Well-lighted rooms hold natural appeal for most of us. As humans, it makes sense. Not only does the sun allow our bodies to produce essential vitamin D, but it also has been shown to help our bodies produce the brain chemicals that ward off depression and produce calm feelings. Beyond those benefits, sunlight can also help reduce stress and contribute to a better sleep cycle. 

One of the most requested changes homeowners seek when considering a major home remodel is to get rid of a dark, drab atmosphere and “brighten” things up. Sometimes this can be accomplished by bringing in more light fixtures, but ideally, it’s accomplished by finding creative ways to add in more natural sunlight. If you’re looking for ideas toward that end, here are ten straightforward solutions to let the sunshine in.   

Embrace Intentional Open Floor Plans

Open floor plans offer the benefit of allowing light to flow throughout living spaces. Having been the norm for several decades now, today homeowners are looking for ways to incorporate strategic partitions – like sleek, low-profile bookshelves or double-sided fireplaces – to define areas while maintaining a sense of openness. This allows for designated spaces bathed in natural light. 

Set Your Windows South-Facing

When planning renovations or new construction, it can be helpful to prioritize south-facing windows. These will capture the most sunlight throughout the day, especially during the winter months when we can use every ray we can find.

Clerestory Windows and Skylights

Don’t let low ceilings or interior rooms limit your light potential. Clerestory windows placed high on walls and skylights strategically positioned on your roof can bathe even the deepest areas in diffused natural light. This is becoming a more popular option to incorporate into kitchen and bathroom remodels and will instantly add a sense of height to vertically-challenged rooms. 

Get Creative with Corner Windows

For rooms that lack the space for additional windows, a corner window may be possible to squeeze in. This not only adds in more light, but provides panoramic views of the outdoors. Such an addition can create a dynamic design touch that allows for casual gazing and relaxing throughout the day with a sense of nature incorporated into the room. 

Multiply the Rays with Light Shelves 

Light shelves, which are essentially horizontal ledges placed beneath windows, act as light catchers, bouncing natural light deeper into a room. This is a fantastic way to illuminate darker corners or hallways and adds in another designer element for further visual interest.

Don’t Sabotage Your Light Sources

It’s easy to overdress windows and the result can be severely limiting the flow of light from your windows. Instead of the traditional window treatments that weigh down a window, such as thick, dark drapery, consider more minimal options like shades or shutters. Motorized window treatments can even be programmed to close during particularly harsh light times of the day or at night when privacy is a priority. 

Consider a Solar Tube

It sounds sci-fi but this mini-window option is easy to install right now in the present day. Solar tubes, often seen in hallways and bathrooms, but available for any room, are the perfect solution when a ceiling isn’t in direct reach of the sun’s rays. While a skylight is a window on the ceiling, a solar tube works by directing light on an angle into a specific space in the ceiling so natural light can be added to a room. It’s an ingenious solution that can work in many challenging design scenarios.  

Look for Light Opportunities

If you’re planning a home remodel, focus on ways to add additional streams of sun. This could be accomplished by widening kitchen windows to let in more light, or by swapping out more covered exterior doors for those with a more translucent design. Larger windows can upgrade a space and make it feel more elegant and elevated. 

Investigative Reflective Interior Colors

It’s not just windows that can help with lightening up a space. Your ceiling, walls, and flooring all play a critical role in deciding whether the atmosphere feels cave-like or bright and airy. Lean in on lighter flooring options and consider wallpaper that reflects, rather than absorbs light. Ceilings can be even given a glossier treatment than the standard flat white we’re used to seeing. 

Create Your Own Wonder Wall with Windows

Is there anything more striking than the look of floor to ceiling windows? A sure way to bring in more sunlight into a space, floor-to-ceiling windows go a long way to enhancing the overall impression and value of a home.

Let natural light be your guide when furnishing your home. Opt for furniture with light-reflective surfaces like glass or polished wood to further enhance the light’s brilliance and create a sense of spaciousness. A decorative mirror works well, but full-wall mirrors are also coming back into style, creating a luxe retro feel. 

By incorporating these tips and recommendations, you can create a luxurious space that feels fresh, modern, and spacious. Enjoy basking in the warmth of natural sunlight with these ideas designed to increase your home’s overall value as well.