Your home is your safe zone. It is where you can freely do whatever you want to do.
You can chill whenever you like, as well as watch your favorite series as you lounge on the couch. Eat snacks wherever you prefer and maybe read your favorite books too. Nothing, indeed, feels like home.
But, did you know that a brighter home can uplift your mood too?
While some people believe that to make your home feel brighter, you can only play with your choice of lighting fixtures, it is not always the case. Below are other ways you can try instead:
1. Choose a basic wall color
In choosing a basic wall color, you do not have to always choose white.
Lavender has warm tones which are also great to add brightness to a dark room. Powder blue makes you feel relaxed as it mimics the color of the clouds.
If you’re a bachelor, maybe bright orange suits your minimalistic approach, instead of just merely black and white. Or maybe opt for soft gray to have a neutral color, and then play with the colors of the details such as your bed sheets or carpet.
2. Start with your light sources
Although your light fixtures are not just the only solution to a problem, they play a vital role as well.
According to Halcyon LED Lights NZ, opt for recessed lights if you have a low ceiling. Or be creative in choosing your chandeliers if you have a higher ceiling instead.
Others choose LED lighting fixtures because it’s more efficient and brighter too.
If you need to install recessed lights into your closets or kitchen counters, feel free to do so.
3. Hang some mirrors
One of the known interior design tricks, especially for small properties, is the addition of mirrors.
Mount mirrors on your wall to have a bigger space effect. A full-length mirror in your bedroom is a necessity for dressing up. Install one near the front door too to be able to have that last look before you step out. Inside the bathroom is also a must while you do your night routine.
Some interior designers suggest that you should check your lighting fixtures first before installing a mirror because the light around the mirror is essential.
Also, place one where it would not be an obstacle for the people living in the house. Remember that safety should always be a priority.
4. Elevate your furniture
Having bulky furniture constantly on the floor makes the room more cramped up. Adding new legs to your couches, dressers, and bedside tables make more room for better air circulation.
5. Decorate with plants
Did you know that plants do not only serve as decors in your home?
Plants are natural air purifiers. They absorb toxins and then produce clean air in return for you to breathe in. Plants also boost your mood and reduce a significant amount of stress.
In addition to that, a recent study shows that plants help lower background noise. So if you live in an apartment in the metro with busy streets around you, decorating your home with plants can help you a lot.
It improves your focus and most importantly creates a feeling of well-being.
6. Get lighter curtains
Installing curtains that totally blocks off natural light helps people with insomnia. However, during the day, it does not quite come in handy.
Lighter curtains also allow natural light and air to circulate inside the room. But if you are not a big fan of it, consider using sheer fabric curtains underneath your usual ones.
In that way, you have an option to close both off for privacy or use the sheer curtain underneath to let some light pass through.
7. Invest in some metals
Investing in some metal decors also serves a great way to add some little shining effect in your home just like mirrors.
Luckily, you don’t have to stick to just one type of metal. You can mix and match warm with cool metals or opt for metallic finishes on some of your home furniture.
Although it is known that metals ultimately bounces off the light to contribute some brightness, remember that you shouldn’t crowd an area with all your metallic decorations. It’ll look too much and over the top.
Make sure to distribute them evenly, so they remain visually appealing.
8. Don't use dark woods
As much as possible, avoid using dark woods no matter how classy they look. That is if your objective is to make your home feel and look brighter.
However, if the house has dark wood flooring already, opt for lightly designed carpets or center table pieces. With dark panelings on the wall, on the other hand, use cream or ivory sheer curtains to allow natural light to pass through.
Don’t forget to incorporate warm colors in your furniture too to neutralize the mood. Otherwise, just completely avoid using dark woods to start with.
Bear in mind that redecorating your house does not have to be a major job. Simple tweaks here and there can already create a massive difference if you wish to make your home look and feel brighter. So unleash those creative ideas and make your home a more comfortable place to live in.
Author Bio: Robert Helms is a freelance writer based in a NYC. When not writing for clients, he spends most of his time on DIY projects that can make his 800 sqft. apartment a home.
