How To Make Any Home Feel Instantly Brighter

LET THE LIGHT IN…

I think it’s no secret that I love a gorgeous bright, neutral interior. A bright interior is just so lovely to live in. It’s also not that hard to achieve. Making a home feel instantly brighter is so easy to do. I think because it’s such a classic, clean aesthetic, people believe it’s hard to live in and maintain. However, fear not you lovely lot. Here are my top tips for achieving this look and making your home feel instantly brighter.

FALL IN LOVE WITH A WHITE WALL.

If it wasn’t obvious from my Instagram feed, I love a white wall. A white wall is essential to brightening an interior. However, white doesn’t mean boring, or ‘show home’. There are so many shades of white that will add brightness to your home, whilst also remaining warming and welcoming. I love the new trend of the beige wall. It allows the neutral feel, is warming without heading over to the magnolia side. Farrow & Ball do some gorgeous neutrals that everyone should look into investing in.

 

 

REMOVE THE DARK FURNITURE.

Now, I wouldn’t say get rid of every dark furniture. I do like some form of natural wood in a home, which would be considered ‘dark furniture’. But if you are after that light airy California feel, you have to embrace the lighter choices for your furniture. Start with the sofa, get a light-coloured one made out of light-weight fabric. Next, look at investing in ‘clear furniture where you can. I love our new coffee table with metal frame. Because the frame is so small, the light passes through and allows the light to flood that area of our home.

Rattan and drift/ unfinished woods also add to the neutral feel of a home. Any form of natural textures will give the room the feel of a lighter, brighter home. Our rattan chair works perfectly for our neutral colour scheme and helps with lightening the room. Along with this, open shelving. You may not think it makes a difference, but the ability to see parts of the wall will give the illusion of openness, allowing light to bounce around the room.

NATURAL TEXTURES IN YOUR SOFT FURNISHINGS.

I love a good cushion, especially in a natural texture. The softness of the cushion, even with the dark stripe running through them gives the room a sense of relaxation and calm. Curtains will also add to this. Any curtains that are light and airy will instantly make the room feel bigger and brighter. I love our drapes in our bedroom and living room, both from Ikea. They are made in natural linen that just to the light feeling of the space. Plus with them being slightly translucent, they allow the light to just flood in.

GET CRAFTY WITH MIRRORS.

Let me tell you, a mirror is your best friend if you have a dark and gloomy room. Mirrors, when placed in the correct spot, will just bounce the light across your home. One of the best purchases for my living room was our large brass mirror that hangs above our fireplace. With the window off to the side, the light is completely reflected across the room, making it one of my favourite places to hang out in during the day.

Where ever you can with mirrors, go large and place the opposite or to the side of a window and watch your home feel instantly brighter. Try also to go for a mirror with a small frame, minimalist and chic is exactly what you need in this situation.

 

 

LIVE WITH LESS.

If you live in a dark space, clutter is not going to be your friend. Now, you don’t need to Mari Kondo space and live with no possessions. Rather, you need to ensure you’re only displaying the things that truly make you smile and start investing in storage for the rest of it. Take advantages of nooks like under your bed to that it’s all out of your way. Out of sight, out of mind and all that jazz. The main thing is to get the clutter off the floor, if your path is obstructed with clutter, your going to feel like you’re living in a cave and it is going to feel dark and moody. Clear the clutter and bathe in the light. Even if inside the storage looks like a hot mess, at least your room with feel nice and bright.

CLEAN YOUR WINDOWS.

You’ll be amazed at how many of us neglect this (including me from time to time). However, if your room feels dark all of a sudden, give your windows a deep clean. You’ll instantly see a difference (duh) and the light will come flooding though, even on a cloudy day. Once you’ve done a deep clean, commit to doing the insides at least once a week and a deep clean every month. A simple cleaning routine will allow that light to come in and make your home feel light and airy.