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My name is Layla, and I'm a designaholic. I work from home as a design consultant and write a home decor blog called The Lettered Cottage.

Here Comes the Sun (9 comments)

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By opening up the wall and removing the door that once cut off this small room, we allowed the more natural light to pour into the rest of our home.
The Lettered Cottage  
By placing the claw foot tub in it's own sun-filled area of the room, bathing in this room is destined to be an extraordinarily special experience.
by Bosworth Hoedemaker
Sun-dappled ceiling joists create such a wonderful feeling of openess in throughout the main living areas of this home.
by Nicole Hollis
Here, the creative homeowner used plexi glass up near the roofline, to give those lying on the bed a view of the sky and trees outside. Very thoughtful!
Restyled Home  
Thanks to two magnificent over-sized windows and very translucent window treatments, this entire room is filled with natural light.
Bright Living Room
The "shutters-only" approach in this easy, breezy living room in Hawaii not only creates an opportunity for maximum natural light, but also opens up to a completely unobstructed view of paradise!
marie claire maison
From the arched window way up high, to the reflective blue-green surface of the coffee table, this room abounds with lovely light!
Coastal Living Room
"Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity." - Herbert Hoover
Country Living Room  
John Saladino once said, "In my view, no space without natural light is worthy of human occupation."

I agree. I think natural light is an important part of creating an inspired home and I, for one, can't get enough of the stuff! One time I even talked my husband into knocking down what we quickly discovered was a "load-bearing" wall, just to let in a little more natural light. (Don't worry, we took care of the load-bearing issue before the ceiling fell in) :-)

Not only does natural light always seem to put a little more pep in your step, it's also basic human nutrient and is necessary for optimum health. The more natural light your home is filled with, the more receptive, happy and healthy you will feel.

A lack of natural light can cause you to feel lazy, tired, depressed, and unsatisfied.

But if you don't want to knock down a wall or install another window, here are some other ways to create the illusion of a brighter, more airy environment:

- Paint your walls and ceiling lighter colors.

- Use mirrors to reflect and bounce light around the room.

- De-clutter. A messy room will make things feel less spacious, more claustrophobic and even darker.

- Use nature-themed artwork and photography.

- Use tables with glass tops. They will have a lighter feel than solid wood ones.

- Use a combination of general, task and accent lighting.

- Use light bulbs that mimic natural light.

- Choose lamps with glass, metallic or ceramic bases over ones that aren't as reflective.

- Direct more light upward by using torchiere lamps.

comments

leen says:
Great post! I too, am a natural light lover :)
cbogart says:
Absolutely fabulous house. Lives big and is really well done! Definitely gaga over that kitchen!
tamitan says:
I love your little reading room. Great ideabook!
Just looking at the pictures make me smile and I feel the warmth. Good job!!!!!!
diva2009 says:
I love the marie claire maison photo!
oldcharm says:
I agree with diva2009- this living room in Hawaii is STUNNING!
jen_s says:
Natural light was at the top of our list when we were house hunting! I really like the picture of the coastal living room.
sophie777 says:
GREAT photos and tips!
Very nice ideabook - you made some excellent points and provided really helpful tips.
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