When it comes to home design, a quiet protagonist often steals the show without much acknowledgment – natural light. Beyond its aesthetic allure, natural light is key to creating living spaces that radiate positivity and well-being. Cowan Building investigates the importance of utilising natural light in your renovation or new build. 

For many new homes, natural light is a common denominator. Many home designers understand the importance of allowing the flow of the outside to enhance the indoor living experience with expansive windows and skylights. However, for some older homes, a little extra light may be required during the renovation process to give you the look and feel you are after. Encompassing natural light in your home design or renovation project has many advantages, from adding that light, and bright appeal, to allowing homeowners the joy of enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors while staying toasty and warm inside.

The Impact of Natural Light

A Flourish of Vitality

Natural light isn't just about brightness; it's a lifeline to vitality. Sunlight is rich in Vitamin D, a nutrient that bolsters bone health, boosts mood, and strengthens the immune system. Designing spaces that embrace sunlight is similar to infusing your home with a natural tonic for wellness. In a nutshell – natural light makes us feel good. Many studies reveal that exposure to daylight enhances concentration, productivity, and even sleep quality. A well-lit environment nurtures mental clarity and focus, shaping a space where ideas flourish – so don't forget to flood your home office with plenty of natural sunlight.

Enhances Colours & Design Components:

Natural light also unveils the true colours of the world around us. Incorporating ample daylight allows colours to manifest authentically, aiding in accurate colour choices for interior décor and furnishings. Natural light can also be used to enhance features throughout the home, such as focal walls.

Eco-Friendly Living

Having a sun-drenched home is also good for heating purposes. Plenty of double-glazed windows can allow the sun to penetrate your home, adding warmth during the winter months. This can save serious money when it comes to your home's heating while also giving your project a big environmentally friendly tick.

How to Get More Light Into Your Home

With a bit of consideration, you can ensure your project or new build embraces natural light to the full extent. Consider:

1. The Lay of the Land: 
   Carefully assess the orientation of your home. This is particularly important for new home builds. In New Zealand, place living areas, such as the lounge or study, facing north to ensure all-day sun and consider putting your kitchen and eating areas more east to catch that blissful morning sunshine. This can provide a consistent flow of gentle, ambient light throughout the day. Your trained home builder can assist you in ensuring your home placement is ideally suited to catch the sun.
   

2. Windows Windows Windows:
   Consider more oversized double-glazed windows or strategically placed skylights to invite sunlight into your abode. A well-positioned window can invite the outside in and become a feature point. Plus, it will drench your home with sunlight. 

3. Mirror Magic: 
   Don't have many windows? The great news is that mirrors can amplify the natural light streaming into your home. Cleverly placed mirrors can add a new light element and allow sunshine to bounce around the room effortlessly. Placing mirrors opposite windows reflects and multiplies natural light, transforming even the smallest spaces into radiant havens.

    

4. Dress Those Windows Right: 
   Dress your windows with light-filtering sheer curtains. They soften the light, eliminating harsh contrasts and creating a dreamy atmosphere. Perfect for allowing light to beam through while adding an element of privacy.

5. Consider Your Hues:
   Light-coloured walls and surfaces reflect light effectively, ensuring the room seems more significant. Soft hues can amplify the sun's presence, making your space appear brighter and more inviting.

6. Ditch the Clutter:
   Embrace minimalist furniture and clutter-free layouts for your new project. Open spaces allow light to dance freely, enhancing the sense of airiness and space.

    

7. Bring the Outdoors In:

   Incorporating indoor plants near windows can enhance the window space and provide outdoor bliss for your home design. They infuse a spot of greenery in your home, and larger plants can filter sunlight, creating a soothing play of light and shadow around the room. Excellent for smaller abodes or apartments.

8. Light Up Those Corners:
   Every home has one dreary corner. Consider illuminating corners with well-placed table lamps, floor lamps, or wall sconces. A symphony of light sources ensures a well-balanced ambiance around the space while creating visual pleasure.

9. Room Dividers: 
   Consider open-concept designs or use glass dividers to let light traverse between rooms for visual connectivity. Many new designs also have open-top walls to allow light to penetrate between spaces easily and take full advantage of all windows and natural light.

10. Build For The Sun:
    Consider the spaces where you want to savour the view – sunrise, sunset, or the afternoon glow—having specifically designed spaces for you to enjoy the sun at its best. Think cosy nooks for the early morning sun and a cleverly placed bath to enjoy the dazzling twilight sky. 

As we navigate a world of innovations, technology, and smart homes, it's important to remember that sometimes age-old elements like natural light can hold the secret to a brighter design concept and home. By embracing the sunlight in our homes, we can create spaces that are not only highly functional but also incredibly beautiful. Natural light can reduce energy consumption, warm your home and add that element of space.