When it comes to home design, the roof is a very versatile space. With the right planning and decorating ideas, you can utilise your roof in a multitude of ways. From adding extra privacy and sleeping space to creating an open-plan living area for inviting friends and family into your home. If you have roof windows, redesigning your indoor space to take advantage of natural light isn’t as complicated as you might think. Here are some tips on how you can make the most of natural light in your home:
Plan out your roof window scheme before you decide where to put the windows
If you are thinking of getting a new roof window, it’s important to first plan out the scheme you want to use. This will help you narrow down your search for installing the right type of roof window for your home. For example, you might want to use the entire loft space for dining, living and other activities. Or, you might want to use it for a bedroom.
Whether you want open-plan access or privacy, think about your current layout. Consider the design of your home and also the amount of natural light that is currently coming into your home. This will help you identify where to install a roof window and which one to install. There are different types of velux windows, such as those that are suitable for flat roofs, pitched roofs, conservation areas, and transforming a roof space into a balcony.
Use mirrors to reflect light into rooms
If you already have skylights or roof windows installed, you can have mirrors in the room to reflect the natural light coming through your roof windows into other parts of the room. This works particularly well in a large, open space, such as a living room or kitchen. Muted tones of blue, grey and green are especially good choices for using mirrors. This helps to diffuse the light coming in from the sky, making it more relaxing to spend time in the room. Green can be a good choice for bedrooms, as it can help to reduce stress levels and promote a more relaxed mood, while grey can be used in any room as a neutral colour.
Add plants for more greenery
Adding plants for more greenery is an easy way to make the most of natural light through roof windows. It is also a good way to utilise natural light since they need sunlight for photosynthesis. With the right choice of plants, you can brighten up the space considerably, and it’s a great way to add texture and life to your home. Greenery also helps to reduce heat and improve air quality, so you can really transform a space with the right plants.
Plants like succulents, ferns and ivy are perfect for indoor living as they’re all easy to maintain. With a little effort, you can create a real oasis in your home and make the most of the available natural light.
Neutral colours & textures for a bright space
Neutral colours and textures are the perfect way to ensure that the light is not too overpowering, yet still allow for a serene and calming aesthetic. Neutral colour combinations for your walls are endless, from whites and creams to greys and tans. Also, choosing a lighter carpet or rug, or a range of light wooden furniture will add to the brightness of the room without detracting from the natural light that streams in from the windows. With a few carefully chosen pieces and some light and airy textures, your room will be filled with a vibrant and invigorating atmosphere, perfect for taking advantage of the natural light.
Distinctive accents & furniture to highlight your focal point
Distinctive accents and furniture can help to make the most of natural light and create a focal point to draw the eye. For instance, adding a unique or colourful piece of furniture, such as a chair, sofa, or statement lamp, can take advantage of the natural light while also serving as a design feature. Additionally, curtains and blinds can be used to control the amount of natural light entering a room, and this can be mixed with other elements such as wall hangings and accents to create an inviting and inspiring atmosphere.
You may also want to use your walls as a backdrop for showcasing favourite items, such as family portraits or decorative mementos from your travels. Matching the colour of your walls to the colour of your roof windows or other surfaces in your home can help to harmonise the space. Alternatively, you can use contrasting colours to create a strong focal point. By utilising distinctive accents and furniture, natural light from roof windows can be used to create an inviting space that will make any room come alive.
Don’t forget the floor colour and materials
The right type and colour of flooring can help make use of natural light for a brighter and more open home, really bringing the look together. A light, airy floor colour that reflects natural light, like a grey or white tone, can be used to help brighten up indoor living spaces. Similarly, materials such as timber, stone, or terracotta can also be used to add texture and warmth to your home. With the right flooring colour and materials, you’ll make the most of the natural light to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home.