Dining Room by Maria Killam
Years ago, I lived in one of those box apartments, with windows only at the front of the living room and bedroom (with an overhanging balcony) .
At the back was the dining room, right next to the walk-through kitchen where I had a floor lamp (below). The first thing I would do when I walked in, was turn this light on because it gave the illusion of having a window in that corner. It was on all day, anytime I was home.
So please, especially in the winter, do yourself a favour and keep a light on in the darkest corner of your house! Trust me, it will make you happy!
If you would like your home to fill you with happiness every time you walk in, contact me for on-line or in-person consultations.
Related posts:
Effect of Natural Light Exposures on Colour
A Light Colour will Never Come to Life in a Dark Room
The Enchanting World of Atmosphere
I am officially going to Homes Sense today and buying a lamp for a dark corner in my living room that’s been driving me nuts for a while. Thanks for the inspiration!
I agree that light is the most important element especially in winter in our Northern climate. Thanks for your permission…I will turn all my lights on today and bask in the glories of lightness!!
Hi Maria,
I am totally with you on this subject. Light is Life! it also creates atmosphere and enhances the space.
We are priviledged to live in this time and in this part of the world, with a simple switch we go from darkness to daytime light.
My mother for instance had to study with the light of an oil lamp (there… I am dating myself!)
I want to take a moment to reflect and count my blessings.
Light is Life.
I just found your blog! Love it…what a great resource you are on the subject of colour! I will be sure to visit often..and yes..Light is truly a mood lifter..especially this winter! Thanks for sharing!
I agree totally. I am happy where there is light. I have lots of windows overlooking the river and sunlight dances off the water even now in winter.
When I walk into a client’s home and they have all their shades or shutters drawn in mid-day, I worry about our compatibility.
omg!!! that drives me CRAZY!!!! I keep all my lamps on – every day, all day and night. I can’t stand a dark house in the day!!!! or night. you are sooo right. It makes a house alive.
i absolutely love color and light…got to have it.
Love your blog. Color is what makes a room…too many shelter mags use too much beige for my liking…we live in a world of color we shouldn’t be afraid to use it… Fay
There were a couple of bars of light making their way through my curtains the other day…I reached out my hand to watch it in my palm…it made me smile 🙂
I feel the longer days already!
Light is what it’s all about…I so agree. I just opened all the curtains in my house.
Thanks!
first of all maria, i LOVE that picture! it’s truly beautiful!
secondly, i so recognize myself in what you shared…
i have many lamps in my east facing suite, and no matter what time of day i always have some lights on to add brightness and ambiance to my place. i also like to alternate lamps, creating a different feel by doing so. it’s fun.
It is true, people need to realize that the appropriate lighting can make or break a room design no matter what else is in that room. I educate people about the importance of lighting all the time. Hopefully people will start listening!!
Thank you so much for your amazing suggestions on color and lighting in a a dark room. I love the photographs of the different spaces, it’s good to have a visual reference. I’ve been struggling to pick a color in my den where the natural light during the day in somewhat limited because of a very large oak tree and 1970’s dark paneling. I was thinking of a cinnamon color because of your photo, but not really sure if that color would work there or not. Please help, do you have some suggestions. Thank you, Michelle D.
I loved watching you turn on all of your lights and you said that brings you joy, but I use soft warm Hue lights that I can set up to turn on with my phone or Alexa. AMAZING! I set up each room separately and then you can turn on one room or two etc to come on at the same time. Mine are set to come on an hour before dusk and they are programmed to go off when I say goodnight. You could do the same thing for morning too. There are many other tricks such as adding the bulbs to your outside lights, and have them come on inside when something shows up on an outside camera using the IFTTT app. The ritual is sweet, but I love the no hassle of the lamps doing all the work, haha.