When considering a home remodel, addition, or renovation in New Canaan it is a good idea to think about how to achieve more natural light. Sunlight not only play an important part in illuminating a room, but is also an important part of human physical and mental health.
Natural Light and Healthy Living
Natural light is known to kill airborne germs and bacteria. The warmth it creates aids in drying out trouble areas where mold or mildew may collect. - Sunlight changes a persons mood and is known to lower stress and anxiety levels.
- Natural light more so than artificial light reduces the level of eye strain in the home.
- Better rest and productivity are achieved when the bodies circadian rhythm is effected by sunlight. Studies indicate that at least 30 minutes of exposure to natural sunlight has a significant impact on the body’s internal clock, promoting more restful sleep. Quality rest will make you more productive.
- Houseplants thrive in a bright, sunlit home. Studies show that houseplants improve focus, help with depression and symptoms of anxiety.
How Increased Natural Light Provides ROI
- Save on electricity and heating costs. Energy efficient windows can insulate enough to keep cold air out and allow the warm sunlight in.
- Studies show homes with a lot of natural light sell at a higher rate and for a higher price.
- Natural light creates the illusion of more space. If you want your home to look larger, allow for more sunlight.
Top Ways to Increase Natural Light
The open floor plan: Not every wall has a window, so allowing the sunlight from a window to travel throughout a space is an option, this not only brightens the room, but creates the illusion of more space. When remodeling a home, the most desirable walls in the northeast to have a large window or terrace would be a south facing wall. Read more about open floor plans. - Adding skylights to a home is an excellent and effective way to increase the amount of natural light. Studies show that skylights provide up to 30% more natural light than standard windows. There are three types of skylights: fixed skylights, fresh air skylights and Sun Tunnel skylights.
- Enhance Transitional Spaces: A transitional space is an area between the indoors and the outside space. Adding or opening up a terrace, balcony, or creating a 3 or 4 season room in your home is an excellent way to introduce more light and air into the home. Learn more about a Four Season Room.
- Picture windows and full sized floor to ceiling windows positioned in the right areas can provide a beautiful portal to the outside world and allow precious sunlight, heat, and views to penetrate the indoor space. Learn how new windows can enhance your home.
- A light or white color pallet will help to reflect light and is probably amongst the least expensive ways to increase natural light. If white walls are not your thing you can choose room lighter neutral and pastel tones to create a similar effect. Light colored floors also help with creating a more open and bright room. How do paint colors effect your home.
- Clever mirror placements can aid in creating more natural light. By adding a mirror to the opposite wall of a window or terrace you can double the amount of light in that room. This is another super inexpensive way to achieve more natural light.
- Choosing low height furniture will improve the flow of natural light. Real, dark and heavily upholstered furniture block windows and doors, trap dust and decrease circulation. When possible choose furniture that is around the same heights as the lower edge of your windows.
When getting ready to redecorate your home the simplest places to improve on for increasing natural light will be paint, furniture, wall art, and mirrors, but when a larger scale project may be more desirable, contact the experts at Remodeling Consultants for a complimentary in-home consultation. Our team of experts have decades of experience and can help you to achieve the home of your dreams while increasing value.
