8 ways to brighten your home during the winter

Summer is almost gone and winter is fast approaching with those cold gloomy days. Many of us don’t get excited about the drastic change in the weather. Gone is the dry season when enjoyable outdoor activities could be had and people are free to move around freely. Winter days are ideally shorter, colder and may make one feel a little down. During this harsh season, many spend their days indoors due to the cloudy days, wet pavement, traffic jams or even flooding! 

Winter doesn’t have to be always boring and dreadful, it has its advantages. It's the perfect time to slow down, relax, reflect on life and bond with your family and friends. This being said, it’s paramount to make your home feel bright and cheery as much as possible. Below are some few pointers that one can employ to make a big difference in their homes during winter;

1. OPEN YOUR HOME TO NATURAL LIGHTING

Natural lighting not only cuts down on your electricity bill; it’s the most important light you can bring to your home. It’s healthy, brings warmth and a natural way to enjoy the indoors even in the dead of winter. Natural light is a free mood enhancer that can never be replaced with lamps or artificial lights. It's vital to open and pull back the curtains every morning you wake up to allow sunlight into your home. If you must use a window covering to keep away mosquitoes or bugs, opt for the sheerest of fabrics with the lightest colours available. Make sure no furniture or greenery is blocking the path of sunlight.

2. CONSIDER CHANGING YOUR LIGHT ACCESSORIES

The right lighting can elevate the way a home feels. It may brighten your space as well as uplift the spirits of the occupants. Lighting fixtures come in a variety of designs and tones to complement different interior decors. From heat lamps, eco-friendly fluorescent lamps to high wattage bulbs, any homeowner is spoilt of choice over what lighting accessories to choose from. Winter serves as the best time for one to pay attention to the artificial lighting of his or her home. It's the opportune time to visit one of the best lighting shops and seek the council of what works for every room. Some lighting accessories may work best for some rooms than others would.

3. CHOOSE LIGHT-COLOURED DRAPERY

Drapery serves as a guard against natural lighting. They can control whether to let in light or keep it partially blocked. Drapery serves as a key fashion element aimed at contributing to the overall theme of the home. Drapery with dark, saturated colours often makes the room feel darker whereas, light-coloured ones are the most ideal for winter. During the day, let the drapes sit at the far edges of your windows, so as not to block any sunlight and let as much natural light in as possible. In the case of slipcovers, always go for white, ivory or any other light-coloured ones. The light from these covers will deflect from your sofas and make the room feel brighter.

4. ADD GRAND MIRRORS

Mirrors are not only known to enlarge a room, but they can also add light to a space. Mirrors help to reflect any light coming into a room especially when well positioned. This is often across from sunlight such as windows and doors. A homeowner with a dark room should consider investing in a large mirror to give it more light and space.

5. ADD SOME GREENERY

There is nothing that refreshes a room the way plants do. By adding some greenery to your home, you not only breathe new life into your home but also add coloraturas and pomp to the space. Choose plants that are highly structured to create a contrast with the theme of your home to add some excitement to the general ambience.

6. REARRANGE YOUR FURNITURE

You don’t have to break your bank during winter to improve the lighting of your home. Some few low-cost decorating tips can help a home feel bright and inviting. One of the easiest ways of doing this is by reorganizing the furniture in the space. Try placing your sofas and tables to different spots to see how the light hits the different angles in the home. Consider adding art pieces and accessories which can also add life to a room. The rule of thumb to decorating is to make sure there is color coordination in the room. Furniture in bright colours creates a warm feel to a home as well as additional space.

7. CHANGE YOUR BEDDING

Due to the cold during winter, most people spend a lot of their time in their bedrooms. It's therefore important to make sure you swop those summer lightweight sheets with thick comforters and huge pillows to make it inviting and snug. Purchase white or bright coloured beddings that will add light and uplift the spirits of a space.

8. CLEAN BEFORE WINTER

A good deep clean is paramount before the winter sets in. During summer and fall, any homeowner should make sure that the windows are properly cleaned and free from grime to make sure all the natural light spreads throughout the home. Thoroughly cleaning work surfaces and furniture will give a home a fresh feel. Air purifiers are great to get rid of pollutants and allergens to create a peaceful and pleasant living environment.