light it up
ideas to add natural lighting in your home
Ideas to brighten a home
AHOUSE FILLED WITH SUNLIGHT IS CHEERY, WARM AND INVIT
ING — and it just makes us feel plain happy. Natural light also reduces lighting energy consumption by 50 to 80 percent, according to the U.S. Green Building Council. There are many ways to incorporate more light into your life.You just need to know where to look.
windows
Windows and skylights are the most obvious ways to let natural light into our homes. Of course, you need to consider any side effects of heat gain or loss and glare, but these can be controlled with energy-efficient glass. Your interior designer and contractor will consider placement and orientation in regards to how the windows relate to the sun’s movement. These simple strategies can help you enjoy the best of all worlds.
open concept
The latest home trends favor open concept layouts. These larger spaces usually contain more windows that’s are bigger, so they are considerably lighter than older homes that often feature separated and enclosed rooms. Open to some remodeling? Talk with your local construction experts about creating a design that takes out non-load-bearing walls to open up your place a bit.You can even add open-tread stairwells with an operable window or skylight at the top. These touches will provide a ray of new light throughout your home.
blinds & curtains
Blinds and curtains contribute to color, design and the overall look of a home. They also are important for privacy and can control the amount and direction of natural light. Blinds come in a variety of materials, colors and prices depending on your preference. There are vertical, horizontal and assorted pull-down blinds, as well. Curtains are one of the finishing details of any room. Some, such as sheers and valances, let in significant light to filter through, while others block out light almost completely. With this kind of control, you can pick and choose when to brighten up your home.