Today, most of us want our homes to not only feel bright and airy but for them to actually be bright and airy!
We’re demanding much more natural light be available in our homes than ever before. Maybe due to the calming effect it can offer, how it can help to create a sense of space and freedom, and all-around simplicity?
Recent research by Origin Global also supports this notion, as their findings show that natural light is the number one feature that people now look for when buying a home.
As specialists in manufacturing aluminium windows and doors, the team at Crucial Engineering couldn’t agree more!
With aluminium frames now being one of the slimmest frames in the market, you now have the option of increasing the size of your windows and doors, in order to flood your home with natural light.
Aluminium is also tough, so you can still have double, and even triple glazing placed in your perfect sliding doors, opening up space and letting the light simply shine through.
As well as upgrading your windows and doors, below, we’ve provided some of our top tips to help give your home that lighter feeling and a greater sense of space.
Making the most of natural light
Choosing the right wall colour is vital. Lighter colours are a great choice, moving away from dark and drab colours, as well as statement wallpaper. Look to keep it simple with softer shades. Making spaces feel bright and also helping to reflect any natural light coming into the room.
A word of caution, however, avoid using bright white! Bright white can sometimes have the opposite effect and can quite often leave rooms feeling cold. Think fresh, almost pastel shade colours in a satin finish (satin will also reflect light better than matt).
You could also think about painting the ceiling a couple of shades lighter than your walls, giving the illusion of height and space.
Within kitchens and bathrooms now, you will find a lot of high gloss units and finishes.
This again helps to reflect light, and the gloss effect can make spaces look much bigger and a lot brighter.
Of course, accessories such as mirrors, for example, are excellent at reflecting light and can add the perfect finishing touch to any room.
When it comes to flooring, opting for floors with a polished finish is ideal. However, if you do love carpets and aren’t quite ready to make the switch to hardwood or ceramic floors, choose light and neutral colours, if possible.
The great outdoors can have a big impact on the light levels inside your home. Make sure to keep on top of any trees or climbing plants that could start and block any natural light coming through your windows.
However, for natural light to stream through windows, windows have to be clean. Cleaning your windows and glass doors regularly not only allows maximum light to shine through, but it also helps keep windows and doors in good condition.
If you’re looking at bigger and more expansive plans to let natural light into your home, the best way would be to install large new windows and doors – a modern choice and offering space and light in abundance. Bi-folding doors, in particular, are very popular as they can instantly transform the look and feel of your home. Plus, as we’ve briefly mentioned, with aluminium doors and windows, slimline frames can be used to maximise the space you have.
If all else fails, however, then you can always turn to artificial light, especially in the corners of rooms where natural light can’t quite reach.
For room furniture and accessories, think light! Also, keep large items of furniture away (where you can) from windows and doors. And take into careful consideration the types of blinds and curtains you choose.
At Crucial Engineering, we’re specialists when it comes to aluminium windows and doors designed for your home.
If you’re looking to upgrade, modernise, and open up your home to more natural light, call us on 03451 930420 and see how we can help.
Reference Video: House & Home
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