Decorating & Design
28 Spaces That Prove Natural Light Is A Room’s Best Friend
Published on June 20, 2017
There’s nothing quite as pretty as the effect of natural light in a room. A key element to consider when decorating, it can make everything look better, brighter and more beautiful. Whether streaming into a cozy reading nook, well-lit living room or lakeside sunroom, natural light is a room’s best accessory. Get bright and airy decorating ideas for your own home with these sunny spaces from the House & Home archives.
In this Montecito villa, a large studio window floods the living room with light. Designer Bruce Gregga intentionally angled the window to keep mountain views visible.
Sweeping lake views are framed by walls of windows in this sunny space on the Georgian Bay. To give the room an organic outdoor feel, designer Melody Duron brought in a teak dining table and streamlined wicker chairs.
Ample seating makes this well-lit living room a favorite place for the entire family to gather. A patterned coral sofa plays with light, while blue accents and turquoise walls temper it.
Classic wicker furniture looks right at home in this coastal-inspired sunroom. A casual blue and white palette, collection of starfish and antique model boat lend it a seaside aesthetic.
Subtle East Coast motifs, including weathered buoys (on the shelves, above the window) and a bronzed pendant lantern bring charm to this cottage sunroom.
Though designer Cameron MacNeil opted for dark hardwood floors in this Muskoka kitchen, crisp white cabinets — including some with glass fronts — keep the space bright. A soaring vaulted ceiling adds to the airiness of the room.
A conservatory doubles up as the living room in designer Colette van den Thillart’s charming London, U.K. home. A glass ceiling ensures the area is always kept bright.
This bright and cheery sunroom is the perfect place for lounging. Chintz sofas lend the room a delicate, feminine feel, while a leopard-print rug adds a touch of glamor underfoot.
Designer Anne Hepfer transformed this previously dated sunroom into a relaxed living space with white paint, casual decor and a fresh blue and white palette.
Although this rustic porch was recently updated by H&H design editor Joel Bray, weathered wicker end chairs give it classic cottage charm.
Large windows frame the breathtaking waterfront view in this Muskoka living room, while letting natural light brighten the rustic space.
Cascading plants create a seamless indoor-outdoor vibe in this sun-filled room. A Moroccan ceiling pendant introduces an element of the exotic.
Shimmery gold accents and an ethereal capiz-shell chandelier give this Toronto living room a glamorous, beachy feel. A fig tree enlivens the natural palette.
A trio of mirrors bounce light around in this spa-like principal ensuite in Palm Beach, Florida. Delicate fixtures, including a glass chandelier and a side table with an open base, make the room feel more expansive.
A large skylight above the stairwell lets natural light pour into designer Jill Kantelberg’s own home. Her living room is a blend of chic and sophisticated pieces.
A partial wall between the kitchen and living room in this home by designer Denise Ashmore allows light to stream into both spaces through unadorned sliding doors.
Full-height glass doors lead outward to a verdant backyard. A large painting of flowers (done by homeowner and designer Bobbie Burgers) injects vibrant color into the space.
We don’t blame designer Frank Muytjens’ pup, Dutch, for claiming the best seat in this light-filled living room. An organic-inspired palette and medley of plants keep the space connected to nature.
Cedar shingles, vintage chairs and raffia accents give this screened-in porch a laid-back beach vibe.
Layers of white make this lakeside cottage feel warm, relaxed and inviting. The cottage’s southwest exposure means that the space is filled with light well into the evening.
Style and sophistication abound in this neutral living room enlivened with bursts of royal blue. A pink lamp by Jielde adds a juicy hit of contrast.
Designer Cameron MacNeil fitted the entire back wall of his Toronto home with glass doors that let in a wealth of light. Black frames provide a hit of contrast.
Frosted french doors make this minimalist bathroom feel bright and spacious. A floating white oak vanity adds to its airy appeal.
A sumptuous daybed tucked under a tall window makes for the perfect spot to curl up with a good book. Faux fur accents keep the area plush and cozy.
Oversized, bubblegum-colored artwork was the starting point in this sunlit hall on the second floor. An artisanal rug with pink undertones picks up on the art’s rosy hue.
Sweeping views of the Muskoka Lakes make this screened-in porch a favorite destination on balmy summer days. Sofas covered in Sunbrella fabrics mean that the seating can stand up to inclement weather.
A deep blue rug visually grounds this lofty living room. Given the home’s relatively private location near Port Colborne, Ontario, designers Natalie Hodgins and Kate Stuart left the windows undecorated so that sunlight could stream through.
The owners of this stunning cottage in the Kawarthas dubbed it the Glass Boat House for good reason — unadorned windows allow for sweeping views of Stoney Lake.