After years of waiting, you’re finally designing your dream home from the ground up. Even if your floorplan isn’t decided yet, it’s important to start thinking about how you are going to incorporate the perfect amount of natural light into your new home.
The Benefits of Natural Light
Not only does natural light make your home feel more inviting, but it also has several health benefits. Research shows that sunlight can improve mood, make us more productive, and fight stress. In addition, it can save a significant amount of energy by eliminating the need to use artificial lights. Learn more about energy saving tips from our previous article, “Home Builder Tips for an Energy Efficient Home.”
Incorporating Natural Light into Your Design
Windows
When it comes to choosing windows for your new home, the sky is the limit. Consider adding more window exposure to sides of the home that will get the most sun exposure (often the north or south side of the house.) While living and dining rooms often lend themselves well to windows, don’t forget about other areas of the house where a little window could go a long way. Below are several other areas of the home that can benefit from an additional window or two.
- Kitchen
- Basement (consider egress windows if space allows)
- Bathroom or walk-in closet
- Home office or craft space
Skylights
If installing additional windows isn’t an option in a certain room, consider adding a skylight or two. Not only will this allow natural light; it can also be a design feature. Skylights come in a variety of shapes and size, allowing you to use them in spaces that don’t work as well for conventional windows. Skylights can also be a benefit to a bathroom or closet, as they will brighten the space without compromising privacy.
Solar Tubes
For a limited space or budget, a solar tube could be the perfect solution. Solar tubes are similar to skylights in that they create an opening for light to penetrate from the roof, but they serve more as a reflector of light than an actual window. More cost effective and smaller than most skylights, solar tubes are a great fit for areas like hallways, closets, and small bathrooms. Due to their design and waterproof seal, you can’t open and close a solar tube like a window. However, this can be considered a benefit as this allows them to block heat and UV rays more effectively.
French or Glass Doors
Incorporating translucent surfaces like large glass or French doors allows you to share light between rooms. This can be a great feature for spaces like a home office, where you want natural light as well as the ability to close the room off for quiet time. French doors off the deck or patio provide ample natural light into a living space and can create a great view. For rooms that need more privacy, consider a frosted glass.
Finding ways to incorporate more natural light into your home can add numerous design, health, and energy-saving benefits. Consider these options to create more natural light in your custom home design, and choose what is best for your lifestyle and budget.
Building a custom home can be one of the most thrilling experiences of your life. If you have questions about the home building process or finding land in the Des Moines area, Contact Homes by Brill. We can answer your questions and set you on the right path to building your dream home!
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