As I write this month’s blog, it’s cloudy and snowing. A perfect setting to discuss spreading daylight through the home.  Do you have a dark room or hallway and wonder how to get more light?  Many people have their lights on during the day when there’s no need.  With proper delivery of sunlight, lights would only be used in the dark, completely logical right?

A dark and dreary interior doesn’t have to be with using purposeful historic features that carry daylight through a building while also bringing architectural interest and connectivity.  One method is transom windows.  These windows occur above doors and help spread daylight through to the next room.  Sidelights are another method, often used on front doors.  Any pet owner will recognize the immediate benefit of having a sidelight next to their doors; to alert them their furry friend wants to come in.  Another method for delivering daylight throughout about space and is becoming more common is the interior window.  Simply put, it is a window that is placed on an interior wall between rooms.  Often used in a long horizontal orientation to ease sight lines to entrances, niche corners, or landmarks within a space such as a reception desk. When an interior window is placed in a wall that is adjacent to an exterior window, the daylight is pulled into that next room.  If privacy is an issue, have the window sill placed higher up from the floor.

Beyond spreading daylight throughout the space, it’s also about connecting to the next space.  Transoms, sidelights, and interior windows help pull you through to the next room.  But it’s not just windows that can do this, decorative french doors on pantries, laundries, playrooms, basements, dens and even dressing rooms help connect you, draw you through to the view beyond, and expand the feeling of space.

Whether it’s with a window, a glazed door, or even a mirror, spread the daylight around, appreciate the view, and expand your perspective!  Make a physical connection and engage with what is right next to you, whether it’s a room, your garden, or your neighborhood.  It’s all about connectivity!

Sincerely,

Sarah Daricilar, NCIDQ

Studio Owner & Interior Designer

Daricilar Design Studio    –    Millis, MA