Bringing the Outdoors In: Skylights for a Brighter, Better Home
As someone who has always been a self-proclaimed “sun worshiper,” I can attest to the transformative power of natural light. Growing up, my family’s home was flooded with sunlight, thanks to the generous helping of skylights scattered throughout. Those bright, airy spaces were like a siren’s call, beckoning me to come bask in the warmth and glow. It was in those sun-soaked rooms that I felt most alive, most inspired, and most at peace.
So when my husband and I purchased our Aberdeen home a few years ago, one of my top priorities was to infuse the space with that same sense of luminosity. The house had decent-sized windows, but the lack of overhead lighting left many areas feeling dreary and cave-like. It was time to bring in the big guns – or rather, the big skylights.
VELUX Skylights became my new best friends, and with the help of the experts at ABC Home, we embarked on a mission to transform our drab abode into a light-filled oasis. The process was nothing short of revolutionary, and the results have been nothing short of life-changing.
Skylights Solve the “Swiss Army Home” Dilemma
If there’s one thing the past couple of years have taught us, it’s that our homes need to be more than just a place to rest our heads at night. They’ve become our sanctuaries, our workspaces, our playgrounds, and so much more. As design expert Emily Henderson so eloquently put it, we’ve had to shift towards creating a “Swiss Army Home” – a space that can flawlessly transition between all of our daily needs.
And at the heart of this multifunctional marvel? Skylights, of course. As Emily noted, “now, more than ever, it is SO IMPORTANT to bring as much of the outdoors as possible into your own home.” With skylights strategically placed throughout the house, we can enjoy the rejuvenating effects of natural light no matter what activity we’re engaged in.
Whether I’m whipping up a gourmet meal in the kitchen, tackling a home workout in the living room, or curled up with a good book in the bedroom, the skylights overhead provide a constant connection to the great outdoors. That sense of openness and airiness is truly priceless, especially when we’re spending the majority of our time within four walls.
Skylights: The Swiss Army Knife of Home Renovation
One of the things I love most about skylights is their sheer versatility. They’re not just a one-trick pony – these architectural marvels can solve a multitude of design dilemmas, from dark corners to stuffy bathrooms.
Take our en-suite bathroom, for example. Before the skylight installation, it was a damp, dreary space that felt more like a dungeon than a relaxing retreat. But with the addition of a VELUX solar-powered Fresh Air Skylight, the room was completely transformed. Not only did it flood the space with natural light, but the operable design allowed us to easily regulate the humidity and temperature, bidding farewell to mold, mildew, and musty odors for good.
And in our stairwell, where natural light was scarce, a strategically placed skylight has made all the difference. As Emily Henderson so aptly put it, “You can brighten up your stairwell (and TRUST ME, that makes a huge difference!)” The once-gloomy passage is now a bright, airy oasis, elevating the entire aesthetic of our home.
But the real showstopper has to be our great room – a space that was once a dark, dreary pit of despair. With the installation of multiple VELUX skylights, this central hub has been transformed into a light-filled sanctuary, where my family and I can’t help but congregate. The even, natural illumination has breathed new life into our decor, making the space feel warm, inviting, and undeniably “of the moment.”
Skylights: Improving Efficiency and the Environment
Of course, the benefits of skylights extend far beyond just aesthetics and ambiance. These architectural wonders also boast impressive eco-friendly credentials, helping us reduce our carbon footprint and save on energy costs.
Take, for example, the Solatube solar-powered Fresh Breeze skylights we installed in our mid-century modern renovation project. Not only do they flood the space with natural daylight, but their operable design allows us to harness the power of passive ventilation, reducing our reliance on energy-intensive HVAC systems. It’s a win-win for both our wallets and the environment.
And when it comes to temperature regulation, skylights are true game-changers. As Emily Henderson so eloquently explained, “warm air rises, so opening a skylight can help suck all that hot air out while bringing in fresh air from the great outdoors.” By strategically positioning our skylights, we can create a natural convection current, allowing us to keep our home cool and comfortable without cranking up the air conditioning.
Ultimately, skylights are the Swiss Army knife of home renovation – versatile, efficient, and downright game-changing. Whether you’re looking to brighten up a dark space, improve indoor air quality, or reduce your environmental impact, these architectural marvels have the power to transform your house into the home of your dreams.
Skylight Styles to Suit Every Home
Of course, not all skylights are created equal, and finding the right style and size for your space can be a bit of a Goldilocks endeavor. Fortunately, the experts at ABC Home have been an invaluable resource in guiding us through the process.
For our main living area, we opted for a combination of VELUX No Leak Solar Powered Fresh Air Skylights and their corresponding solar-powered blinds. The sleek, modern design blends seamlessly with our home’s aesthetic, while the motorized operation (controlled by a handy smartphone app!) allows us to effortlessly control the amount of light and airflow.
In our bathroom, we went with a single Solatube solar-powered Fresh Breeze skylight, which not only brightens the space but also helps regulate humidity and temperature. And in the stairwell, a simple square VELUX skylight was the perfect solution, filling the previously dark passage with a warm, diffused glow.
The key, we’ve learned, is to think beyond the standard rectangular skylights and explore the myriad of shapes, sizes, and styles available. From dramatic, architectural statements to more subtle, integrated designs, there’s a skylight out there to suit every home and every aesthetic.
The Transformative Power of Natural Light
As I look around our newly renovated home, I’m still in awe of the dramatic transformations that skylights have made possible. What was once a dark, dreary space is now a light-filled, vibrant oasis – a true testament to the power of natural illumination.
But the benefits of these architectural marvels extend far beyond just the aesthetic. Skylights have a proven track record of improving mood, productivity, and even physical well-being. Studies have shown that exposure to natural light can boost serotonin levels, reduce stress, and even enhance sleep quality. In our own home, we’ve noticed a tangible shift in the overall energy and atmosphere, with family members naturally gravitating towards the sun-soaked areas.
And for a design enthusiast like myself, the way skylights interact with and enhance our decor is simply mesmerizing. The ever-changing play of light and shadow creates a dynamic, ever-evolving canvas, making even the most ordinary spaces feel extraordinary. It’s a level of visual interest and depth that simply can’t be replicated with artificial lighting.
So if you’re looking to breathe new life into your home, I can’t recommend skylights enough. Whether you’re tackling a full-scale renovation or simply want to brighten up a dark corner, these architectural wonders have the power to transform your space – and your life – in ways you never thought possible.
