Let the Sunshine In

Recently, I was asked how to brighten a dark house. My easy answer? Let the sunshine in!

Anyone who has worked with me knows I’m not a fan of overhead lighting. It strains my eyes, causes headaches, and makes it difficult to relax at home. My office is illuminated by the natural light streaming through the windows and a couple of lamps, and that’s all I need! People often comment on its warm and cozy atmosphere.

I have a simple method to bring that same ambiance to my house. Every day, I open my blinds. It’s become such a routine that my entire family does it too! If I’m not home, they ensure the blinds are open.

My house features an open concept layout, with the kitchen, dining room, and living room all in one expansive space. I have a double window in the kitchen/dining area and French doors in the living room area. These spaces receive enough natural light that I usually don’t need additional lighting. But if more light is needed, I’ll turn on the hanging bar lights or the under-counter lights in the kitchen.

Take a moment to think about the room you spend the most time in. Do you have windows that you can open? Give it a try and see how much brighter it becomes. If it’s still not quite enough, add some lamps around the room to brighten things up. Pif you are trying to brighten your living room, place a floor lamp behind your couch or in a gloomy corner. Place a lamp on your end tables. Just make sure you choose LED bulbs . They’ll give off the most light and save you energy in the long run.

Another trick to boosting the light in a space is through the use of mirrors and lighter colored decor and accents. Strategically place mirrors opposite a window or near a lamp to bounce light around the room. This not only brightens things up but also makes the space feel more open. When choosing your accent pieces, decor, and paint color, choose lighter colors. I personally am not fond of lighter colored furniture, especially in a home with kids or pets, that is exactly why my furniture is a darker tan color. However, when it came time to choose a rug to accent my living room, I chose a lighter color to offset the dark furniture.

Letting natural light into your home isn't a cure-all, but it can illuminate your space without costing anything! Walk through your house and take inventory. Are there lamps in other rooms that aren't being used? Could they be relocated to your darker areas to provide more light? Do you have dark furniture? Consider using lighter-colored blankets or throw pillows to introduce some bright accents.

With a few simple changes, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that you'll love coming home to!