The days are long and warm now (hello, summer!) which makes me want to throw open the drapes and let in as much light as I can before it’s gone again. During the hottest months of the year, we try to keep as cool as possible physically, and here are some things you can do to make your rooms visually lighter and more airy:
De-clutter!
This seems pretty obvious, but find places to stash paperwork and toys, and put away all the stuff that can make your surfaces look visually weighted down. The fewer distractions you can see and the less cluttered things are, the more light and peaceful your room will feel.
Use a soft color palette
Just like throwing off a heavy sweater, in the warmer months your rooms will seem lighter and cooler without lots of heavy, dark colors and fabrics. Of course, it’s not practical to change out your large pieces of furniture, but it’s easy with your accessories.
Switch out pillows, throws, duvets, rugs, curtain panels, and even artwork for lighter, brighter, cheerier options. Go for pastels, a monochromatic color palette, sheer fabrics, or just lighter versions of colors you’re already using.
And there’s always paint.
If the walls are too dark for you, dig out your original paint chip and go one or two colors lighter up the card. That way your room’s color palette doesn’t change and you don’t have to start over with your furnishings. Everything will just seem softer.
Use light or white wood
If you are ready to spring for new furniture and want to keep things from looking too heavy in your room, you might choose light colored woods like maple or whitewashed finishes. Also, skip the skirted chairs or sofas, and show a little leg! If you can see around and under things, again, visually your space will appear airier. (Not sure if "airier" is even a word, but then this isn't Words With Friends either!)
Take down that wall
Maybe you’re thinking about a remodel and are ready for some serious changes. Taking out a wall and creating one room out of two can open up a space like you wouldn’t believe. Make a great room out of your kitchen plus your living room. Or a master suite out of two bedrooms. Check with your designer or contractor about whether or not that wall in question is load-bearing. The roof coming down into your house is a sure-fire way to make your room much smaller in a real hurry!
Lighten up and have a beautiful summer!
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