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Lighting up the dark “Sassy Ten tips for tenth year”
Lighting up the dark
During this dark time of year its important to get the lighting right in our homes. There are many studies that show light is extremely important to our mental health. Lack of it can cause depression or a general feeling of sluggishness and lack of energy.
So here are a few tips on how you can improve the lighting in your home to promote good health and happiness for you and your family.
1. On a dull rainy day stand in your living room and notice where the dark areas are and think about how you would like to make them brighter. It doesn’t have to be lighting, it can be a well-placed mirror.
1. Carry out the same exercise in the evening when its dark outside. Think about how your living room is used now and how you want it to be
used.
2. Is it mainly for watching TV, or is it a sociable space for the family to interact? Think about the mood you want to create.
Do you want it bright? Should it have a reading corner? Do you want it to be cosy and intermate? Or do you want a combination of all three?
If it’s the latter, then you will need to create zones.
3. The same exercise can be carried out in your hall, kitchen, dining room and bedrooms. Each room will have its own unique requirement.
4. Inexpensive way to add light and create warmth is adding hurricane lamps and candles. These look great and will increase warmth, cosiness
and will be inviting too.
5. Increase the glow from candles by placing them in front of a mirror or window to increase the reflection. This is why in Scandinavian
countries they have lights in their windows that create a warm glow where otherwise it would be darkness in the winter.
6. A kitchen will need plenty of lighting that is strategically placed above work and cooking surfaces. Lights to illuminate shelves, and cupboards
are also a possibility.
7. The hallway can feel very small and dark especially if there isn’t a window letting in natural light. This space needs to feel warm and
welcoming, yet bright enough for family and guests to remove their shoes and coats easily. A well-placed mirror or two will bounce light
around and make the space feel bigger.
8. The dining room is a more intermate space that has to set the scene of welcome and cosiness while still being bright enough for people to
see what they are eating. A nice light just above the dining table is always a good idea for starters. Then think about lighting around the
room that could illuminate pictures and maybe a Welsh dresser. Candles on the table will add that special touch too.
9. The bedrooms can be a tricky place to light, and I find many people tend to simply forget about this room and leave it with a bright central
light. These rooms are just as important because each one fulfils a number of requirements from; a sanctuary from a busy family life, to a
place where the occupant can relax and prepare for the day ahead, to a room where children do their homework, or guests feel cherished
and comfortable.
So, think about each bedroom and its function then think about how it has to perform those functions better. Getting the lighting right will help each room perform well.
10. Tips on blubs - Switch your bulbs to LED ones, that use up to 90% less energy, is a good move now. LED bulbs are just as pretty, but not as damaging on the environment or your electric bill! How about trying solar powered lights especially in a window.
Has this blog been useful? If you would like more information and help with lighting your home, take a look at my Pinterest for ideas, or give me call or email to discuss how I can help you.
love to hear what you have been up too
Anne
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