As a home design enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the transformative power of natural light. It’s not just about aesthetics – natural light has the ability to uplift our mood, boost our productivity, and even improve our overall well-being. So, when I was tasked with writing an in-depth article on maximizing natural light in home design, I couldn’t wait to dive in.
Unlocking the Benefits of Daylighting
Daylighting, the strategic use of natural light in building design, is a concept that has gained considerable traction in the world of architecture and interior design. And for good reason – it’s been scientifically proven to have a multitude of benefits. Richard Hess, a designer in architecture, interiors, and furniture, explains, “Sunlight increases the amount of serotonin in our brains, and this is what makes us humans happy. It is scientifically proven that sunlight, vitamin D, elevates our moods daily and decreases anxiety.”
Beyond the mood-boosting effects, bringing more natural light into your home can also lead to tangible energy savings. According to the National Institute of Building Sciences, an integrated daylighting approach can reduce a home’s total energy costs by as much as one-third. That’s a win-win in my book!
Reflective Surfaces and Color Palettes
One of the easiest ways to maximize natural light in your home is to strategically use reflective surfaces. As interior designer Nicole Gibbons of Nicole Gibbons Studio explains, “A mirror placed at the end of a hallway or in a corner opposite a window can bounce sunlight or light from an artificial light source around a room.”
But it’s not just mirrors that can help create a brighter, more luminous space. The color and type of paint you choose can also make a significant difference. Gibbons, who is also the founder and CEO of the paint site Clare, recommends using a lighter color palette to help reflect light and brighten spaces where sunlight is absent or limited. “Look for paint colors with a light reflectance value of 70 or higher,” she advises. “On the LRV scale of zero to 100, a higher number means the paint reflects more light, a lower number absorbs more.”
Bringing in the Light with Windows and Doors
Of course, one of the most effective ways to maximize natural light in your home is to strategically place windows and doors. “One of the best strategies for bringing sunlight into a home is to install large windows, especially the floor-to-ceiling varieties,” says Hess, who also teaches at the Design Institute of San Diego.
Prices for these types of windows can vary widely, from around $150 to $2,500 per window, depending on the size, style, and materials used. But the investment can be well worth it, as retirees Janell McClish and Mark Caballero discovered when they renovated their San Francisco Bay Area home. “We wanted access and light,” Caballero says. “It made a huge difference,” McClish adds. “It brought in the light and the ocean. As you get older, your vision may not be as sharp.”
Another ingenious way to bring more light into a home is through the use of transom windows. These windows, which go above a door or another window in an interior room, can help filter light into darker spaces. Gibbons is a big fan of this design feature, noting that transom windows can range from about $100 to $300.
Skylights and Solar Tubes
If you’re looking to take your natural light game to the next level, consider the addition of skylights or solar tubes. Designers often use skylights to bring natural light into rooms with small or no windows, such as bathrooms. Skylights and roof windows also provide a view of the sky or trees above, connecting you with the natural world outside.
The cost for skylights can vary widely, from $200 to more than $5,000, depending on the size and complexity of the installation. For those seeking a more cost-effective option, Hess recommends solar tubes, also known as sun tunnels. “They let in less light than skylights or roof windows, so some people install multiple solar tubes,” he explains. “They may cost roughly $600 to about $1,000.”
Enhancing with Flooring and Landscaping
It may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but even the color of your flooring can make a difference in helping to circulate light throughout a room. Whether it’s carpet or wood, going with a lighter shade can create a brighter, airier feel. Caballero and McClish, the retirees who renovated their home, also replaced dark wood paneling in the kitchen with a cream-colored paint and swapped out dark wooden stairs for a neutral-colored carpet.
Don’t forget about the landscaping around your home either. As Gibbons points out, “Trimming the trees and shrubs around your windows is an easy but often overlooked solution. Landscaping provides shade and beauty, but your plantings may block sunlight as they grow.”
Creating a Bright and Airy Oasis
At the end of the day, maximizing natural light in your home is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about creating a space that nourishes your body, mind, and soul. As Nicole Gibbons so eloquently puts it, “Having a space that feels bright and airy creates almost an effervescence in the home that creates its own energy.”
So, whether you’re embarking on a full-scale renovation or simply looking to spruce up your existing space, I encourage you to explore the myriad of ways you can let the sunshine in. After all, as the team at iLiving Homes knows, a well-lit home is a happy home. Happy decorating!
