FIVE TIPS TO LIGHT UP YOUR HOUSE
Owing to the increasing number of flats and high rises especially in the urban areas, natural light is a thing of the past. This has lead not only to more darkened hallways and kitchens but also to the ever growing electricity bills. While artificial light can be a solution, it is definitely not the same thing as the first rays streaming through the open windows warming up your entire day. While there is no escaping the mushrooming of yet another flat blocking your bit of natural light, here’s what you can do to make your home look brighter and more beautiful.
PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU HAVE
Take a good look around your place and establish exactly where the main sources of natural light are. Once you have figured that out, use it to your advantage. Avoid cluttering up those few places and plan accordingly. Look for big airy windows with fibre slides so that even if you close the slides the light continues to penetrate.
RAISE THE CURTAINS
If you have a dearth of sun light brightening up your day already, it would be advisable to avoid picking up heavy or ornate curtains no matter how stately they might appear on the mall displays. Look for thin, flimsy material that will allow ample passage of light. And in light shades. Dark colours tend to absorb light and that is the last thing you need. Organza or synthetic ones work best and come with pretty embroideries giving them the perfect petite look.
KEEP THE FOILAGE AT BAY
If you are blessed enough to own a garden space, do not go overboard with planting big trees that shade away natural light. Though the shade and cool can be very welcoming it is not a luxury that you can afford. Trim foliage around windows and keep them from obstructing the view. Greenery only comes second to the brightness of your home. Plant small tress and avoid creepers because they tend to grow all over the walls turning your home into an overnight greenhouse.
BE SMART, IMPROVISE
The trick is to make the best of what you have got. Simply whining away won’t help. So when you have just one set of inlet in your room, play the other cards right. Chose light colours for the walls. Incorporate mirrors and shiny surfaces in the decor. These reflect light and give a sense of increased area making your room appear bigger than it actually is. If you have blinds on your windows, tie them as far up as possible. Keep the pelmets longer than the breadth of your windows so you can push the curtains as far away as possible.
LIGHT IT UP
There is no going around the fact that nothing beats natural light. You need back up for those unpleasant, cloudy days when even the sun plays spoil sport. Invest in a good lighting system for your home.
Buy lamp shades in neutral tones, floor lamps or wall ones. Strategic placement is necessary and you would probably need the help of a professional here, but in the end the results would be worth it.
So liven up the gloomy ambience of a home sans brightness and say the saying goes: ‘let there be light!’