Let there be light
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| Photo credit @anna_louisa_x |
There are times when a room may get less than the optimum amount of natural light; which was an issue one of our clients is attempting to overcome this week, with the brief including the necessity for both a living and dining room to appear brighter. Our client is looking to achieve this without having to modify their home structurally.
With this brief being a hot topic in the TGA Interiors office this week, we were keen to share ways of creating a bright, light space; as dark room can feel dated and uninviting but by using simple techniques it's easy to freshen up a dim space and make a room a whole lot lighter!
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| Photo credit @makeovermyhome |
WALL COLOUR
Currently the interior styling world is going crazy for the bold dark colours, no longer are these colours being used as a one stand alone feature wall but instead people are opting to paint an entire space in these dark hues. There is no denying that dark paints look amazing but a lighter colour scheme can instantly transform a dark room into a more uplifting space.
Most people assume that white is the go to colour when it comes to making a room feel bigger and brighter but if the room has very little natural light it can make the room appear lifeless and dull. White paint works well in rooms when there is ample of amounts of natural light, as it encourages the light to bounce around the room but without that light the white paint looks bland.
Interior stylist Emily Henderson suggests that neutral paint is the answer to making a darker room look brighter. She says that instead of opting for white, you should paint a dark room in neutral tones. It's about picking colours which have movement already in them that way they help the light to move around the room. Below are some of Emily's neutral tone suggestions.
CHANGE YOUR CURTAINS
When a room is dark and the only natural light you have available to coming through a small window, this will not be helped by dressing the window with large, bulky curtains. You need to make the most of the natural light you have! These heavy window treatments are great for keeping the heat in but they are also very good at blocking out the sunlight from coming into the space. So if you are looking for an easy way of brightening a room and boosting how much light the room gets, then you need to consider taking down the fabric curtains and switching them for lighter weighted fabrics which will let the light stream in the room.
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| Photo credit @mulberryhouse_ |
ADD A MIRROR
Mirrors are the most obvious choice when it comes to reflective materials, but strategically placing mirrors in rooms it can instantly reflect light around a space making it feel brighter and bigger. Place a mirror opposite a window to instantly double the amount of natural light a room gets. Mirrored furniture is another great option. We love how home styling instagram blogger @anna_louisa_x has cleverly used mirrors in her once small, dark bedroom to make the space brighter, lighter and bigger.
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| Photo credit @anna_louisa_x |
FINALLY...
When incorporating these 3 methods of making a dark room look brighter and to maximise their potential, it is also necessary to consider the layout of the room. You need to ensure that the room is not cluttered and there is an open plan scheme in the room to allow for free movement and flow between areas.
Have you successfully managed to lighten up a dark room in your home? please let us know your top tips in the comments below.
If you would like any help with styling your home please do not hesitate to get in contact with us or visit the 'How We Work' section of our website for more information.
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