It's no surprise when it comes to house design that we are always seeking ways to boost natural light. Exposure to daylight has been linked to improvements in our wellbeing and mood, and in the home, natural light can make a room lighter and brighter and give the feeling of more space.

Furthermore, if you increase the natural light in a room, you'll find that colors look more vibrant and the decor looks brighter and more eye-catching. And, it's proven that light, bright houses are more appealing to homebuyers than dark ones.

WHY INCREASE NATURAL LIGHT IN YOUR HOME?

There is no feeling comparable to that of the sun on your face, it cannot help but brighten your day. However, it is far from just a nice feeling; natural light has been scientifically proven to boost serotonin – the hormone responsible for stabilizing mood and wellbeing – and as a result, brings with it a sense of calmness and peace. From installing more windows to decorating with white or decorating with mirrors, increasing the amount of natural light in a room creates a sense of ambiance that you can’t artificially replicate; even the best dimmer switch can’t beat the setting of the sun to take your room from day to night, while there is no painting that will be able to improve upon the ever-changing feature wall that a window provides.

1. ADD A SKYLIGHT TO INTRODUCE MORE SUNLIGHT TO YOUR KITCHEN

Adding a skylight allows you to increase the amount of light that enters your home, especially if you have no space to add more windows.

Remember that although roof windows let in daylight all day, depending on the direction your house and room are facing, you’ll get more concentrated brightness at different times of the day. Think about where and when you will need the most daylight in a particular room.

Glass roof lights can be installed on all types of roofs from completely flat roofs to sloped ones. North-facing rooms generally have a colder, more neutral light throughout the day, away from direct sunlight. These rooms can particularly benefit from roof lights which maximize the amount of daylight you can get into a room over the day.

2. OPT FOR MINIMALIST SLIDING PATIO DOORS TO CREATE A GLAZED WALL

Patio doors have quickly become a must-have addition to both newbuilds and extensions. Installing patio doors offer a large area of glazing, perfect to increase natural light and tackle a dark kitchen or living room. Plus with so many patio door ideas from which to choose, there is sure to be an elegant design that will suit the unique character of your home.

Minimalist designs are great for a contemporary scheme, offering a seamless link between your home and garden; the narrow sight-lines of aluminum provide unrestricted views and maximize the amount of light.

3. PAINT YOUR KITCHEN WHITE TO HELP REFLECT NATURAL LIGHT

White is one of the most popular colors for a kitchen and there is an endless number of white kitchen ideas available – from traditional white kitchen ideas to white kitchen backsplash ideas. White is a reflective color, meaning that it reflects light into the room rather than absorbing it (as is the case with darker colors). As such white walls, flooring, and accessories are a great way to increase natural light.

White paints can feel differently depending on the type and orientation of the light that hits it, and of course, depending on whether it has been tinted. Simple, clean, and classic, the best white paint colors stand easily on their own as a design element. Whites are versatile, timeless, and have the power to make a room feel spacious and fresh.

4. BRIGHTEN YOUR BATHROOM WITH A ROOF LANTERN

It is often a challenge to increase natural light in the bathroom, as you have to juggle illumination with privacy. Semi-opaque blinds are often a solution that lets some light through while obscuring visibility; however, this does limit the amount of natural light that can flood into the room.

A large roof lantern, or even just a skylight, solves both of these problems. Expansive areas of glazing fill the room with light and, showcasing the bright blue sky, floating clouds and overhanging trees provide a beautiful backdrop to your bathing. Since the glazed area is above it also means you can't be overlooked.

5. TRY LOWER-COST SOLUTIONS TO INCREASE NATURAL LIGHT

Before considering a renovation project, ask yourself whether you can increase natural light levels in your room without renovations. Try lower-cost solutions before embarking on a major project. Start by assessing the furniture in the room in question. Is it too large for the space, does it make the room feel smaller and as a result darker? If so, it might be worth opting for more minimalist options that are lighter in color. Rearrange your remaining, light-colored furniture so that it’s angled towards the window, this will help it to reflect more light into the room.

Employing these cost-effective options will undoubtedly increase levels of natural light, but they will also provide you with breathing space while you decide on whether you need a more substantial solution, and select which is the best option for your home.

6. OPT FOR A LIGHT-COLOURED, POLISHED STONE FLOOR TO REFLECT LIGHT

We all know that dark wall colors absorb light and therefore lead to darker spaces but it's important to not forget that the same rules apply to the floor.

While you might not want to pick a bright white floor tile, opting for a lighter grey will help to reflect light into the room and increase natural light in the space. Opt for flooring with various depths of color as this will be more generous with marks and staining and select a polished finish that will help to further reflect light.

7. ADD MIRRORED SURFACES FOR AN EASY WAY TO INCREASE NATURAL LIGHT

In the kitchen, install a mirrored backsplash which will not only add an elegant touch to your scheme but will also reflect light into the room.

If opting for wall tiles, pick a glazed design, and pair it with bright quartz countertops which also have a similar effect.

Glass is an excellent finish for kitchens. Not only do glazed cabinets break up the monotony of repetitive, solid fronted doors but they maximize the flow of light into darker corners. Lighter wood finishes and paint colors also work well to expand the perceived space of your kitchen.

Pair light tones with very light-colored countertops, and your kitchen will look spacious and airy.

HOW DO YOU BRING NATURAL LIGHT INTO AN INTERNAL ROOM?

You can bring natural light into an internal room by decorating in light colors and increasing the number of reflective surfaces. Use mirrors or other reflective objects as a way to bring in more natural light. Allowing the light to add light around the space makes the room look larger. If you want an endless amount of reflections, you can place mirrors on either side of the room, adding depth.

If you are not considering a large renovation, then a mirror is a great way to increase natural light in your house. Despite being a simple addition, if positioned opposite the window, a mirror can have a transformative effect.