How to Lighten a Dark House

Having a light and bright house can boost your mood and keep you focused. A dark house can sometimes make you forget that it is actually daytime and you should be awake instead of falling asleep or watching TV.

Here are some tips to creating a light and bright space.

1. Paint using light colors. It doesn't have to be white either. Look for creams or bright sunny, spring-like colors.

Benjamin Moore Linen White

Benjamin Moore Crystal Blue

Benjamin Moore Elephant Pink

2. Place mirrors to reflect light (natural and/or unnatural light). 

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3. Get light-colored flooring or a rug. Keep in mind the dirt and stain problem though. Try a light-colored pattern or a hard surface that's easy to mop.

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4. Keep windows treatments white. White window treatments still allow light to filter through but still give privacy. Window treatments are needed for privacy, but hang them high and wide so you don't block natural light when you have them open.

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5. Use white whenever you can. Lampshades, ceilings, trim, pillows, etc. (But add a little somethin' somethin'. You don't want it to be stark.)

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Here are a few articles that I found very helpful. Check them out:

from Perfectly Imperfect

from Housekeeping

from The New York Times