Cooler weather has made its appearance in Charlotte, meaning winter is around the corner. With this new season comes shorter days, less daylight, and for some, the winter blues. While colder temperatures hold you indoors, these tips will help brighten your home to boost your serotonin levels and your mood.

Let Light In

In the winter, mesh screens aren’t necessary on your windows. Remove them to allow more light to flow in, and stow them safely in your garage or basement until spring. While you are removing screens, it is a great chance to give the glass a good clean.

Research suggests that sunlight helps maintain serotonin levels, meaning maximizing the amount of natural sunlight in your space will not only warm your home but also boost your mood.

Nurture Houseplants

Bring the outdoors in and liven up your space with houseplants. The added touch of greenery can elevate the atmosphere, especially during the colder, darker months. They're like a breath of fresh air, injecting life into your living space. Consider introducing winter favorites like cyclamens, Christmas cactus, or vibrant poinsettias for a burst of natural color. Alternatively, if you're yearning for a summer escape, opt for a miniature palm, Monstera, or Philodendron to infuse your home with a tropical vibe. If you have pets, make sure to check that any plants you bring home are safe for your furry friends.

The Family Handyman’s guide “20 Houseplants to Spruce Up Every Room” is a great place to start to find the right plant for you. 

Simple Light Swaps

Swap out yellow-tinted incandescent bulbs with LEDs for a brighter, whiter glow. Remember, the higher the K rating, the cooler and whiter the light. Opt for 3,500K to 4,100K for cool, white light, or 5,000K to 6,500K for a blue-white light resembling natural sunlight. Identify your current bulbs then experiment with alternatives to find the most comfortable light by testing each type in different rooms and times of day.

To learn more about how different lighting affects your room and mood, check out this article by AdaptiVision.  
 

Brighten Decor & Reflect Light

Paint, furniture, and accent pieces all play a part in how bright or dark a room may appear. As we head into months featuring less sunlight each day, you might consider swapping dark materials for lighter, brighter pieces to combat darker hours. Lighter or brighter colored slipcovers, window treatments, and pillows should help soften your space. Adding mirrors helps to reflect any natural light and bounce it around the space, illuminating the area.

Refresh with Small Touches

If the “same old stuff” is getting you down, opt for swaps that bring new interest to your spaces. Something new to you can make all the difference in transforming your home’s look! A new pair of pillows, new photos in your picture frames, soft-step bath or kitchen mats, and updated kitchen hardware are all relatively quick refreshes that can make a big impact on your mood and how you experience your home. 

​​Tackle the darker days of winter by maximizing the natural light and enjoyment you feel in your living space. The added sunlight and bright colors will help improve your mood, lighten your home decor, and lower electric bills. With these simple tips, you can make your house lighter, brighter, and full of cheer with more natural light this season.

 A portion of this article was written by ChatGPT