Ask the Designers: Let the Sunshine In
January 2024
When it comes to designing a space, incorporating natural light can make all the difference. It can open up small spaces and can make your home feel more warm and cozy. Also, having natural light in your home may even improve your mood, productivity during the day, and help with natural sleep cycles. Interior designers employ several different techniques to take advantage of natural light in a home.
Windows are the automatic go to when trying to increase your natural light, and there are several ways to make the most of what the sun’s giving, such as using sheer window treatments. There are additional ways to maximize the natural light. For instance, the color of your walls can have a significant impact on the brightness of the room, and well positioned mirrors can provide light and spatial benefits to your space as well. We asked our expert designers for some “bright” ideas to maximize natural light in a home.
Question: How can you maximize the natural light in your space?
Designer:
Gabberts Senior Interior Designer
Lauradeen is an award-winning designer with over 25 years of experience, applying her proclivity for composition and engineering to masterfully unite design and function.
Answer:
The right window treatment is the key. There are so many options to control the amount of natural light in your space. I find plantation shutters are amazing for letting the sunshine in when you want to, while maintaining sun control. You can coordinate curtains with your shutters for an elevated look that doesn’t sacrifice on functionality.
Designer:
Gabberts Senior Interior Designer
_George has over 30 years of interior design and home furnishings experience and has a great eye and passion for color when it comes to interior design. _
Answer:
Let the sunshine in! However, don’t forget to also protect furniture and fabrics that will be exposed to the light. For the best of both worlds, I love placing sheer drapery on the window sills. This strategy allows natural light to come in, while still offering a degree of protection at the same time. As for furniture selection, such as your sectional, sofa and other seating, incorporating lighter fabric choices can help increase the overall brightness of the room.
Designer:
Gabberts Interior Designer
Cindy feels the most important part of the design process is establishing a sound foundation from the beginning. She listens to her clients to reflect their personalities and lifestyle.
Answer:
Two big strategies of maximizing natural light in a space are: 1) the use of lighter walls and 2) the addition of mirrors to reflect the light! Light-colored walls, such as soft whites or pastels, reflect light and can easily help brighten up a room. As for mirrors, you can strategically hang wall mirrors or place a floor mirror opposite of windows to capture and bounce sunlight into the room. Choose from a wide range of designs to suit the style of your room, from stunning traditional designs to sleek and modern wall mirrors.
Designer:
Gabberts Senior Interior Designer
Lori creates beautiful, functional, and comfortable environments that reflect their point of view. Every project is unique, just like the client.
Answer:
Wood blinds are a favorite choice for window treatments because they allow light in and, by adjusting the louvers, they also provide privacy when needed. Drapery panels keep fabric off the window for maximum glass exposure and can be closed for warmth and privacy in the evening.
Try implementing your favorite design tips to maximize natural light in your space. By choosing the right window treatments, light wall colors, and strategic placement of mirrors, you can make your room feel brighter and more inviting. An interior designer can help you brighten up your room, whether it’s implementing a small change to your space or designing a whole new space that really puts natural light into focus. It’s time to bring sunshine into your home.
Try implementing your favorite design tips to maximize natural light in your space. By choosing the right window treatments, light wall colors, and strategic placement of mirrors, you can make your room feel brighter and more inviting. An interior designer can help you brighten up your room, whether it’s implementing a small change to your space or designing a whole new space that really puts natural light into focus. It’s time to bring sunshine into your home.
