When we think about making changes to our homes, we usually want to brighten things up. Dull and drab decor can be tiresome to look at. The trouble is, all decor can become dull and drab as the seasons pass! If you want to brighten up your home, you might choose a different colour of paint or something bolder for your furniture. But are you missing two vital ingredients for a beautiful bright home?
Let There Be Light!
More light in the room can brighten the space even on a dull day. The secret to good light is to mix the resources you have well. Natural light comes from windows, glass panes in doors, and light wells. The colour of this light changes during the course of the day. The best time of day for golden natural light is in the hour leading up to sunset. There is something quite cheerful about this ‘golden hour’ and its ability to warm even the coldest of rooms.
Windows and doors function to keep noise and cold out as well. If your windows and doors haven’t been replaced in the last fifteen or twenty years, it might be time to check them out. Seals start to become less efficient at weatherproofing. And technologies evolve to offer more protection from the outside. Most importantly, fresh panes of glass are scratch and dirt free, offering maximum light in.
Your choice of LED bulbs can also make an enormous difference to the brightness in the room. Obviously, the higher the wattage, the brighter the light. There are usually two colour temperatures to choose from. A warm white that best simulates that golden hour is the most popular. There is also a cooler, more brilliant white that is best for energetic rooms like your study or kitchen.
Colour Me Happy
Of course, there are other ways to bring colour into the room. When you add colour, the natural and artificial light sources will affect the tone and shade that you get. That’s why you should use tester paints on each of the walls rather than just one when you choose a new colour. You can also use coloured light bulbs like the smart bulb systems available. This can help you create colours that might enhance your mood or help you to relax. It’s a lot safer than throwing a coloured scarf over the lamp!
When we talk about brightness, we might immediately think of how brilliant and glaring a light source is. But colours can be bright too. Yellows are the ones that come to mind first. But any bold colour might be considered bright. Using patterns allows you to mix and match several colours to give the impression of an even brighter finish. And gloss finishes offer the most reflection, so these are thought to be the brightest option.
In fact, any reflective surface, like your windows, radiators, paintwork, floors, and furniture can help brighten a room. Splashes of colour and the best use of light sources are sure to brighten your home at any time of the day.
XOXO
Debbie
