How To Design with Daylight in Mind
One of the most popular projects that we work on to add Velux windows, is loft conversions.
You might think that it’s all down to the fact it needs a lot less planning permission and work than a full on extension, but the truth is, a loft conversion or the addition of Velux windows can often be for the need of more light in the house.
We all know that sunshine is good for us, we can tell from the happy moods it puts us all in when it appears, but it’s also essential for uplifting our way of life.
And as much as we’d all like to spend more time outside, unfortunately with temperamental British weather and work, it can become a difficult task.
So encouraging as much light to enter your home is the ideal way for you to improve the atmosphere in your house as well as feel a little better too.
It’s easy to get bogged down in the details when designing your loft conversion, so we’ve come up with a guide to help you ensure you can add as much light to your home as possible, if not through the windows, through a few clever tricks we’ve learnt from the interior designers we’ve met along the way.
What are you creating?
Before you begin hiring the builders have a long hard think about what this room is going to be used for.
This is going to be a decision that you have to stick with if you want to harness as much natural daylight as possible.
Creating a bedroom in this space could be the perfect wake-up call you need in the morning. Giving you an instant hit of vitamin D, it will set you up in a positive mindset for the rest of the day. So for bedrooms consider the roof within your plans as this could open up the room entirely and bring in the maximum amount of light. Just don’t forget to invest in some Velux Blackout Blinds so that you’re not woken by the rising sun.
Alternatively if you’ve decided that you need a home office space, the light needs to make you feel focused. Larger Velux windows are ideal for this as it can increase the feeling of space, and give you a beautiful view that will encourage creativity.
Keep any accessories to a minimum, as this can make the space feel smaller and give your mind unnecessary distractions.
Plan with Light
Now you’ve been inspired it’s time to think about the room you’ve got and which direction your natural light source is coming from.
When sitting down with the architect or trades people, put across to them just how much the daylight is important to you, and get them on board with thinking of new ideas to make it the lightest and brightest room in the house.
If your loft conversion is going to be in an awkward position it’s time to consider the artificial light that can help to make a difference.
Whether you want to invest in spotlights in the darker areas of the room, or simply some lamps in the right places, consulting with an interior designer may benefit you achieving your desired room.
Create mood boards and look books that encompass all that you would like the room to be, as this can help not only yourself, but also the trades people you’ve hired to stay focused on the goal of the project.
Decorate for Light
Once all the hard work has been done and your room now sits as a bright white shell, it’s now in your hands to bring it to life.
Decorating your loft conversion effectively will work together with daylight to create the feeling of space and light.
Where you have sloping walls, paint them in the same colour as the ceiling, however where you have extensive sloping walls paint the entire room the same colour for a more open modern feeling.
Doing your research into how others have decorated their loft conversions may help you to find some inspiration and understand any limitations you may find.
Don’t forget that this room hasn’t just got to look good but it’s also got to be functional, so if paler colours simply don’t make you happy, or it’s a room designed for small children, colour may be the way forward no matter what the interior designers say.
If you choose bold and bright, perhaps aim for lighter furniture so that the light can still bounce around the room.
Don’t Hide The Light
It can be all too easy to accidentally limit the light that comes into a room with heavy blinds and curtains, but this won’t be the case if you’ve invested in Velux Blinds.
Manual or electronically controlled, there is a vast array of blinds that can become part of the room when drawn, and feel like they’ve disappeared when opened.
As well as the window accessories reserve yourself from covering up of the windows with furniture or plants. Leave finishing touches to a minimum and you’ll feel more relaxed in the open space you’ve created.
If you have any questions about how natural daylight can be brought into your home with the addition of Velux windows, contact our knowledgeable team today.