Light from Above: Gorgeous Skylights

When I was 10, my parents put a big addition on our house, including a new second floor. It was the mid-80s, which means that everything was a little over the top, including their bathroom, which was enormous and included an oversized shower and a whirlpool tub but (these days, it looks like a time capsule dedicated to 80's design) - and a skylight.

About a year after the addition, the skylight started to leak, thanks to the shoddy construction skills of our contractor, but by then it was too late for me. I was sold on skylights. That bathroom was filled with the most gorgeous natural light, all the better for peering at my pre-teen face in the mirror.

Today, I live in a house that's sadly lacking in skylights, but I certainly still appreciate them. Fortunately, they come in all shapes and sizes, too, so incorporating them into design doesn't mean surrendering to my parents' 80s style.

These are just a few of my favorites:

Kit Pollard

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I've never seen a stained glass skylight in a home in real life, but I love the idea.

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Same goes for this space - the curve of these windows fascinates me.

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In this case, I'm not sure where the wall ends and the skylight begins, but I like the greenhouse look.

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In this space, a circular skylight is the perfect cap to a sculptural staircase.

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This Calder-esque mobile has long been a favorite shot of mine. I love the way the mobile works with the light to create interesting shadows.

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When they're large, it is important to think about whether skylights will offer too much sun - these blinds are a great solution.

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In this space, I love how the skylights echo the shape of the windows below.

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A bit of natural light is the perfect way to illluminate a wall of artwork.

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In some homes, skylights are positioned perfectly to offer a view from below.

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The kitchen is a fantastic place to add skylights - the natural light here would make the cooking process even better.

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Sklylights and stairs are a natural combination, often creating vertical tunnels of light and interest.

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My parents' skylight was just a little bubble in the ceiling, but so many I see here on Houzz are much more architectural. I love the way this glass works with its frame.

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This room has long been one of my favorites here on Houzz. Check out that amazing ceiling - and just think about all the great light you'd get for cooking.