1. Let there be light
While it’s not often possible to add windows to existing buildings, an extension offers you the perfect opportunity to flood your home with light. Floor-to-ceiling windows – even with a solid roof – or large roof lights work perfectly for a family room-come kitchen, or even a sunny sitting room.
2. Bare necessities
Well-proportioned or unusual windows don’t need curtains or blinds in summer. Celebrate the round or the arch or the tall sash by leaving them naked, if you’re not overlooked.
In period homes, leave traditional shutters in place. A pleasing architectural feature, painted in a darker shade to your walls they'll frame the view out of the window.
3. Be transparent
If you do have near-neighbours or you need a bit of privacy, subtle voiles – patterned or plain – will do the job without blocking the light.
4. Bring the outside in
Verdant greens applied to walls draw the eye through the windows to the landscape beyond. We love Edward Bulmer’s Invisible Green for a bold pop of colour, or try Neptune’s Olive for an opulent country look redolent of the changing landscape outside.
5. Gloss over it
High gloss on floorboards reflects natural light in contemporary and period spaces alike. Just don’t overdo it, particularly on walls.
6. High five
To increase the feeling of space in a small kitchen or bathroom, leave the walls clear. Focus on practical, useful, beautiful under-counter cabinets and maximise and organise the storage in them.
7. Go with the flow
Floor to ceiling curtains with subtle patterns in a lighter shade than your walls give the feeling of light, height and space, and hang from the very edge of the frame to maximise the light. Our Interior Design Studio is packed with fabric books from all the major design houses, from Colefax & Fowler to Warwick, Romo, Jane Churchill and Sanderson. And our talented interior design team will be delighted to help you select the perfect fabric for your room.
8. Declutter
There’s nothing like decluttering and reorganising to create the feeling of light and space in a room. Keep windowsills clear, remove appliances from kitchen worktops and tidy away bottles in bathrooms.
9. Thin places
Replace chunky sofas and sideboards with more streamlined pieces. We love our Eva and Felix sofas – their low arms and elegant legs maintain the feeling of light and space in a room. The shape and footprint of the Jacaranda works well in smaller rooms, while the 60s vibes of the Tilly work well in contemporary rooms.
10. On reflection
Large mirrors hung opposite windows bounce natural light back into the room. Glass, gilt or mirrored accessories have a similar effect in compact spaces, making rooms feel welcoming and spacious.
