More natural light is never a bad thing, especially if you live in sunny Queensland. Whether you’re working with an existing structure or planning a new build, here are some ways to brighten up even your home’s darkest corners.
Windows
This may seem like an obvious solution, but you want to be strategic about what types of windows you install as well as the placement. Kitchens and living rooms are obvious places to add windows, but stairways and landings are great places to consider, too. They’re frequently dark and windowless spots, but they don’t always have to be. If you’re able to swap windows for a wall of bi-fold doors, that’s even better.
Skylights
Skylights are every architect and designer’s secret weapon for brightening up even the darkest space. Make sure yours conform to Australian standards for the best quality possible to avoid risk of leakage.
Tubular Daylighting Devices (TDDs)
TDDs are essentially mini-skylights. These are reflective cylinders or pipes installed between the roof and ceiling, with a clear plastic dome. The bottoms of the tubes are diffused or glazed to prevent glaring beams of light and to ensure a soft glow. A bathroom or narrow hallway are perfect places to install TDDs.
Glazed doors
A dark entry can easily be brightened up with a glass front door. You can even swap out solid interior doors for glass ones, such as doors separating living spaces or a home office. French doors, sliding doors and even bi-folds provide a way for rooms to share light and to avoid shutting rooms off, especially when they’re glazed. If privacy is a concern, there are many options, such as etched, frosted, fluted or reeded glass, for maintaining privacy while allowing light in.
Demolish walls
Consider widening doorways and demolishing unnecessary walls. This is especially useful in entryways and living spaces. Open-plan is always better than individual rooms when it comes to brightening up interiors.
Want to book in a site visit, ask a question about our building process or talk through your project? Call SE Building Solutions today on 0415 772 983