Archive for October, 2021

Natural light has a powerful effect on how your home looks and feels. It makes spaces appear larger, brighter, and more welcoming—while also boosting mood, improving energy efficiency, and even raising property value. If you’re planning a remodel, it’s the perfect opportunity to rethink how light flows through your home and make strategic changes that maximize sunshine throughout the day.

Here are some effective ways to increase natural light during a remodel, whether you’re updating a single room or renovating your entire home.

1. Add or Enlarge Windows

One of the most direct ways to bring in more natural light is by adding new windows or enlarging existing ones. Larger windows allow more daylight to enter, especially when placed strategically to align with the sun’s path.

Tips:

• Consider installing floor-to-ceiling windows or picture windows in living areas.

• Add windows to south-facing walls for consistent light throughout the day.

• Use casement or awning windows to allow light in while maintaining ventilation.

If you’re limited on wall space, even slightly increasing window size can have a noticeable impact.

2. Install Skylights or Sun Tunnels

For spaces with limited wall access—like bathrooms, hallways, or kitchens—skylights and sun tunnels are ideal. They bring daylight from above, brightening areas that might otherwise rely on artificial lighting.

Skylights are great for larger rooms or open ceilings, while sun tunnels (also called tubular skylights) are perfect for small or tight spaces. Both add natural light without sacrificing privacy.

3. Choose Glass Doors or Add Transoms

Replacing solid exterior or interior doors with glass-paneled ones can instantly brighten a room. French doors, sliding glass doors, or even doors with frosted glass panels let light filter through while maintaining separation between rooms.

Transom windows—small windows placed above doors—are another way to invite light into darker spaces without sacrificing privacy or wall space.

4. Open Up Floor Plans

Walls can block the flow of natural light, especially in older homes with more compartmentalized layouts. Removing non-load-bearing walls or widening doorways during a remodel allows sunlight from one room to reach deeper into your home.

An open concept layout encourages light to bounce and flow freely between spaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.

5. Use Light Colors and Reflective Surfaces

Light colors naturally reflect sunlight, making rooms feel brighter and more open. Choose soft whites, pale grays, or other neutral tones for walls, ceilings, and large surfaces.

Incorporate reflective materials like:

• Glossy paint finishes

• Glass or mirrored accents

• Shiny tile backsplashes

• Polished stone countertops

These surfaces help bounce light around the room, amplifying the effects of any available daylight.

6. Rethink Window Treatments

Heavy curtains or dark drapes can block light even when your windows are open. During your remodel, opt for lighter, more flexible window coverings such as:

• Sheer curtains

• Light-filtering shades

• Motorized blinds that can be easily adjusted throughout the day

If privacy is a concern, consider top-down, bottom-up shades that let in light while covering the lower portion of your windows.

7. Add Mirrors Strategically

While not part of structural remodeling, incorporating mirrors into your design can dramatically enhance the natural light in your home. Place mirrors opposite windows or in corners to reflect light into darker areas and create the illusion of expanded space.

8. Trim Exterior Landscaping

Sometimes the issue isn’t inside—overgrown trees, bushes, or structures outside your home may block valuable sunlight from entering. As part of your remodeling plan, assess your landscaping and consider trimming or repositioning plants that may be casting shadows on key windows.

Bringing more natural light into your home is one of the most rewarding improvements you can make during a remodel. It enhances the aesthetics, reduces your reliance on artificial lighting, and creates a healthier, more inviting space.

By thoughtfully planning window placement, opening up layouts, using reflective materials, and incorporating clever design features, you can transform even the darkest corners into sunlit sanctuaries. Consult with your contractor or designer early in the remodeling process to explore which options work best for your space and budget—because a brighter home is a better home.