As the winter weather and shorter days enter the Charlotte area, prepare your home to help you avoid the winter blues. As the cold forces you inside, boost your serotonin levels and improve your mental state by making these simple changes to create a bright and cheery home.
Windows
Mesh screens aren’t necessary if you don’t plan to open your windows. During the cold months when you wouldn’t typically open your windows, remove the screens and you’ll be surprised by how much brighter your home becomes. While you’re in between the window panes, give your windows a quick clean. House Logic recommends cleaning the inside of your windows once a month and the outside at least once a year. By taking these two steps you’ll allow about 30% more sunlight into your home, not to mention it makes it warmer and will save you money on your heating bill!
Houseplants
Houseplants can brighten your home during any season but they receive a renewed appreciation during the colder and darker months. If you want blooms in the winter, consider cyclamens, Christmas cactus, or poinsettias to bring some natural color to your home. If you want to push the winter away completely and feel a summer vibe, choose a miniature palm, Monstera, or Philodendron. For those still working on their green thumb, check out 10 Indoor Plants You (Probably) Can’t Kill by Family Handyman.
Light Bulbs
The feel of a room can be greatly altered by the shade of a lightbulb. The difference between a daylight bulb and a warm-white bulb becomes more crucial during the dark of winter. Now is a great time to not only replace bulbs with a brighter ‘daylight’ shade but also to switch over to LED bulbs for maximum efficiency. To learn more about how different lighting affects your room and mood, check out this article by AdaptiVision.
Materials
Does your space still feel too dark? Invest in lighter and brighter slipcovers and window treatments. Dark-colored furniture can have a major impact on the room's brightness overall. Pick out light-colored slipcovers or add colorful pillows and decor to help the room feel lighter and brighter. In addition, consider changing to bright window treatments and install your drapes at the far edges of the window. DIYNetwork explains that this allows for the maximum amount of natural light to shine through.
Need a mood boost during these dark, cold months? Try these tips and see how much your home brightens up. Need more ideas and inspiration? Connect with your local real estate expert for help!