Ensuring that your home receives adequate natural light is an important consideration when it comes to interior design. There are many benefits to maximising natural light, including improved mood, improved energy efficiency as well as a cleaner and more welcoming ambience and aesthetic. If you are a new homeowner or are thinking of designing a custom home, you may be uncertain as to how exactly you can maximise the amount of natural light your home receives. In this post, we take a closer look at some strategies that you can use to maximise natural light for a brighter home.
Choosing the Right Windows
While many homeowners understand that having an adequate number of windows is essential to maximising natural light, few realise that the type of windows you have in your home also matters. For instance, a large picture window will allow significantly more light to enter the home as compared to a smaller casement window. Additionally, the placement of your windows can also affect when your home receives the most natural light. For instance, east-facing windows will bring in more morning sunlight, whereas west-facing windows allow you to capture the afternoon sun.
Choosing the Right Colours and Materials
The colours and materials that you use to decorate and furnish your home can also affect how light is perceived. For instance, lighter colours such as white, off-white and pastel shades tend to be more reflective and will make your home feel brighter as compared to darker colours, even if the amount of natural light that enters your home remains the same. At the same time, natural materials such as wood, stone and fabrics can also help to create a brighter and more organic feel. It is therefore important to consider how the colours you choose to paint your walls and the materials of your furniture will interact with light.
Optimising Interior Layout for Maximum Light Flow
Another important aspect to consider is the interior layout of your home. In order to maximise the amount of light that is able to flow through your space, it may be a good idea to reduce barriers that can block natural light. This means that open floor plans might be preferable. At the same time, glass doors and partitions may also be a good way to maintain separation between different spaces in your home without restricting light flow.
Maximising Natural Light in Your Custom Home
If you’re looking to design a custom home but aren’t sure if your ideal layout and design will allow you to maximise natural light, Australian Heritage Homes can help. Our team of professional boutique home builders has decades of experience in helping homeowners design and build custom homes that meet their needs and preferences. We will work closely with you to understand your concerns and priorities, translating them into a unique custom home design like no other. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with our team!