up a lot I think. When doing the backsplash, I would add a metallic piece to it. The shine from the metal in the backsplash along with the glass tile will reflect a lot of light and bounce it around some. You might also consider getting some clear glass shades for the chandelier over the kitchen table. That would also bounce some light around. I have a lighter shade of gold in my kitchen and family room and I love it too....See Moresmall dark shaded by tree master bedroom needs brightening up
Comments (11)It is interesting the different perspectives that we all have re: the feeling we wish to have for a room. Still since it is a master I wonder if what you are really missing is a sense of "warmth" to the room vs the natural light. The white in a north facing dark room would be pretty dismal and not feel warm at all. I think with proper lighting and color you can create the "mood" you want with any color that speaks to you. Every single person who sees my mstr bedroom asks how I came up with the color after saying they love it but are certain they would never choose it. DH was sure he wouldn't like it but loves it too. I agree that on the chip it is questionable but in the room it creates a beautiful tranquil feeling that is warm and light at the same time. It mixes beautifully with silver tones and that adds a lot more light to the room - silver plated drapery rods, white murano glass pendants with silver leafing beside the bed over simple mirrored night stands - all help create the mood. It is an east facing room with full sliding doors that are covered with heavy silk - also light reflecting - drapes to allow sleep past 5:30 in the summer months! Light is not really an issue but as someone above mentioned we are in the room mostly at night and I don't want to feel like I am in a dark cave reading in bed at night. Anyway, I would recommend looking through inspiration photos of room here and on HGTV - figure out which ones create the mood you want for your room - avoiding any that seem require full natural light - and incorporate the colors into your room. Think about everything in the room and how it contributes to the feeling - bedding can make a huge difference. So many of the new designs incorporate silks and other reflective materials that can add to the warmth and light in the room....See MoreTrying to brighten up my dark and open kitchen.
Comments (23)I have most of the colors in this thread on my walls now. I tested Gray owl and Stonington Gray in the bathroom and am going with Gray owl. Stonington is too blue. I have Revere Pewter, Edgecomb Gray and Balboa mist on a few walls now and am leaning toward Balboa Mist for the living room and dining room and Edgecomb gray for the bedroom. Revere Pewter is too dark. All the colors look different depending on the amount of sunlight in the space. Have you considered changing out your lightbulbs to a 4100K or 5000K colors?...See MoreHow to brighten up a dark livingroom ??
Comments (6)For decorating using light colors definitely brighten a room. Other design options are adding a mirror on the opposite wall if possible to the window to reflect light back into the room. Add mirrored furniture & accessories also for reflecting light or light or ghost furniture to remove weight from the room. Keep accessories light. Adding artificial light will definitely help. A pendant light / chandelier which is glass will cast more light than and a heavy shade. Window dressings should be light so perhaps paint your wood. Dark colors at the window will absorb light coming into the room. Task lighting ie table or floor lamps give functionality plus look like purposeful design. So whilst your waiting for the electrician there are still ways to lighten the room. Even though it is dark you are on the right track to making the room cozy with your rug and walls....See Morebeckysharp Reinstate SW Unconditionally
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