Tag Archives: windows

How To Maximize The Natural Light In Your Home

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Sunlight can make you feel happier and increase your vitamin D intake. Plus, it creates a welcoming atmosphere for guests. Getting enough natural light can be tricky with fewer windows or open spaces, though – so here are a few ideas to bring in more natural light.f

1. Paint With Light Colors

Colors either absorb or reflect light. So, use hues such as white, gray, or tan to lighten up the room. Remember: you can add pops of color through throw pillows, artwork, or rugs. Also, add these colors to your ceiling to make the space feel taller.

In addition, consider the type of paint. For example, use shinier ones like satin or semi-gloss. This can reflect light while adding a sense of personality.

2. Hang Mirrors

Mirrors reflect sunlight while making the space feel larger. This is especially useful for people who live in apartments. Plus, with more natural light bouncing around the walls, the room can feel more relaxing. It might even increase energy levels and reduce feelings of depression.

Also, use other reflective materials in your design. This can include things like glass furniture and metallic lighting or faucets.

3. Enlarge Windows and Doors

If you want to update your windows or doors, this tip fits perfectly. Having larger windows and doors lets in more light and makes a space feel welcoming. It can give off an open and airy vibe.

Look for casements with minimal framework. Picture, bow, or bay windows work best. Plus, larger windows increase ventilation and improve indoor air quality. For your doors, upgrade to a patio or garden-style one.

4. Add Glass Blocks to Your Walls

This is a distinctive design idea that adds character to your home. The glass will reflect light and give you a brighter space. These work well in high-traffic areas, such as kitchens or living rooms.

Another good place for glass is in your basement, which may not have many windows. You can choose from different textures and colors to fit your design style.

5. Keep Up With Window Maintenance

This is a simple task that ensures dirt build-up isn’t blocking light. Rinse your windows with water and dish soap using a microfiber cloth. If you have higher casements, use a sponge mop on a pole. Make sure to spray down the outside of the window with a hose.

Also, while outdoors, trim back your trees so light can shine through on a sunny day. In addition, plant some low-growing perennials to increase curb appeal.

6. Use Lighter Window Treatments

Your heavier drapes may be good for winter. However, lighter materials can let in more sun as the weather warms. Look for sheer curtains in a single panel. Blinds are another excellent option that allows you to control the amount of light.

Solar screens are also perfect for softening sunlight. These can also protect your furniture and carpets from harmful UV radiation.

7. Add Skylights

Skylights can bring in natural light and are an excellent project to add to a home renovation. They are available in various sizes and layouts. Skylights work well in kitchens or bathrooms, which require ample lighting. Plus, they give you a nice view of the sky.

Be sure to hire a professional to install these. Since it cuts into your roof, improper installation could lead to leaks. Once installed, you can enjoy natural light and reduce your electricity bills.

8. Use Reflective Materials for Your Backsplash

Backsplashes are a staple in modern kitchens. If you’re looking to make an update, consider using reflective materials like glass. They give your space a sleek appearance and allow for plenty of natural light.

Consider using recycled glass tiles, too, which are better for the environment. Plus, they are more stain- and mold-resistant, so your kitchen can stay clean. Metal backsplashes, such as stainless steel, are also common. These are durable and easy to maintain.

9. Paint Your Eaves White

The overhangs from your roof can impact how much light is reflected inside. So, painting them white increases their reflective properties. The project doesn’t require major renovations and is a cost-effective solution. Just have someone watch the ladder when you’re working.

Even if you have a differently colored exterior, still consider this project. You usually can’t see the eaves much from the outside, so it won’t impact your curb appeal.

10. Be Smart About Furniture Colors and Layout

If you don’t have many windows, or just have smaller ones, find ways to maximize your existing light. For example, play with the furniture layout. Turn couches towards the windows to reflect light around the rest of the room.

You can also place chairs and shelves in a way that complements the windows rather than blocks them. Then, try to explore lighter colors throughout the decor, including white and shades of gray.

Make Your Home Brighter

Home remodeling and rearranging are great ways to increase a room’s functionality and design. Adding more natural light is a beneficial upgrade for your well-being, so follow these tips to brighten up your space today.

Author

 Evelyn Long is a Baltimore-based writer and the editor-in-chief of Renovated. She publishes home decor advice and product roundups for readers in spaces both big and small.

Creative Patterns Of Roman Blinds To Complement & Update Your Home Décor By Jason Phillips

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Roman blinds are a design classic – often neater than curtains, and simple, clean and effective. Of course, it’s always easy to fall into the trap of assuming they’re dull, but that’s just because you’re not looking in the right places! Roman blinds are incredibly versatile, and there are tons of creative patterns out there that you can use to complement and update your home decor.

Go Bold

Think big, bold and bright. If you’re finding your room a little dull – perhaps it’s cream, beige or a lovely shade of grey – add some wow in by picking some big bold patterned blinds. Think modern art and geometric patterns. Whether it’s vibrant reds, electric blues or hot pinks, adding a splash of color to your blinds is a great way to bring color into a room without having to repaint the walls. Don’t worry about it clashing either – as long as you’re careful, clashing colors can be just as fun as matching ones. Try this color wheel for which colors you can pair together safely as opposites.

Think Floral

If you’re after a cosy, quaint look, go for a classic floral. Whether it’s tiny little flowers dotted across a pastel background, or big, blocky roses, a good floral is great for adding a homey feel to your room. If you’ve got a particularly large window, you could even get one of the on-trend patterns with some birds worked in too – but be careful with smaller spaces, because you don’t want too heavy a pattern.

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Travel Time

If you’re the kind of person who loves to travel – or even just loves the idea of it – why not pick something along those lines? Old-world style maps are in fashion at the moment, and instead of trying to find space for a print of one, why not make use of that blind space you’ve got? Or, for the more modern-thinking among you, go for something particular – whether it’s a map of the world, one continent or even one city. If you can’t find blinds with the map you want in style, it’s always worth seeing if you can get the fabric printed – or for the particularly brave, try it yourself!

Cutesy

Cute isn’t just for kids. If you want elephants following each other trunk-to-tail, pink owls sitting in trees or dinosaurs stomping around, then go for it! Adding some whimsy to your room can add a hint of quirky fun. This is especially good for home offices, or other spaces where you’re starting to feel a little bit too grown up. After all, the only difference between the children’s range and the adult’s range of made to measure blinds is the name – so just ignore it!

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Stripes

You can’t go wrong with stripes. If you liked the sounds of bold colors, but are a bit nervous about having the whole roman blinds that shade, then why not work it in in stripe form? Whether it’s ombre, a gradient or even just harmonious color, stripes let you play around with bright shades without the risk of it becoming too much for the eye. Vertical or horizontal can both work, though we recommend vertical if you want the window to look taller, and horizontal for wider.

Faux-Wood

If you like the idea of wooden blinds, but prefers the practicality of fabric roman blinds, then why not go for faux-wood style? Enjoy the benefits of blackout fabric and the ease of opening/closing them, with the great aesthetic of wood. From deep mahoganies to fine bamboo, there’s a print out there for everyone.

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If none of these appeal to you, you can always DIY things! If you’re especially sure in your sewing skills, take some plain blinds and jazz them up – and if you’re not, you’ll be able to find someone in your area who can. This way you can pick exactly what you want – whether it’s cheeky unicorn print fabrics, classy brocades or even an elegant Japanese silk, you’ll be able to find a fun and creative print to match your decor. You could even get some fabric paint and go to town with a design all of your own invention!

Helpful Tips

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Shaving cream can be used as a spot cleaner on carpets, upholstery and even clothing. If you are not sure whether your upholstery can be cleaned with water, check first in an inconspicuous area.
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Need a nice-smelling house but don’t feel like baking cookies? Try simmering a pot of spices on the stove. Add several cloves and a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin-pie spice to a few cups of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes or so. Your house will have a delicious scent — good enough to eat!
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If you have several items of clothing with grease stains on them, add a can of cola to the wash water. It can ease out grease stains.
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Clean out a stained coffee decanter by filling it with hot water and adding a denture tablet. Let it sit overnight, and the stains should come right off in the morning.
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Make a spray of equal parts liquid fabric softener and water. Mist the air daily to relieve static buildup during the fall and winter, when the air is very dry.
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To get streaks off of freshly cleaned windows, give them a final swipe with plain newspaper (not magazines or glossy pages).
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For troublesome-to-open jars of pickles, jam, etc., use a pair of standard dish washing gloves. They provide a sturdy grip, especially if your hands are the least bit damp.
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Use cotton swabs to touch up painting jobs. They are small enough to get into tight spaces, and the best part is that they are disposable.