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Natural light — it’s essential that any home has it, from the warm summer months to the cold winter ones. The sun provides infinite warmth and light that can save you money on utility bills and improve the atmosphere of your home if you take full advantage of it.
Whether you’re building a new home or looking to improve lighting in your existing house, maximising natural light is the most crucial consideration. And that’s where Cougar Homes comes in: in this article, we’ll explain 6 handy tips and tricks to maximise natural light in your building or home.
The Importance of Natural Light
Natural light is the source and provider of life — with a multitude of positive effects for humans, animals, and plants alike. Here are some of the most notable benefits of natural light in a home:
- Enhances your home’s appeal
- Creates the illusion of space
- Reduces the need for artificial lighting
- Provides energy and utility savings
- Improves sustainability and passive design
- Increases the value of your home
- Boosts mood and enhances focus
6 Tips on How to Maximise Natural Light in Your House Design
Without further ado, here are Cougar Homes’ top 6 tips on how you can maximise natural light in your house’s design, whether you’re building a new home or renovating.
1: Use light colours in your home décor
It may sound simple, but the best solutions often are — using lighter colours will help your home to hold and maintain natural light. Light colours reflect sunlight from outside and make a room brighter. You can implement light colours in the paint you choose for your walls, the furniture, the flooring, and any additional décor elements you’d like. Try white or other pale colours for your walls and ceiling for the best results.
2: Pay attention to your window design and glass
The size, type, and placement of your windows affect how natural light enters your home. In the tropical city of Cairns, sunlight is abundant – so choose high-quality glass in large windows that let in plenty of natural light (while also providing insulation from the heat). You’ll want windows that offer external reflection without excessive glare. Also, don’t forget to clean your windows regularly — clearing out dirt, grime, and dust from the glass can make a huge difference.
3: Incorporate mirrors and reflective surfaces
Placing mirrors and other reflective surfaces in strategic locations can help your rooms feel brighter. The best place to hang mirrors is on walls opposite windows, such as in the bathroom or bedroom — or any room! The glass on mirrors will allow natural light to bounce around the room and even make your house feel larger than it is.
4: Consider open-plan living spaces
Open plan layouts are an increasingly popular design choice in Cairns and Australia that allows natural light to flow evenly throughout the areas in your home. If you’re building a new home, consider an open floor layout, minimising walls and barriers to create a bright, interconnected living space.
5: Choose light-filtering window treatments and curtains
It’s great to have curtains, blinds, and shades to manage your lighting and maintain privacy. But it’s essential to go for light-filtering window treatments such as curtains or blinds — they can mitigate harsh sunlight and provide privacy while allowing the best lighting conditions.
6: Consider installing a skylight
Installing or designing a skylight can dramatically and permanently increase natural light throughout your home — however, it can be expensive. However, in Cairns’ sunny climate, having a skylight can provide consistent illumination, which is well worth it, especially in rooms with smaller or fewer wall windows.
Achieve Your Ideal Natural Light House Design with Cougar Homes
From improved focus and well-being to sustainability and home value, the benefits of a well-lit home are endless. Incorporate these 6 critical tips into your house design or renovations to enjoy those many perks and soak up the rejuvenating sun.
If you’re building a new house in Cairns and Queensland, Cougar Homes can bring your vision to life with excellent passive design that takes full advantage of natural lighting. With an exceptional range of house designs uniquely tailored to North Queensland’s sunny climate, we’ll work with you to ensure your home is optimised for natural light, energy efficiency, and comfort.
