How to keep the summer light alive longer in your South West home
If you’re lucky enough to live in the South West, then you’ll benefit from longer sunlight, so it would be a shame to not bring this natural light into your home. There are many benefits to bringing more light into your home; using natural light lowers electricity bills from energy saving, has a positive impact on wellbeing, and highlights your interior décor too.
Maximising natural light not only makes your rooms brighter, it creates a bigger and more welcoming atmosphere too. So, if you’re looking to make the most of the summer light, here are some of the best ways to maximise it in your home.
Choose a light colour palette
Colour can either absorb or reflect light. A room painted in a dark colour will absorb light, and so appears dull, whereas light and neutral colours reflect the light better. If you’re looking to make the most of the summer light, painting your walls with lighter colours is a good place to start.
Choose larger furniture, such as sofas or bookcases, in lighter colours to keep your home bright. You can still throw in colour with accent pieces such as cushions or throws to compliment light furniture and maintain a bright space.
Install large windows or doors
If you have the budget, then the best way to maximise summer light is to install bi-folding doors or large windows to your home. Not only does this open up your home to more light, but it gives you access to beautiful views of the great outdoors.
Likewise, skylights are another great way to keep the summer light in your home for longer. While they can be costly, skylights can help to reduce electricity bills in the long run because there will be less need for you to switch on your lights.
Work with what you’ve got
Typically, south-facing windows and gardens are most likely to enjoy natural light. Therefore, your main living areas should be located to the south, to make the most of the sunlight. However, you can still maximise natural light in north-facing rooms.
When it comes to furniture layout in a north-facing room, you want to look at where the most natural light falls and what is dependent on this light, for example a reading chair. Avoid putting heavy or dark furniture near windows as this can block out natural sunlight.
Use mirrors and reflective décor
Mirrors reflect light, so hanging a large mirror on a wall opposite a window will help to double the amount of sunlight that enters the room. You can also use metallic or shiny objects that reflect light into the room such as glass furniture, metallic fixtures or wall art and chrome accents. Whatever your style, Pagazzi have a wide range of mirrors and wall art that will help bounce sunlight around your home and brighten any space.
Even reflective flooring can be used to keep natural light in your home for longer. Choose a wood, ceramic or stone floor with a polished finish to reflect light around the room. In rooms where carpets are a must, stick to lighter colours.
