If you prefer to use color instead of plain white, try a pale yellow, mint or cream. Even if you don’t paint the walls white, painting the ceiling white will still make a big difference.
Another way to incorporate some color without making the space darker is by adding a stenciled accent trim along the ceiling. Buy or make a stencil in a shape that suits your taste - flowers, leaves, and abstract designs are popular - and use your favorite paint color to make a pretty pattern. Painting the baseboards and door trim a contrasting color is another way to add a festive touch to the room without making it too dark.
Choose airy, light-colored window coverings that don’t completely block out the light. For example, cream-colored linen or canvas curtains will provide privacy while still allowing the sunshine to filter into the room. If you prefer blinds, look for cloth blinds in a light fabric that isn’t completely opaque. Avoid wooden or plastic blinds that block out all of the light.
Track lighting can really brighten a space without creating a harsh atmosphere. Use plenty of strategically-placed floor lamps with light-colored shades to diffuse light all over the room.
Candles shouldn’t be overlooked as a pleasant source of extra light. When you want to create an especially bright, cheerful atmosphere, light some candles in addition to using artificial lighting.
You may also experiment with the subtle coloring of the lights. Bulbs that are classified as “daylight” usually put out light with a temperature around that of direct sunlight, and provide a cooler, bluer, more vivid light. “Soft white” bulbs have a lower light temperature which provides a warmer, more yellow light.
Choose your top 10 or so favorite books and display them artfully, rather than having your entire collection take up a wall in the dark room. The space that was previously covered with books can now be brightened up with something more cheerful. If you’re a plant lover, think about getting rid of big, dark plants and replacing them with plants that are lighter in color. Displaying a few succulents or ferns is an attractive touch, but having racks of plants can make a room feel darker.
Hanging mirrors in a room has the added benefit of making it feel larger.
You can also paint or refinish your existing furniture to give it a room-brightening makeover. Buy brightly-colored slipcovers for your sofa and chairs.
If you have painted hardwood floors, refinish the floors to expose the light wood underneath. You might also consider painting the floors a brighter color, like pearl gray. Concrete floors are sturdy and practical, and they come in many different colors. The finished concrete is polished until it’s smooth and gleaming. Brightly-colored tiles are a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
You’ll want to hire a contractor to take a look at the room before deciding to knock out a wall by yourself. In some cases the wall might be serving a structural purpose. In old houses and apartments, it’s also important to make sure the wall doesn’t contain lead or asbestos before attempting to knock it down.
