Designing with Feng Shui in mind doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply enhancing the natural light in your home is a cornerstone in Feng Shui interior design. Natural light invigorates the energy in a space and is a noticeable mood lifter.
Unfortunately some spaces don’t have great window options, leaving us to maximize, manipulate, and enhance the light we do have to work with.
Mirrors
Mirrors are an excellent option for reflecting light, and they’re functional! A mirror placed at the end of a hallway or in a corner opposite a window can bounce sunlight around a room, acting almost like a secondary light source. Mirrors also do a fantastic job at making a space feel more open, and in turn, brighter.
From a feng shui perspective, mirrors are great for the dining room as they increase abundance by doubling the food and celebrations that you set for your guests.
Brighter interior wall paints
If you want a brighter space, choose a luminous wall color to help reflect light and brighten spaces where sunlight is absent or limited. Sherwin Williams’ White & Neutrals Collection is a great place to start if your walls can use some brightening.
Paint gloss also plays a factor in light reflection. I recommend using an eggshell finish as it’s glossy enough for light reflection, but matte enough so there’s no glare.
Light filtering window treatments
Choosing the right window treatments is crucial when it comes to optimizing the sunlight that your home has. Luckily, technology in window shades has come a long way. I love sourcing Solar Shades from The Shade Store and Hunter Douglas because they’re some of the most energy efficient window shades out there. They provide an effective shield from the sun to keep your room much cooler during the hot summer months, while still allowing plenty of light to filter through.
If drapes are more of your style, choose sheer or light-filtering curtains to create a diffused light while still maintaining privacy.
Glass and reflective tiles
Doors and furniture containing glass reflect light in a similar way that mirrors do. If the layout of your home calls for it, swapping regular doors for French ones is a very effective way to make the space brighter.
Even simply adding a glass table to your space will carry plenty of sunshine! You can find great pieces at Arteriors, Made Goods, West Elm, and Kravet.
For darker kitchens, choose a lighter color or pearlescent tile to help reflect light. Tilebar is often my first choice for a reason; their range and quality just can’t be beat!
Smarter light options
Sometimes the best thing to do is add a source of artificial light in a dark room. I recommend choosing lighting solutions that mimic natural light, or a variety of different types of light. Choose bright, simple shades to maximize the amount of light that comes through. I recently used these tricks in my Chelsea Living Room renovation to offset some of the dark corners.
For something that really mimics sunlight, look into light therapy lamps such as the collection from Sunrise Sensations.
Don’t be afraid of color
Brightening your space doesn’t mean it has to be all white. Pops of color will prevent the space from looking dreary and washed out. Plus, it’s a mood booster, which is why we’re increasing the light in our home in the first place! For example, work with stained glass either as a decoration piece or as a part of your window treatments. Friend of All specializes in beautiful glass lamp shades that I can’t get enough of
Sherwin Williams’ Pottery Barn Collection has great hues that compliment many of their Whites and Neutrals for a source of inspiration.
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Whether it is directing the flow of chi through the arrangement of furnishings, design or colors; Julie and her team can help you to create the spaces that support your vision of a balanced life, rich in the areas that matter to you.
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