While a gorgeous sunny day may seem like it has the power to brighten every room in a home, that is not always the case. Spaces that do not receive much natural sunlight — either because of the positioning of the room or a lack of windows — can often feel dark and dreary.
Luckily, there are plenty of design tweaks that you can make to illuminate your space. We are sharing some of our go-to tips today!
– All photos are from projects by Beth Haley Design (BHD).
Create Contrast
When opposite shades are used in the right proportions, they give a room the illusion of brightness. When in doubt, opt for lots of white surfaces with hints of darker colors.
In this kitchen, we juxtaposed white walls and ceilings with black furnishings and accents.
Choose Colorful Artwork
While darker rooms can come across as moody, adding colorful artwork can elevate the ambiance. (Spotlights or picture lights also make a big difference!) In this cozy den, we made bright artwork the mesmerizing focal point.
Bright abstract artwork is the focal point of this living area.
Add A Bright Rug
A large, multicolored rug like this one is not just a solution for defining a specific area in a home. It also can draw you in and create a fun distraction.
A rug can define a specific area in a home while also adding a punch of brightness.
Hang A Mirror
Increase the sunlight in your room by bouncing the light off reflective surfaces. Note that it helps to add a decorative mirror opposite the windows to bring in light.
Add a decorative mirror (or two!) to help bring in some light.
Incorporate Metallics
Using shiny gold or silver accents is a great way to add the illusion of light. A gilded touch can really pay off when working with a darker palette. Take this bathroom, for instance.
The black walls in this bathroom provide the perfect backdrops for the gold fixtures, gold ceiling, and deco-inspired gold tile.
Opt For A Neutral Color Scheme
A naturally dark room isn’t the place to try out a darker color palette. Light hues on the walls and ceiling can help lighten a naturally dark area and make it feel fresh and airy.
Light shades can help lighten a room, as seen in this bedroom’s design.
Between hanging mirrors or adding metallics, sticking with a soft color palette, and, of course, adding lights, the right brightening trick can be just as diverse and unique as your room.
Need more interior design tips? We are only a call away!
——––
Discover more of our blog posts here. We cover everything from color and mixed metals to our favorite Nashville spaces and more!
