A dark or badly lit room in your house can give the impression of feeling cold and unfriendly.

However, it doesn’t have to be like this. There are easy ways to transform a dark room into a lighter, brighter, cosier room - a room which you will actually look forward to spending time in!

This transformation can be anything from a major overhaul to the structure of your home, to a few subtle changes that can make a world of difference.  

A good first step to solving the dark room problem is to establish what this dark room could be used for.

 A room such as the sitting room or dining room is compatible with a badly lit room, as these types of rooms are mainly used at night-time. Make sure rooms that have easy access to the light are reserved for the kitchen, study and bedrooms.

Overhaul of structure

If your intention is to alter the structure of your home, in order to bring more light in, there are various ways you can go about doing this.

This includes building larger windows or adding extra windows or skylights if possible. You could also knock down internal walls or doors and add a glass partition or panel.

Of course, these drastic renovations can be a very expensive option. There are a lot cheaper ways to add more light to a dark room.

Lighting

A key consideration to any dark or dingy room is the lighting. Try avoiding a single pendant light in a dark room. More effective lighting could be a chandelier as this will cast more light. However, if the dark room is particularly small, or has a low ceiling a chandelier could look over-the-top. Spotlights are another option, although they tend to leave spots of light and the rest of the room still remains in darkness.

You can always add a lamp to brighten up a dark corner. Keep adding lights until you find a suitable level of lighting that is right for your room.

Window treatments

In order to allow every bit of natural light in, don’t clutter up your windows with fussy, over-the-top curtains and make sure you choose a light fabric that will still let some light in, even when the curtains are closed. Also, if possible extend the curtain rails beyond the edges of your windows so your curtains can be pulled right back. This can also make your windows appear larger than they are.

Furnishing and Decorating

When choosing furniture for your dark room always go for pale colours such as whites, creams and pastels. Shiny surfaces and a shiny floor are also useful, as they will reflect any available light around the room. A mirror can do wonders at achieving this too. A large mirror, especially if it’s opposite or near the window, will enhance any available light. However, make sure you try and keep the whole look warm and bright – try including welcome tones or accents of cheerful yellow or orange.

Or…Embrace the darkness!

There is also a simpler solution to a dark room and that is to embrace it and make the most of its dark tones. A living room can be complimented with the use of dark tones, as long as you keep it warm as well. Use rich colours such as orange or plum to make the space feel cozy and choose elegant furniture and decorations. Add candles and atmospheric lighting to give the room a further luxurious or romantic feel.

Hope this helps solve your dark room problems!

 

 

Most interior designers work their rooms around where the light comes from, so if you’ve got a window, chances are  it’s a focal point. It is imperative, therefore, that you dress your windows properly, considering a number of factors before you make your final decision. Below is a short guide to help you make the right choice for your curtains.

Tone

The first consideration you might make is the overall formality or intended casualness of the room. A formal living or dining room with elegant furniture requires equally well-dressed windows. Classic drapes in silk damask or velvet with swags or tie-backs over sheer netting is appropriate for this level of formality, whereas a simple, natural, slouchy Tab-top would better suit more laid-back surroundings.

Detail, Coordination & Contrast

Silk fringe or rosettes, and other fancy trimmings are often used in living and dining rooms, but if you prefer a clean, simple line, then by all means use what you like. If you’re a minimalist, you won’t be happy living with fussy details.

For a more casual, but still sophisticated room, panels or drapes of natural silk in colors which coordinate with the floor coverings and upholstery make a nice statement. Wool blends and linen are also chic in this setting, and should meld with your chosen furnishings. For example,  a softly draped wool panel is superb with an overstuffed couch, and dark polished wood tables.

Materials

You’ll need to decide what fabrics and materials best suit the environment, tone and function of your room. For example, if you’re furnishing a bathroom window, it is wise to select a material that is fairly water resistant, like cotton, wool or hemp. If you’re decorating for a bedroom, consider a blackout lining and a heavier fabric to block out the light. Drafty hallway? Interline your draperies with thermal lining to lock in the heat and save on your energy bills. Think carefully about light too. Silk curtains, for example, fade easilly when exposed to harsh sunlight, so if you are going for the luxury look in a naturally illuminated area, be sure to line the material carefully.

Exhibition or Privacy?

A fourth factor to consider is the windows themselves. Think about how you plan to use the windows. Is there a beautiful view, and lots of natural light that you would like to make use of? Or do you live in a city with a view of an alley, and a need for privacy? Voiles and semi sheer fabrics are the chicest way to get the ‘net curtain effect’ with an element of style, allowing you to see out, but preventing others from seeing in.

Tastes, Preference & Fashion

A fifth factor is your own personal likes and dislikes. If you like an eclectic, or even eccentric, look, use the colors and fabrics that you like the best. If you choose colors in the same value, that is all pastels or all brights, and patterns in the same size range, you can mix and match fairly easily. Busy room? Go easy on the paterns and stick with block colour.

Since the beginning of time, mankind has endeavoured to add a sense of individuality to their living environment. Today, we have many spaces we call our own where we can express our personal taste. The interiors and exteriors of our homes are a great potential canvas for our personal creativity. Occasionally, however, we’re out of ideas. Mentally blocked. Completely stumped. While using the colour ‘black’ to perk up a room may seem like a daunting prospect, it’s actually far better decorating option than perhaps it seems. 

 Black is best used to add drama and contrast to a room, and is frequently the colour of mystery, sleekness, and elegance. While many shy away from using large amounts of the colour on walls and panels, it can be a great way to add a luxurious, modern touch to a room, providing it is well illuminated and in a large, open space; it is not advised for small, dark places as it will enhance that hemmed-in feeling.

Black also makes a great accent colour. Accent colours can be picked up in throw pillows, curtains, rugs, and other decorative accessories. Black shutters, accent trim, and front doors can also makes an excellent accent to your exterior paint colour, diffusing borders and highlighting show-off areas.

Black is frequently used in conjunction with white to make the ultimate monochrome contrast. The vibrant pop of primary colours used in contemporary styles aids a room by creating the impression of depth when used alongside black, just like the vivid hues of a sunset against a black landscape. Rugged black iron work can add a whimsical touch to an eclectic interior. Black also works great against any paint colour from soft pastels to jewel tones.

Each room of the house can benefit from a black decorative piece. Black curtains in a bedroom can add a sexy richness to the room. Black curtains also have the added benefit of letting less light in for the late sleepers. Really, black curtains can be used to great effect in any room. The bathroom can be updated with black towels and toiletries. Black appliances give a kitchen a clean, modern look. Lamps with black bases or black shades make excellent accent pieces in any room of the house. A black blown-glass bowl set on a side table can be a great conversation piece.

Searching for the perfect black focal piece can be an adventure in itself.  The Internet provides a great variety of choices, and you can also shop for the best price. Other great places to look are interior decoration stores, home improvement stores and department stores. If you are looking for a deal, try flea markets and garage sales. Hunting for a find at these venues can be like treasure hunting; a productive and exciting way to spend a Saturday morning.

Try decorating with black. Don’t be scared of it. Adding small black accents to update your style, or think ‘big and bold’ to really create a statement. After all, it does go with everything.

Nearly every household has an embarrassing stash of junk that they keep hidden from plain view; under a bed perhaps, or stuffed behind a screen. Even in the most extreme of circumstances, effectively concealing your clutter this doesn’t have to be a tedious, expensive undertaking. Plenty of simple storage options are available to keep your jumble out of sight.

Forget hiring a closet organizing consultant, or pay to have an elaborate shelving system installed. Comparison shopping for some basic storage items will ensure the best value, and there are ways to hide your storage that are both reasonable, and pleasing to the eye.

Some companies offer cubby units with coordinating bins, often in wicker, canvas, or plastic. The bins can be removed, or left in the unit to store books, shoes, toys, or any item that would usually end up shoved into a closet, or lying on the floor.

Short or tall cabinets can be found at a reasonable cost, containing several shelves concealed by double doors. Discount stores often sell attractive units for the price, with faux wood fronts in finishes not previously found, like espresso and birch. More utilitarian cabinets may cost even less, since they are often designed for garages. They can be used in less visible places, like basements, or can be hidden behind a floor-to-ceiling curtain suspended from a rod.

Curtains can also be hung from existing structures in the home, like alcove walls, to hide unsightly storage solutions. Another idea is to attach curtains to the undersides of tables to create instant storage space.

Some manufacturers have started making modern, reasonable storage solutions that fit into a home’s decor because they look like furniture. One such item is a scaled-down version of an armoire, with hooks for hanging jackets, purses, and keys, and an area for small items like shoes below. Why not double the useage, and use mirrored doors for a bedroom closest?

Room dividers are another way to hide clutter. A corner in a low-traffic area makes a convenient spot for cheap, open shelving, or stacks of boxes. An attractively designed decorative screen, which you can customize by covering it in your choice of fabric, will render the storage invisible.

The tried-and-true area underneath the bed is always a good bet. Some companies have acknowledged this otherwise useless space’s potential by creating attractive storage boxes, made of wicker or cloth. However, if the bedspread touches the floor, inexpensive plastic containers designed to fit under beds will do. Even shoe boxes or other small containers will work, as long as they can’t be seen.

Pocketed pouches that hang from the backs of doors make stashing small items simple. Those lacking dresser or desk space will find them handy for holding those oddball items that can wreak havoc on the best of organizational intentions. Even shower curtains can be purchased with pockets for sponges, soap, razors, and other bathroom accessories.

Finally, hat and coat racks are old standbys for a reason. They confine jackets, caps, and sometimes umbrellas to a small area, and prevent household members from tossing their things on furniture when they take them off. Wet items also have a chance to dry without dirtying the rest of the dwelling.

These storage ideas can be implemented for little money, and may spur you to come up with your own storage ideas. If you’re good with a hammer and saw, a talented seamstress, or even just quite resourceful, you’re really in luck. The possibilities are endless.

Bored of your boudoir but can’t stump up the funds? Tired of your living space, but worried about saving pennies? Decorating your home doesn’t have to be a bank-breaking excerise. Below are a list of tips, hints and suggestions to help you plan your re-design on a budget, whatever your financial situation.

1. Think simple, big, open and neutral. Go for timeless, long-lasting looks that are easilly adjustable. A natural carpet, wooden floor or cream interior allows for multiple changes in soft furnishings and colour-schemes, without the hassle of a complete refurbishment each time you fancy an little something different. Insure you prioritise good lighting. Poor illumination will dampen your colour scheme and shrink your space.
   
2. Save the evnvironment, save your pennies, and steer away from fads and trends, particularly if you’re a sucker for disposable buying! They won’t last long, and be off-trend in a season. So if you are cutting back, cut it out.
   
3. Choose slices of your complete vision. Don’t rush to complete the masterpiece straight away and bull-doze into your overdraft without the cash to cater for it. Save up for a great pair of curtains, a set of vases that may otherwise sit just outside your price range, or a stylish sofa that feels as good as it looks, and will last you a life time. Remember, some things are worth waiting for!
   
4. Prioritise. It’s all well and good splashing out on a vintage candelabra to set off a spectacular mantle piece, but if there’s nowhere to park your derriere, then the function of your living room is lost. Buy the skeleton items first, deck out the innards afterwards. Prioritise on your spending too. It is worth, for example, paying more for a comfortable, great-looking sofa that will last a life time and holding back on ornaments until finances allow. Writing a list separating your room needs and wants is always a good exercise. Number them from most to least, and plan your budget accordingly.
   
5. History, as they say, has a habit of repeating itself; an endless cycle of by-gone styles circulating year on year, just waiting for the chance to be thrown back onto our walls and wardrobes for the on-coming season. The lesson here? Think vintage.  If  you’re lucky enough to have a relative or friend with an attic full of junk, get raiding! If not,  try flea-markets, thrift stores, and auctions for stand-out pieces to add a timeless sense of character to your dwelling. And if the thought of leaving your lovely home brings you up in a rash, why not shop from the sofa, and browse the internet for vintage online.
   
6. Stuck for ideas? Let the décor choose you. Shop for a style, pick an individual item to set off a room, be inspired by a particularly poignant piece of artwork, and let the item work the room. Choose a colour scheme that fits with the item, and carry the theme through the area to be decorated. In this instance, you may wish to spend more on said item of inspiration, and boost it one or two places up the priority list. This needs to be in balance with the rest of the room however, so be wise with the amount you do spend. Be sure to make this treasure the focus of the room and well displayed too!
   
7.  Be unique. Don’t make the mistake of buying all your items from one place. Shop around for an individual style to prevent your space looking like a knocked-off show room.
   
8. Remember, you can do a lot with a little. Think  throws, wall-hangings, rugs, and fairy lights for an instant transformation on a very small budget. Why not paint a panel of the wall to add a splash of colour, instead of saturating the walls with a single shade? An old minimalist Japanese trick to remember is ‘bring the outside in’. Plants, pebbles and natural fabrics can do wonders for your living space, and are well worth forking out for.
   
9. Think DIY, and where you can, customise. Doll up a dull piece of furniture with a fresh coat of paint and a handful of stencils. Transform spare fabrics into throws or cushion covers. If your sewing machine savvy, why not try making your own curtains? Check back at this blog for a great guide on how to create your very own pair. Happy saving!

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With the economy in a slump, buying a new home seems to be out of the question. However, there are ways you can brighten up your home and give it a new feeling without having to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Buy new curtains or roman blinds.
You can control the amount of light you want in the room with blinds and curtains. The right color and size curtains will make any room pleasant and brighter. Too heavy of curtains will not allow much light to pass through.

Buy a new sofa from sofa.com.
Sofa.com allows you to build your own furniture so that it is right for your space. The furniture that you choose should have lighter fabrics so that vistors will feel welcome to sit down.

Build an extension.
If you can’t afford a new house, why not just add on to the one you have now? Building extensions not only add more square footage to your living space, they also add more value to your home.

Re-paint the house - interior and exterior.
Psychologists often say that color influences our emotions. Dark colors makes a room dismal and too bright a color can make a room not tranquil. Light blues and greens are generally most suitable. Light colors, like white and off-white, reflect light. Regardless of the color you prefer, a different coat of paint will certainly freshen any room up.

Bring the garden inside.
If you enjoy planting and the beauty it can bring to a home, bring the garden inside! Flowers can adorn any home if the colors match and accentuate the space.

Use different lighting fixtures.
Often, people have no idea what kind of lighting works best for certain rooms. Install new lights or replace old lighting fixtures to brighten up a space. Light fixtures that sit upon the wall or ceiling are more long-lasting. They have the convenience of functioning from wall switches, and they supply light from overhead and don’t take up table or floor elbowroom. Flourescent bulbs are great and environmentally friendly because they provide ample amount of lighting yet require less electricity.

Install a skylight.
Skylights bring in natural light - and a lot of it. Some skylights can be accessable for ventilation. Of course, they’re not an option for a building you don’t own or a first-floor room in a multi-story residence.

Use more mirrors.
Mirrors open up space and bring in light. Correctly adorning mirrors will make the room seem copious and they’ll reproduce the light you already have with no further electricity.

Spring cleaning more often than just in the Spring.
In case you haven’t noticed, cob webs make a room seem unapproachable and dirty. Clutter and dust make any space dark and undersized. Light cleaning once a week will make a world of a difference in making any home brighter and inviting. Also, clean your windows frequently. Clean windows will let more light in!

Use bright colors when decorating.
Bright colors are great for gloomy times. Dark spaces are very uninviting. In such bleak times, why not surround yourself and your loved ones with bright and cheery colors?

You don’t have to milk your bank dry or buy a new house in order to have a place that you love. Don’t allow the slump in the economy to darken your home; brighten it up inexpensively with new colors and new furniture.