The Swiss Army Home Concept and Why Skylights Are a Game-Changer
Over the past few years, I’ve written a lot about skylights – when to use them, where to place them, their benefits, and how to design around them. I can still talk about these things for days (and I will, you’re not off the hook yet), but lately, I’ve just been feeling really grateful for my skylights and I wanted to explain why.
Guys, the world has shifted, and our “new normal” is starting to become a more “permanent normal.” From here on out, I think we’re going to be spending more time in our own homes. I’ve been thinking about this a lot from an interior design perspective—this idea of trying to implement a “Swiss Army home” that can function not only as a refuge, but also as a classroom, as a playground, as a home gym, as a movie theater, as a restaurant (or bar!), as an office…the list goes on, but you get the idea—and the one thing that I keep coming back to is that now, more than ever, it is SO IMPORTANT to bring as much of the outdoors as possible into your own home.
The Transformative Power of Natural Light
As a stylist, I harp about natural light all the time. It’s what makes a great shot, but it’s also what makes a home feel happier. Brighter. And boy, do we need that right now. The applications here are endless, too: you can bring light into places where windows couldn’t (or shouldn’t) go, like showers. You can brighten up your stairwell (and TRUST ME, that makes a huge difference!). You can eliminate dark corners and weird shadows, which will make your whole home feel lighter and more open. Plus, they draw the eye upward which makes your space feel bigger—something I am very grateful for after living in close quarters with my whole family.
The Practical Benefits of Skylights
And I know I’m here to talk about design and that energy efficiency isn’t necessarily my wheelhouse, but there are a lot of practical reasons why I’m a fan of skylights, too. My big two: First, in a bathroom, you can pop open a skylight with a remote control and remove all that lingering humidity. (Be gone, mold and mildew! Cleaning is so much easier without moisture buildup.) And second, warm air rises, so opening a skylight can help suck all that hot air out while bringing in fresh air from the great outdoors. It’s a great way to cool your home with the help of Mother Nature.
The Joy of Connecting with Nature
It’s wonderful to be able to look up while I’m souping and see the actual sky, instead of my neighbor’s tree line. Plus, the lighting makes me feel like I’m in a Nancy Meyers movie kitchen. I also love lying in bed and watching clouds go by, or watching the colors of the sky change at sunset. (And after that, I love using my remote control to activate my VELUX blackout shades when it’s time for bed—the best of both worlds!)
Skylights truly do make my life brighter, and better—it’s why I’ll continue to sing their praises any time I’ve given the chance. If you’re considering a home renovation or just looking to bring more of the outdoors inside, I can’t recommend skylights enough. Head over to ABC Home to explore your options and let the sunshine in!
The Many Benefits of Tubular Skylights
When it comes to illuminating your living spaces, nothing can compare to the beauty and warmth of natural sunlight. As homeowners, we constantly seek ways to bring the outdoors inside and create a brighter, more inviting environment. That’s where tubular skylights come into play, offering a remarkable solution to infuse your home with the wonders of natural light.
These cost-effective and efficient solutions bring sunlight into areas where traditional skylights are impractical. Enjoy a host of advantages, from saving on energy bills to enhancing your home’s aesthetics and promoting a healthier, more inviting indoor environment. Tubular skylights, also known as sun tunnels or solatubes, offer several benefits that make them a popular choice for bringing natural light into interior spaces.
Increased Natural Light
Tubular skylights capture and redirect sunlight into interior spaces, providing significant natural light even in areas where traditional skylights may not be feasible. They are particularly useful in rooms with limited or no windows, such as hallways, bathrooms, closets, or basements.
Energy Efficiency
Tubular skylights can reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day, thereby decreasing energy consumption and lowering electricity bills. By utilizing sunlight, they contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly home.
Diffused Light
Tubular skylights use a tube with a reflective interior surface to channel sunlight into the room. This design helps distribute the light evenly throughout the space, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a soft, diffused illumination that enhances the overall aesthetics.
UV Protection
High-quality tubular skylights often feature UV-blocking properties in their domes or lenses. This helps reduce the amount of harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation entering the room, which can protect furnishings, flooring, and other interior elements from fading or discoloration.
Easy Installation
Tubular skylights are typically easier and quicker to install compared to traditional skylights. The flexible or rigid tubes can be easily routed around obstructions, allowing for greater flexibility in placement. This makes them a convenient option for retrofitting existing homes or adding natural light to spaces that were previously dark.
Reduced Heat Gain/Loss
Some tubular skylights come with integrated insulation features that minimize heat transfer, helping to maintain the room’s temperature. This can be particularly beneficial in regions with extreme climates, as it reduces the potential for heat gain during hot summers or heat loss in colder seasons.
Low Maintenance
Tubular skylights generally require minimal maintenance. The domes or lenses are designed to be self-cleaning, allowing rainwater to wash away dust and debris. This feature reduces the need for regular cleaning and upkeep.
Health and Well-Being
Natural light has a profound impact on our health and well-being. Exposure to sunlight helps regulate our body’s internal clock, improving sleep patterns and enhancing overall mood. With tubular skylights, you can bask in the goodness of sunlight right in the comfort of your home.
Increase Your Home’s Value
Boost your property’s market appeal with tubular skylights. Potential buyers will be captivated by the allure of well-lit and energy-efficient living spaces, making your home stand out in the real estate market.
Versatility Unleashed
Tubular skylights are incredibly versatile and can be installed in various areas of your home. From hallways and bathrooms to kitchens and closets, these skylights can brighten up any space that craves a touch of natural light.
Tubular skylights offer an affordable and efficient way to bring natural light into spaces where traditional skylights may not be feasible. They provide numerous benefits, including energy savings, improved aesthetics, and a healthier indoor environment.
If you’re considering home improvements or looking to embrace eco-friendly solutions, tubular skylights are definitely worth exploring. Head over to ABC Home to learn more and let the sunshine in!
Integrating Skylights for Biophilic Design
If you’ve ever been stressed out (and let’s face it, we all have), you may have been told to envision your happy place. Perhaps you pictured a beach, the breeze cooling your skin, the waves breaking peacefully in the background. Or maybe you found yourself in a forest, golden light filtering through green leaves, a stream gurgling just out of sight.
Regardless, you probably didn’t envision a warehouse with fluorescent lights or the windowless waiting room at your dentist’s office with magazines from 2009. Enter biophilic design, a principle that strives to bring that peace found in nature into our everyday lives.
What is Biophilic Design?
Biophilic design, pioneered by Stephen Kellert, “seeks to connect our inherent need to affiliate with nature in the modern built environment” in order to promote our mental health and physical well-being. But biophilic design is much more than putting a ficus in the corner of your living room. Kellert developed five conditions necessary for the effective implementation of biophilic design, including repeated engagement with nature, emotional attachment to setting and place, and positive, sustained interactions between people and the environment. Kellert also distinguishes between direct and indirect experiences of nature, with direct experiences being more impactful. Examples of direct experiences are natural light, fresh air, water, plants, natural landscapes, and weather.
How Can Skylights Help Integrate Biophilic Design?
By integrating skylights into your home, you can fulfill three of Kellert’s direct experiences of nature — light, air, and weather. Incorporating natural, diffuse light allows your body to tune into the movement of the sun throughout the day, rather than experience only the harsh, angled light from windows. VELUX® Solar Powered Fresh Air Skylights can be opened with the click of a button to let in fresh breezes. If inclement weather approaches, the built-in rain sensor closes the skylight automatically, meaning you can listen to the rain tapping overhead while staying snug inside your home.
Interior designer Justina Blakeney of The Jungalow brings the outdoors inside with skylights in her living room, which is also filled with plants. Stacey-Ann Blake, aka Design Addict Mom, can enjoy the view and plenty of sunshine surrounded by her plants in her sunroom. In addition to moss artwork, Rebecca Plumb of Studio Plumb uses her skylight shaft to hang plants for a jungle canopy effect.
By bringing natural light, fresh air, and a connection to the elements into your home, skylights can be a game-changer in creating a biophilic oasis. Head over to ABC Home to explore your skylight options and start transforming your living spaces today.
Enhance Your Aberdeen Home with Velux Skylights
As a leading provider of skylights in the Aberdeen area, we at ABC Home are thrilled to offer our clients the benefits of Velux skylights. These innovative solutions not only flood your interior spaces with natural light but also deliver a host of practical and aesthetic advantages.
Imagine waking up to the gentle glow of morning sunlight streaming through your bedroom skylight or cooking dinner in a kitchen filled with natural light. With Velux skylight windows, these dreams can become a reality. Our expert team is dedicated to helping you create a brighter, more inviting home that seamlessly integrates the outdoors.
Customized Solutions for Your Aberdeen Property
We understand that every home in Aberdeen is unique, which is why we offer customized skylight solutions to match your specific requirements. Whether you want to install a single skylight or multiple units throughout your home, we have the expertise and resources to bring your vision to life.
Our Velux skylights come in a wide range of styles and sizes, allowing you to find the perfect fit for any room in your home. From fixed skylights that flood hallways and stairwells with natural light to fresh air skylights that promote ventilation and energy efficiency, we have the perfect solution for your needs.
Unparalleled Expertise and Craftsmanship
As a certified Velux skylight installer in Aberdeen, we adhere to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. Our commitment to excellence ensures that your skylights will not only look stunning but also perform reliably for years to come.
We guide you through every step of the process, from initial consultation to final installation. Our team of experienced professionals is trained to ensure a flawless process, maximizing the benefits of your new skylights and seamlessly integrating them into your home’s design.
Bring the Outdoors Inside with Velux Skylights
Are you ready to transform your Aberdeen home with the beauty of natural light? Contact ABC Home today to schedule a consultation and explore the endless possibilities of Velux skylights. Experience the difference that daylight can make and let the sunshine in!
