HOME & DESIGN theconnectionsnj.com PAGE 48 lighting devices or TDDs are basically “sun tunnels” which, properly placed, can completely change interiors by capturing light and directing it through either straight or curved highly reflective tubes to the interior. Where skylights typically allow direct sunlight in, TDDs are made to redirect the light. Externally, they appear as a small clear dome, usually acrylic, on the roof. Light from all directions comes into the dome and is reflected and multiplied in the tube through the attic and ceiling. At the bottom of the tube is a decorative ceiling fixture, which diffuses the light into a soft and natural glow. These ingenious solar devices are obviously completely energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Outside your home, keep surrounding trees and bushes pruned to allow in as much light as possible. Paint eaves white to reflect the light coming in through windows and doors. Remove screens when they’re not needed, such as mid-fall through early spring, as they definitely reduce the light coming in. And obviously, keep your windows clean-inside AND outto maximize light. South-facing doors and windows will allow the most light in, so be especially mindful of keeping them unobstructed and clean. Let the sun shine in! Gail Bicknell, Owner/ Designer Fair Street Interiors fairstreetinteriors.squarespace.com nhancing natural light and lightening dark rooms is a “must-have” skill for interior designers. The obvious solution is simply to add more windows, but this isn’t always feasible due to budgets or architectural constraints! Here are a few other options. In any room where you’d like more light, use pale neutral, cream, or soft white paints in a satin finish; trim should be in semigloss or high gloss, both of which will reflect the incoming light and brighten the interior. Move heavy furniture away from light sources like windows and choose upholstered pieces with lower backs. Don’t overcrowd rooms with furniture. Reflective surfaces, highly polished woods, glossy tiles, metals and glass fronts and table tops bounce light back and will visually open your space and make it feel lighter and brighter. A mirror, placed across or adjacent to a window, can almost double the incoming light. As far as window treatments, opt for light fabric, sheers, plantation shutters, or woven wood blinds to filter light while still providing privacy. A favorite technique I use with window panels is to mount the curtain rods extending 6”- 8” beyond the window frame on each side of the window. A good portion of the panel will stack over the wall and allow more of the window to be exposed, bringing in more light to the room. As a bonus, this also makes the window appear larger and more substantial. Another easy technique is to replace interior solid doors with glass insert doors, either traditional French doors or doors with glass panels in place of wood panels. Glass can be clear, which will allow maximum light flow, or seeded or frosted, which will provide semi-privacy but still allow light to filter in. Skylights are not as common as they were in the 80s, but the concept of bringing light through the roof is an excellent solution to brighten interior spaces. Tubular dayE HINTS HOME FOR THE Maximizing Natural Light By Gail Bicknell, ASID, CAPS change interi ors by captur or. Where skylights typically allow direct sun usually acrylic, on the roof. Light from all di ceiling. At the bottom of the tube is a deco Fair Street Interiors Design for Interiors and Home Modifications Gail Bicknell, ASID, CAPS 908.334.1953 fairstreetinteriors.squarespace.com
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