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Bring more natural light into a home Maximizing natural light in a home is a smart and sometimes low-cost renova- tion. Homes that are dark and drab can drain energy levels and reduce productiv- ity. In addition, dark rooms may not be in- viting places to gather as a family or when entertaining. Certain factors contribute to a dark home. Houses that face north or east may not get the same level of sunlight as those that primarily face south and west. Geographic location also plays a role in the amount of natural sunlight. Moun- tains, buildings and even latitude can af- fect the amount of natural light that en- ters a home. The style of a home and its attributes also may create dark conditions. Deep house eaves as well as small windows or too few windows also can contribute to a deficit of light indoors. A major remodel certainly can remedy the situation. How- ever, there also are other less-extensive strategies to improve natural light. · Assess the situation before renovat- ing. Walk around the house and deter- mine which rooms get the most light and which conditions may be contributing to the problem in other areas. Dark floors and walls may be absorbing natural light and compounding the situation. You may find that only one or two rooms need at- tention, saving you the cost and effort as- sociated with a major home overhaul. · Lighten up window treatments. Heavy drapes or thick blinds can be replaced with translucent alternatives. Translucent shades will allow light into the room with- out compromising privacy, say the experts at HGTV. · Use mirrors strategically. A mirror placed opposite a window will reflect light all around the room. This can make a small room seem larger and a dark space instantly brighter. · Install new windows and doors. If the budget allows, installing larger windows in a home will allow more natural light in. French doors or sliding doors also may make a home's interior more bright. Think about adding windows to a side of the house that has none, or increase the size of the windows on the side of the house that gets the most light. · Maximize sunlight from above. Sky- lights will bring light into a home as the sun passes overhead. Tubular skylights can bring natural sunlight into spaces where you may not expect skylights to be practical. According to Houzz, a design and architectural resource, tubular day- lighting devices, or TDDs, can make a big difference. TDDs are reflective pipes in- stalled between the roof and ceiling, with a clear plastic dome. · Use reflective decor. Reflective surfac- es, including glass and metal, can bright- en up a room and diffuse light around a room. Glossy backsplashes, pendant lighting and shiny metal that reflect light can increase the natural light, balancing out dark spaces. · Routinely clean windows and glass doors. Dirt and other grime can prevent light from getting through. Regularly give windows a thorough washing. Natural light is an important commod- ity in a home. Sunlight can improve mood and go a long way toward keeping home occupants healthy and happy. (MCC) Decorating with antiques Whether it's a vintage radio purchased from a local collector or an armoire that's been in your family for generations, an- tique pieces can add charm and charac- ter to a home when properly showcased. Here are some tips to help you stylishly integrate vintage and antique furnishings with the rest of your decor. Remember that less is more A space filled with antiques can easily look outdated rather than stylish. Ideally, you should limit yourself to two or three compelling pieces per room. This will al- low you to highlight the unique furnishings and create an eclectic space that's still pulled together. Find creative ways to repurpose You can easily add intrigue to a room by giving new life to historical pieces. Rather than simply put these items on display, set up your great-grandmother's sewing machine table as a desk or use an an- tique spinning wheel to support a climb- ing plant. Don't be afraid to dip into different eras If you respect the interior design prin- ciples of scale and proportion, you can mix and match pieces from different peri- ods and achieve beautiful results. In fact, the striking contrast between modern, an- tique and vintage items can help bring a sense of balance to a space. Ultimately, the key is to choose pieces you love and that reflect your personality. (NPT) Real Estate Advertorial in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, A ug us t 6, 20 20 | 22 We are always open at HomeFinder.ca visit us online and view virtual tours without even stepping inside a home! We have new listings coming daily, virtual tours, neighbourhood information and more. Always open... always online VIEW OUR VIRTUAL TOURS