Seven Renovation Tips for a Brighter Home

Posted by Ben Thompson on 02.10.19

Do you have a room in your home that always feels dark and dreary? Take a look around the space, is it well lit, or does it lack natural or artificial light sources? Homes with poor lighting can feel small, uninviting, and even affect our mood.  If you feel that yours fits this description, don’t despair; there are several renovation options you can undertake to make your home feel lighter, brighter, and happier!

Seven renovation tips to help make your home brighter:

  1. Paint it. You will be amazed at what a great paint job can do. Dark paint colors in light starved rooms should be replaced with lighter shades that reflect light. Smart paint selections can transform a space and make it feel brand new.  Read our blogs on Tips for Selecting Paint Colors for Your Home’s Interiors for additional guidance on color selection.
  2. Install new windows. This one sounds like a no-brainer, but in larger rooms like living rooms or kitchens, additional windows are worth considering. And since most families spend so much time in these spaces, you will reap the rewards of your investment every day. In basements, you can install transom windows at the top of interior walls to allow light filtration through spaces.
  3. Design a new lighting plan.We aren’t just talking about adding a new lamp or two. You will want to bring in a professional to assist on this project. They will take a multi-layered approach that includes overhead, task, and accent lighting to maximize results, which could include recessed lights, ceiling mounted fixtures, pendants, wall sconces, or under-cabinet lighting.
  4. Replace doors.This is another place where you can have a huge impact with a small change. If your entryway is dark, install a door with windows or sidelights. For interior rooms or bathrooms, consider glass doors (with or without tints), French doors, or sliding or barn doors that can remain open when privacy isn’t needed.
  5. Trim your trees. While not exactly a renovation, trimming well established trees of strategic branches can dramatically change the amount of sunlight that comes through your windows.  Consider hiring a professional for this task, as they will have the right equipment and expertise to do it right.
  6. Hang mirrors to reflect sunlight.If your room has at least one window, a smartly placed mirror will reflect light and make it feel more inviting.
  7. Change your window treatments. Perhaps your current treatments are covering too much of the window or the fabric is too heavy for the space.  From drapery panels, valances, full or partial shutters, to sheers there are a lot of options available to choose from.

We hope you found these tips helpful and inspiring. If you would like some additional advice, please reach out to us and we can discuss your project to see how we can help make your home lighter, brighter and happier!

 

Topics: Featured, lighting, lighting plan, lighting trends, natural light, thompson remodeling grand rapids mi