The complexities of home design can pull a renovation in countless directions. One item you should address is the amount of light in a room. If you’re looking for ways to brighten a dark space while you plan a remodel that matches your vision, consider the following tips.

Home Design Hacks to Brighten a Dark Room

1. Light Diffusion

If the room doesn’t get adequate natural light—or if it has no windows at all—you’ll be relying on artificial light to take its place. To extend the impact of a single, centered fixture, choose one with milky glass, which both conceals the lightbulb inside and diffuses the light throughout the living space. To work properly, you’ll need to ensure your choosing bulbs with enough power: 2,700 to 3,000 Kelvins for bedrooms and living rooms, and 4,000 to 5,000K for kitchens and bathrooms.

2. Metallic Touches

If you’re working in conjunction with a home design contractor, talk to them about your concerns, and how you can brighten a room with other aspects of the space. For example, while they don’t produce light, metallic objects do an excellent job of reflecting it, making rooms appear naturally more luminous. If you are hanging artwork, choose gilded frames or brass lamps to highlight them. You can also add a metallic sheen to wall moldings and furniture details like handles.

3. Paint Choices

If you’re hoping to create the illusion of warm light in a dim room, you might not think to rule out off-white paint with a yellowish hue. In actuality, this common shade absorbs light instead of reflecting it. Instead, go for a subtle pastel such as pale pink or blue, as light will bounce off their bright, cool undertones. When it comes to finishes, stay away from glossy and go for matte. While glossy coats can create a glare, matte reflects light equally in all directions.

If you’re eager to brighten up your home design scheme, turn to Blue Hawaii Drafting Services, Inc. of Honolulu. This design build team offers everything from architectural drafting to full-on construction, so you can get everything you need from one reliable source. They have over 20 years of experience in both commercial and residential properties, and they turn your dim room into a glowing vision. To learn more, visit their website or call (808) 927-4123 today.