Sunlit spaces impact mood and well-being profoundly and maximise visual comfort that creates a soothing ambience in our homes and workplaces. Moreover, exposure to daylight is an effective way to foster creativity and productivity. On the other hand, areas with low to no natural light sources can make one feel gloomy and subdued. Therefore, it is essential to design spaces that optimise maximum natural light and pair them with elements that offset the effect of a light-deficient room.

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The amount of light each room receives is majorly based on the position of the building and the time of the day. It's always recommended to plan the small spaces in a way that available sunlight is put to the best use. Also, one should consider the purpose and function, each room's atmosphere, the privacy it needs, etc. This will also help to modulate the available light to suit the user's needs.

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Technological advancements in home design make it possible to enhance the amount of sunlight in a room. Moreover, modern-day fenestrations are designed to conserve energy. Put together, natural lighting can provide both power- and cost-efficiency in the long run.

Therefore, it is important to consider how one can enhance the flow of natural light into any space as part of their renovation plans. Doing so can improve the aesthetics and occupant well-being.

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Here are some ideas for doing the same:

1. Opt for a muted colour scheme

The quickest way to envelope any space in natural light is to opt for a lighter colour scheme such as white, cream, etc. White walls, in particular, reflect light beautifully and dispel darkness. Using lighter, neutral or pastel tones keeps the brightness factor high while meeting your colour needs.

2. Use mirrors as reflective accents

Mirrors are another evocative way to reflect light in living and workspaces, especially when there is a lack of windows. The reflective quality of mirrors can supplement twice as much natural light from the outside. Adding a mirror opposite or adjacent to a window also intensifies natural light in light-deficient areas. Reflections also add a heightened sense of space to a room.

3. Install skylights

Installing a skylight is one of the most creative ways to supplement natural light in your home and workspaces. Skylights can make a dramatic change to increase natural light in a light-deficient space. With roof lights, natural light spills in, illuminating even dark corners and making them feel light and airy. Skylights and roof lights also bring the outdoors indoors and create the illusion of extra space. An accurate fenestration design combines varying roof systems, allowing even more light to brighten your living space. 

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These additional ceiling windows with innovative glazing technology ensure the space is appropriately energy efficient. This glazing technology has vastly improved with enhanced thermal technology to provide better insulation. For additional privacy or to reduce natural light during the summer, you can choose to add blinds. 

4. Expansive windows for wider views

Another way to increase natural light in the room is by installing a full-sized i.e. wall-to-wall or floor-to-ceiling window. Expansive windows are a suitable replacement for walls and help break the monotony of closed spaces. In addition, windows make indoor spaces feel outdoorsy and lively.

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An open floor plan is often paired with expansive windows, allowing more light inside. Freeing up a cluttered space, locating furniture at sill level or keeping an open floor plan, allows natural light in with no constraints.

5. Windows in place of internal walls

Replacing internal walls with windows is another way to borrow light within a space. Borrowing light with the help of translucent surfaces, such as sliding panels or glazed doors, maximises space in a compact area while allowing plenty of light to shine. Sliding panels are also great room separators. Whether open or closed, natural light is still intact when privacy is needed. 

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Natural sunlight can make any space feel healthier, safer and more comfortable. From an interior design standpoint, the lighter and brighter the room is, the more comfortable it is. Specific shades can block the sun and keep the heat out when the sun is at its peak.

By strategically using abundant sunlight in countries like India, one can make a space energy-efficient. Precisely the right amount of solar gain, glazing, appropriate ratios of the wall to openings, and using neutral colour palettes effortlessly invite natural light to uncluttered, compact spaces.

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