North Reading Family Home, Photographed by Freebird Photography
6 Ways to Brighten Up Your Home
Spring has officially arrived, bringing with it longer days, warmer temperatures, and a sense of renewal. As a result, many people are inspired to spruce up their homes and match their interiors with the brightness of the season. There are numerous ways to create a light and airy feel in your home that will last all year, from applying a fresh coat of paint to installing Sun Tunnels. Keep reading to discover some of our favorite techniques for brightening up your living space.
Littles Farm, Photographed by Freebird Photography
1. Paint
A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest ways to brighten your house. The best color would be a shade of white, but any light color can help to achieve this effect. When choosing your color, check its Light Reflective Value (LRV). The LRV refers to the percentage of light a paint color reflects (this is usually listed on the back of the paint chip). To bounce more light around a space, look for a paint color with an LRV of 50% or more.
2. Windows
Another way to brighten your home is by adding windows or replacing your current windows with larger ones to bring in more natural light. There’s no better way to create a light and airy space than with more windows. Adding skylights is another excellent way to achieve this effect. Once the windows are in, keep the window treatments neutral and steer clear of anything too heavy. Sheer curtains are the best option for letting in the most light while still offering privacy. If adding or installing new windows isn’t an option, be sure to deep clean your current ones every few months. The goal is to ensure as much light as possible can enter the home.
North Reading Family Home, Photographed by Freebird Photography
Cape Ann Refresh, Photographed by Aeropex Media
3. Exterior Doors
If adding new windows or installing larger ones is out of budget, consider replacing your exterior doors. Changing your solid exterior door to a model with glass panels is a more economical way to help brighten your home. Whether it’s a few small windows at the top or a full glass door, changing your exterior door will help make the most of the natural light coming into your home.
Riverview Refresh, Photographed by Freebird Photography
4. Mirrors
Another effective way to brighten up your home is by incorporating mirrors. Mirrors reflect light, which can instantly make a space brighter, especially if placed across from a window. Additionally, mirrors create an illusion of space, making any room appear bigger. By adding a few strategically placed mirrors, you can easily achieve a brightening effect in your house.
5. Sun Tunnels
For rooms with no windows or access to natural light, we recommend adding a Sun Tunnel. A Sun Tunnel is a reflective tube that slips between the roof rafters, reflects natural outdoor light, and funnels it down into the living space. Adding a sun tunnel is a much less invasive and less expensive way of capturing light in dim areas that need brightening. Their low-profile design creates a sleek appearance on any roofline, and pre-fabricated light tunnels are quick and easy to install.
North Reading Family Home, Photographed by Freebird Photography
Riverview Refresh, Photographed by Freebird Photography
6. Natural Materials
Natural materials can help a room feel open and airy, provided they’re not too dark and heavy. Whether it’s your furniture or floor selections, focus on lighter colors like those found in jute rugs and blonde woods. Replacing cherry wood floors with white oak flooring can make all the difference. We also recommend adding plenty of plants. Whether it’s a large succulent or a fiddle leaf fig tree, any live beauty will lighten your home.
Are you ready to transform your home into a light and bright oasis? Connect with us to see how we can help!
