Something about warmer weather inspires homeowners to lavish attention on their homes. While painting and decluttering are great ways to revitalize home decor, there’s no better way to breathe new life into interior spaces than decorating with light. 

Incorporating light into interior design can go far beyond a few strategically placed, attractive lamps and some upgraded overhead lights. It’s possible to use both natural and artificial lighting to complement other decor and architectural elements.

Lighting types
Every home needs a little of each of the following types of lighting to meet your needs throughout the day:

1. Task lighting focuses light into a specific area.
2. Accent lighting shines a light on decorative elements.
3. Ambient lighting provides general lighting for everyday activities.
4. Natural lighting from above makes a home feel open and inviting, while also providing balanced light for everyday activities.

Natural beauty plus improved air quality
Enhance day lighting by lightening up window treatments to allow for as much sunshine as possible. Choose fresh paint colors that play well with the directional lighting and consider installing skylights in rooms where adding windows isn’t practical or where more balanced natural light can add drama and differentiate living spaces.

Adding skylights is a relatively low-cost, but high impact home improvement that can be accomplished by a professional in a day or two or over a single weekend. Fresh air skylights can also help reduce dependence on artificial lighting and mechanical ventilation, saving money on electricity.

Skylights can work in concert with vertical windows to provide improved passive ventilation that improves air quality and energy efficiency. For example, Energy Star-qualified fresh air skylights, such as those at veluxusa.com, let you circulate air in your home with flexible features to match your needs.

Manual and electric venting models are available, but top-of-the-line, solar-powered fresh air models offer all the features of modern, no-leak skylights. They feature a solar panel that charges a hidden internal battery, which operates the control system. These skylights require no wiring, making for easy and cost-effective installation. An integrated rain sensor automatically closes the units in case of inclement weather and all Velux skylights offer three layers of water protection backed by warranties.

A variety of light-filtering, light-blocking and light-controlling solar-powered blinds are also available in a mix of designer colors and patterns to enhance decor while improving skylight energy efficiency by as much as 45 percent. The skylights, as well as the blinds, are operated by a programmable remote control and are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit, as are installation costs.

Lightening colors
Some hues absorb more light, making them appear darker and causing the room to look dark. Fresh paint brightens any room, but to amplify the effect choose lighter, less intense colors and remember colors appear truer when they are awash in natural light. 

Continue the color upgrade through key decorating elements, such as upholstery fabric, accent rugs, window treatments and wall art.

Upgrading other light sources
While you take steps to maximize the amount of natural light that enters your home, artificial lighting is always necessary, whether at night or for a dreary day. Choose light fixtures – including floor and table lamps – that continue the bright, easy atmosphere you’ve already created with color and natural light.

Keep in mind the importance of layering light with a mix of sources throughout a room and choose lighting styles that fit the room’s purpose.

For more ideas on lightening up your home, and to view the available types of skylights, blinds and accessories, visit whyskylights.com.

Sponsored by Velux