COLDWELL BANKER REALTY EXCEPTIONAL MARKETING SERVICE
Judith Sutton, Sales Representative, ABR, CRS, IDS, AHWD, PMN, ASP, IAHSP, SRES, WCR, RRS, RCC, GREEN
Lighten Up: Solutions for Transforming Dim Spaces
Easy ways to boost and brighten dark rooms around the house
How to brighten and transform dim lit spaces...
Invited Guest Contributor: Elaine Paoloni Quilici
Is white paint and light decor the only solution?
When it comes to brightening a dim space, people often turn to white paint and light decor as a solution. Creating a tonal atmosphere in all white, while incorporating a variety of textures, can lend an airy, open look to any room.
The concept of a monochromatic white palette can transform a dark room into a bright and clean-looking space. White reflects light better than any other color, so even minimal light sources—whether natural or artificial— makes the room feel more spacious and inviting.
However, the type of incoming light can affect how colors appear, so it’s important to plan before you paint.
First, you need to understand the quality of light your room receives. Consider if it is hot and direct, or soft and cool? Light colors will glow in hot light, but they will look sad in cool light. That’s where you should consider warm, deep colors to achieve your goals.
Optimizing lighting by including various sources at different levels, including dimmers and the strategic placement of lamps and fixtures, can help to enhance brightness. So can reducing contrast, layering, and incorporating elements such as glossy surfaces and mirrors that increase light reflection.
White on White
White walls, window treatments, upholstery and neutral rugs is an easy way to brighten a space, especially one that lacks natural light. Start with the walls. Painting them a crisp white instantly creates a clean canvas. Then, choose white window treatments that allow light to filter through while maintaining privacy. Sheer white curtains or blinds can add the perfect amount of light to a room without obstructing it.
For upholstery, opt for white or off-white fabrics. This not only keeps the palette cohesive but adds to the room’s brightness. Incorporating neutral rugs in shades of white or cream can anchor the space and provide a warm, cozy feel underfoot without detracting from the airy atmosphere. Additionally, consider using different textures within the white scheme—such as a plush rug, linen cushions and silk drapes—to add depth and interest.
Overall, a tonal white approach is a sophisticated and effective strategy to illuminate a dimly lit area
Let It Shine
When brighten a dark room, work with a monochrome palette—which can even be dark and moody—to reduce contrast. The walls, ceilings, furniture and rug should all be in the same family.
Chose to lacquer the ceiling and the millwork in a rich mallard green. Despite the dark color, the reflectivity and monochromatic palette still makes the room feel bright. Light dances around, which is something people forget about when using rich, dark colors. Sheen works. Use it where possible to reflect light around the space, but be sure to mix textures to keep the room feeling layered and varied.
We also love to use a large-scale pattern, like a geometric rug, to anchor the space. This visually expands the walls of the room to make it feel bigger than it is. However, make sure the rug’s ground color isn’t too light compared to the walls and furniture, or the room will not feel balanced.
In smaller rooms, consider using a glass cocktail table to keep your eye moving and add additional reflection to the space.
The Magic of Mirrors
Color choice matters a lot in brightening a room but perhaps not as much as the choice of other light-reflective materials. Mirrored surfaces should be top of the list.
Light reflective materials and furniture are great tools to create light where there is none. That can be done in a simple way by just adding large, hanging mirrors, on either side of a fireplace in a living room that has only one north-facing window.
For a client with a long, narrow living room that lacked a center and any natural light, use a framed mirror panel between two openings, which shown used as a backdrop to other furnishings and artwork.
What a delight!
By incorporating my personal attention and guidance into the marketing strategy I aim to provide you with
and Exceptional Selling Experience
while ensuring that your property receives the exposure needed
to attract buyers from anywhere
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Get a positive, helpful partner for buying or selling your home:
Trusted resource for answers about the process
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Ability to target home searches
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Support through the closing and beyond
Why would you settle for anything less?
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Judy@JudithSutton.com
COLDWELL BANKER...GUIDING PEOPLE HOME SINCE 1906
908 803-0472
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