Here Comes the Sun
John Saladino once said, "In my view, no space without natural light is worthy of human occupation."
I agree. I think natural light is an important part of creating an inspired home and I, for one, can't get enough of the stuff! One time I even talked my husband into knocking down what we quickly discovered was a "load-bearing" wall, just to let in a little more natural light. (Don't worry, we took care of the load-bearing issue before the ceiling fell in) :-)
Not only does natural light always seem to put a little more pep in your step, it's also basic human nutrient and is necessary for optimum health. The more natural light your home is filled with, the more receptive, happy and healthy you will feel.
A lack of natural light can cause you to feel lazy, tired, depressed, and unsatisfied.
But if you don't want to knock down a wall or install another window, here are some other ways to create the illusion of a brighter, more airy environment:
- Paint your walls and ceiling lighter colors.
- Use mirrors to reflect and bounce light around the room.
- De-clutter. A messy room will make things feel less spacious, more claustrophobic and even darker.
- Use nature-themed artwork and photography.
- Use tables with glass tops. They will have a lighter feel than solid wood ones.
- Use a combination of general, task and accent lighting.
- Use light bulbs that mimic natural light.
- Choose lamps with glass, metallic or ceramic bases over ones that aren't as reflective.
- Direct more light upward by using torchiere lamps.
I agree. I think natural light is an important part of creating an inspired home and I, for one, can't get enough of the stuff! One time I even talked my husband into knocking down what we quickly discovered was a "load-bearing" wall, just to let in a little more natural light. (Don't worry, we took care of the load-bearing issue before the ceiling fell in) :-)
Not only does natural light always seem to put a little more pep in your step, it's also basic human nutrient and is necessary for optimum health. The more natural light your home is filled with, the more receptive, happy and healthy you will feel.
A lack of natural light can cause you to feel lazy, tired, depressed, and unsatisfied.
But if you don't want to knock down a wall or install another window, here are some other ways to create the illusion of a brighter, more airy environment:
- Paint your walls and ceiling lighter colors.
- Use mirrors to reflect and bounce light around the room.
- De-clutter. A messy room will make things feel less spacious, more claustrophobic and even darker.
- Use nature-themed artwork and photography.
- Use tables with glass tops. They will have a lighter feel than solid wood ones.
- Use a combination of general, task and accent lighting.
- Use light bulbs that mimic natural light.
- Choose lamps with glass, metallic or ceramic bases over ones that aren't as reflective.
- Direct more light upward by using torchiere lamps.
By opening up the wall and removing the door that once cut off this small room, we allowed the more natural light to pour into the rest of our home.
By placing the claw foot tub in it's own sun-filled area of the room, bathing in this room is destined to be an extraordinarily special experience.
Here, the creative homeowner used plexi glass up near the roofline, to give those lying on the bed a view of the sky and trees outside. Very thoughtful!
Thanks to two magnificent over-sized windows and very translucent window treatments, this entire room is filled with natural light.
The "shutters-only" approach in this easy, breezy living room in Hawaii not only creates an opportunity for maximum natural light, but also opens up to a completely unobstructed view of paradise!
From the arched window way up high, to the reflective blue-green surface of the coffee table, this room abounds with lovely light!
"Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity." - Herbert Hoover