tips and tricks: natural lighting
When remodeling or building a home, taking into account natural light and window placement is very important for the functionality and comfort of any space! Below we talk about some tips and tricks that can be useful when making decisions for you home!
drapery drama
If you choose to not make changes to existing windows within your home, a great way of making your space appear larger is changing the height of your curtain rods! Placing a rod higher on the wall can trick the eye into viewing the wall as much taller than it actually is! Using drapes that end near the floor level and “brush” the floor will further emphasize this and contribute to a more open space. In this design we did exactly that! By raising the rod, we created a more dramatic look with the long drapes while also giving the room a larger and more open appearance!
The great thing about drapes is that you can make them completely blacked out which is something we recommend for private areas such as the bedroom in this design! We always want to give our clients the option of complete privacy in more intimate spaces. There are also so many different designs and patterns when it comes to choosing a drapery fabric that you will be able to find something perfect for your own style no matter what you like!
Design by: @emilyjunedesigns
Photo by: @kerrykirkphoto
sunlit skylights
Another great way of maximizing natural lighting when remodeling a home is to include skylights within the design! These are best placed in areas where natural lighting is imperative for style or functionality (or both!) and in an area of the home that receives the most sunlight during the day. This designer’s goal was to create a dining area that made the most of the sunlight, while giving people within the space a gorgeous view of nature! The brick wall with wall scones combined with all of this natural lighting are reminiscent of outdoor seating and “bring the outdoors in”. Have fun with your designs when creating sunny spaces. The sky, or in this case, the sun is the limit!
Design by: @imperfectinteriors
Photo by: @snookphotograph
daylight delight
This colorful living room makes the most of the daylight with its floor to ceiling windows! Replacing a wall with structural columns and windows is one of the most common ways of creating a space that maximizes natural lighting. Additionally, using bright colors within a space like this designer did is a great way of creating a lighter, happier space! The use of plants both indoors and outdoors within this design also helps to emphasize nature and create an overall airy atmosphere.
Pay close attention to the fact that this designer did not include drapery within this design! Drapery is not something all clients like or find necessary. If your living room is facing a private area such as a backyard, you might feel comfortable without having any window treatments at all. There is also the option of “faux drapery” in which the design includes drapery that is non-functional. This is a cheaper way of creating a look that has drapery without the cost!
Design by: @katrinacaso
Photo by: @katrinacaso
flawless framing
Windows are more than just openings for sunlight! Windows can be used to frame and emphasize natural elements and pictorial views that are begging to be seen from inside your home. This designer took full advantaged of this recessed area to create a view of this secluded tree that creates a serene atmosphere within this home. These windows do not receive much natural lighting, however, they still act in a way that emphasizes nature and opens the space up more! When remodeling your home, you should take into consideration any special outdoor spaces you might want to capture within the frame of a window. This can create a focal point and allow you to take advantage of the landscape, even from inside your home!
Design by: @errearquitectura
Photo by: @david_zarzoso
stylistic symmetry
One of the most important aspects, aside from functionality, is to make sure that whatever window design you choose coordinates with the entirety of your space. If you choose a window style that does not align with the rest of your home, then it may not achieve the best possible look. This designer matched this elegant traditional look with with arched windows, and the result is stunning! This was a great choice to create an overall harmonious design. The great thing is that windows come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, so whatever you style is, there are windows that match! When making your final decision, ask yourself if the windows create the look that you want within your home. Windows can really be the final touch that completes an amazing home design!
Design by: @lindsayrhodesinteriors
Photo by: @lelanief