It should not come as a surprise that some people would pay extra just to have a view. At a time when natural ventilation and lighting is considered luxury, incorporating a design that maximizes the use of light in a small condo is ideal. After all, who doesn’t want to wake up to a view of the sunrise gently peeking behind skyscrapers, a calm beach or a city skyline? It makes one want to pull up the blinds just to take in all the beauty that a great morning could offer.
Small condo design ideas in the urban setting often include creating an illusion of a bigger space, and that includes using the element of light more. Natural light makes a home feel more airy and spacious. With light, you wouldn’t feel like the walls are closing in on you.
The benefits of natural light range from substantial energy savings to a healthier and happier environment. Vitamin D or sunshine vitamin is an essential mineral to regulate the immune system and control asthma. Natural light also reduces the amount of mildew and mold growth inside the home. Designers also use natural light to make spaces look larger, illuminate structure, and make everything look more alive.
For those of you who are lucky enough to have big windows or a balcony, learn how to enhance natural light in a condo with these tips.
Let the sunshine in
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First, open you windows. Avoid heavy, dark, and thick window coverings. Go for light materials and translucent shades to still have the privacy you want while not blocking the light entirely. The soft glow will illuminate your space and will make it more vibrant.
If possible, ditch window treatments altogether. In the morning, you wouldn’t even have to turn on your light. Letting air flow through also makes the air you breathe healthier.
Paint light
Using light-colored paint is a common condo design idea because whiter walls create the illusion of a bigger space. Use white, light gray, and nudes to reflect natural light better. Shades of yellow is also among the most reflective colors that can make any room brighter. It is also a bonus that neutrals are very flexible in terms of decorative fixtures. If you worry that your condo will look a little flat, you may add splashes of warm colors for texture.
Brighten up your ceiling
One way to maximize natural light in a room is to avoid dark ceilings. Paint your ceiling a lighter color to better reflect light. Recessed lighting fixtures are also among the best ceiling lights for a condo living room. Be careful with your condo lighting choices and make sure they really illuminate dark ceilings. Choose daylight ones over warm bulbs if you want your condo to look a little bigger. You may opt for lighting with dimmable features in case you want to set the mood.
Achieve class with glass
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Using glass is a great way to enhance natural light in a condo. In studios, room dividers are usually utilized to separate the living room, the dining area, and the bedroom. Instead of a wall, you may use French doors or frosted or tinted glass for privacy.
Glass tabletops and acrylic chairs can also lighten up a room. Such fixtures reflect light, instead of absorbing it.
Hang a mirror
But not just any mirror, make sure it is well-placed so that natural light is maximized. Place them on west- and east-facing walls, where the sun sets and rises. Track where the beams move and add reflective spaces in those pathways to disperse light in your home more evenly.
Decorating small condo spaces almost always requires a mirror, as shiny surfaces can create an illusion of a bigger space. The bigger and thicker the mirror, the more amount of light it can capture. You can choose from a variety of designs: antique, modern, sunburst or Venetian. Mirrors are perfect to add shine to entryways, dining room, and living room.
Solving the kitchen problem
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In studio condo designs, the kitchen rarely has a window. So how do you illuminate the kitchen?
Paint the kitchen in light colors such as nudes or light charcoal. Make sure cabinetry also have bright colors. But if you are a believer of dark kitchens, you may contrast it with shiny finishes on your countertops and brass knobs. Pendant lighting is also a perfect addition to brighten dark corners.
Keep the drama in the bedroom
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Sleep experts always recommend keeping the environment dark for a more restful sleep. Dramatic bedrooms are often achieved by dark walls, dark wood floors, and dark accents and fixtures.
You may keep the drama but still manage to have some natural light by balancing your dark bedroom with light colored linen, pillows, cushions, and rugs. They give out the feeling of space and light. You may conceal soft lighting in display shelves or cabinet so the mood is still there. Keep the window treatments light, if possible.
Clean and de-clutter regularly
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One of the most common obstructions to natural lighting is clutter. When your condo has too much of everything, the space looks weighed down. Clear windows of obstructions such as shelves or tables. Clean them regularly too, so that they can reflect light better. Keep furnishings simple and make it a habit to declutter so the space looks spacious and light.
In a world divided by layers and layers of walls, having access to natural light and ventilation is almost a luxury. This is why most contemporary condo designs for small spaces always include proper lighting, as well making the space look brighter and bigger. And sometimes, all it takes is taking small and easy steps to utilize natural light.