It’s that time of year when we need to adapt to shorter days, which means less amount of time enjoying what we’re instinctively drawn to – natural light. This wonderful, organic source that luminates our outside world and indoor environments is greatly motivating. It’s what gets us out of bed in the morning, and keeps us going throughout the day.
So during the fall and winter seasons, how can we best enhance this natural source into our homes and duplicate its capabilities? We spoke with interior designer Joan Waddell of J. Waddell Interiors for guidance on enhancing home spaces with natural and artificial light.
Mirrors are wonderful additions to a room. They are functional and aesthetically pleasing, but they also reflect and disperse light back into a space.
Joan recommends switching to LED lighting. They are cool to the touch, more efficient, and long-lasting. She suggests a light source around 2,700-3,000K (a warmer/yellow tone on the Kelvin scale) for general lamp light. Bump this lamp light up to 4,000-5,000K (a cooler/bluer tone on the Kelvin scale) for reading, for example a lamp on a bedside table or desk (or small sitting area as shown here). A Kelvin scale of 5,000K mimics daylight.
Keep in mind the consistency of lighting in a space. A mix of different light color tones in one room can throw a space off-balance.
Verilux Happylight Lamps & Boxes. These lamps and light boxes are helpful for those who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder. Joan says Verilux has task lights, which are very helpful and functional for reading and other activities. All of Verilux’s light products mimic natural sunlight, which helps boost energy and mood when the days become dark earlier. This could be a great gift this holiday season.
Story and photo by Melissa Donald
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