Goodbye British Summer Time, don’t forget tonight’s the night we fall back and change the clocks. Although we’ll enjoy that extra hour in bed, it does signal the official start of dark mornings and early evenings. We’ve got some top tips for brightening your home this autumn/winter season.

We’ve talked a lot about making the switch to LED lighting to save on energy prices but making a simple swap in bulb colour temperature can create the perfect vibe on those darker days. Cooler lighting is fantastic for those spaces you want a brighter ambiance, keeping focus in an office space for example. Whilst we suggest swapping out for warm white bulbs in relaxation spaces to create a cosy atmosphere. Lamps placed near mirrors can instantly double the brightness of a room, with mirrored surfaces generally being a simple way to brighten and lift a dark room.  Candles are a winter staple, though for family homes we’d suggest battery operated to eliminate fire risk whilst keeping the festive charm.

Smart lighting is a great option to consider in your home. With connectivity when you’re out of the house you can pre-set lighting times or simply activate chosen bulbs on your journey home – no fumbling for the switch in dark hallways! With rising energy prices, you can also check nobody has left the bathroom light on from the comfort of your device. A dimmer switch allows you to adjust the light with ease, perfect for the transition into evening. Newer dimmer switches limit the energy needed to power the lights at your chosen setting, making them an energy efficient investment.

Make the most of natural light when extending your home. Natural light may be in shorter supply during the winter months but it’s still crucial for our mental and physical health that we catch all the rays available. When installing a roof light velux windows are a fantastic option. They can let in double the light of an equal sized vertical window and are available with a range of cost-effective features including insulated glazing and heat absorbing tints. Roller blinds maximise the natural light your window can provide, whilst venetian blinds give you privacy with the ability to attractively control how much light enters a room.

We know lighter colours equal a room that feels bigger but the power of a pop of colour shouldn’t be overlooked! A bold colour can make a space feel brighter whilst darker walls tend to absorb the light. If you aren’t quite feeling a splash of yellow or blue, we’d suggest choosing a bold print or colourful piece of art to create a similar effect. For those with more subdued taste a simple addition of colourful flowers will suffice. Similarly with furniture, a light-coloured throw or slip over on a dark sofa can add brightness to a room. Of course, plants bring both colour and life into a room – though remember you’ll have to adjust your watering routine in line with the plants winter needs!

Although we don’t often hear ‘Hygee’ as a design buzzword anymore, a lot of inspiration can be taken from Scandinavian style during our own colder months. Simplifying your home by removing unnecessary clutter can open a space, whilst natural textures make a room seem both bright and cosy.  To make a room seem light whilst also warm can be tricky but combining neutral shades with comfortable accessories can help achieve this. Wool blankets and sheepskin are popular. Rugs in the winter should be kept light or neutral to enhance the light in your space – if you have a wooden floor, we’ve got you covered with our tips on how to protect wood flooring during the winter months (read now!)

If you are looking to plan a home extension, loft conversion or home renovation, contact our friendly team on 02070432378. You can also email us at hello@hometales.co.uk or book a free phone consultation here.