There are many reasons someone may think their home feels a bit dark and oppressive, such as windows in the wrong direction or dark walls. Whatever the reason, it needn’t stay that way as there are various simple ways to bring light and space to any room. So don’t feel down about a dim room; use one of these simple ways to brighten up your mood and home today.
Colors
One of the main reasons a room may feel dark and oppressive is due to a dark color scheme. Navy blue walls look stunning in the right environment but use them in the wrong space, and the room begins to feel claustrophobic. For rooms that aren’t enjoying darker hues, consider changing the color palette for lighter tones that lift the feel of the room and make it appear more spacious. Go for a few dark accent pieces if you can’t live without those colors; the lighter surround will make them stand out wonderfully.
Accents
Not all dreary feeling homes are caused by incorrect color choices; décor also plays a part. If you’ve embraced the minimalist look too enthusiastically, rooms may have started looking sterile. Adding a few accents, such as shopjanusetcie.com, will breathe life back into the most spartan room without detracting from the style’s clean lines. Accent pieces are excellent for mixing up the look as the seasons (and your whim) change, ensuring variety throughout the year.
Lighting
The quickest way to brighten up any room is to introduce additional lighting, either natural or artificial. Lamps are your friend if you don’t fancy the expense of rewiring your house for extra downlighting. A classic floor lamp immediately brings light to any underlit corner while acting as a piece of art for added interest. Layering light, with several lit sources, allows you to adjust lighting levels to suit the time of day and use of the room.
Mirrors
Another fantastic way to play with light and add stylish accents is the inclusion of mirrors to the décor. A wide mirror opposite a window reflects light back into the room while giving the appearance of additional space. Choosing a mirror with an elegant frame makes it a piece of living artwork that changes throughout the day. And mirrors aren’t only for the inside; garden mirrors cheer up any garden regardless of the season.
Plants
Houseplants have many benefits, which is why you should invest in some if they don’t already grace your home. Because plants are living, they bring a dynamic element to any space. Reacting to natural light, potted plants follow the sun through the day, changing their look and the light in the room. Any room is instantly brighter with such a denizen dappling the sunlight on a clear day. Filtering impurities from the air constantly, these health-improving specimens are shown to reduce anxiety and blood pressure.
Embrace Nature
Potted plants aren’t the only way to use nature to inject brightness into your home. Bringing other elements of the natural world inside adds a freshness that’s hard to replicate via other means. Driftwood weathers into some unique sculptural shapes that can find a place in all parts of the home. Seashells fit the water theme of the bathroom yet look equally stunning displayed in a living room or den.
Rugs
Over time even the best-maintained floor looks somewhat worse for wear, taking the shine off the rest of the room. Introducing colorful rugs rejuvenates tired flooring while adding color to the room. Rugs are also helpful for defining areas of a room, useful if you have limited space or wish to preserve an open-plan concept. Try placing a cozy rug in front of the TV for kids to lounge on and another at the reading chair by the window.
Roll Up Your Sleeves
Bringing beautiful elements and colors isn’t the only way to make your home feel brighter. Putting some elbow grease in and having a good old cleaning session (or three) achieves a shine tinged with immense satisfaction. And there’s no shaming with this point; day-to-day life is busy, letting background dirt and clutter creep in over time despite regular cleaning and tidying. Scheduling in a regular deep clean ensures the underlying yuck never takes over and lifts the house out of its dingy funk.
As we can see, brightening the home is as simple as a thorough spring clean, adding accent pieces like a vase or pot plant, and improving lighting.
