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Everyone seems to have at least one space in their home that is dark and gloomy. Not only can the darkness be dangerous as it can mask tripping hazards, but dark rooms can also affect the mood of everyone in the home. One study found that dark rooms are likely to negatively affect the well-being of an individual. Lift up spirits and brighten the home with these easy tips.

Consider Painting with Lighter Colors 
Dark rooms in the home benefit from a lighter coat of paint. Many people mistakenly believe that using a bright white color of paint will be their best option. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. White reflects light; if there isn’t enough natural or artificial light in the room already, it won’t brighten the room. Instead, warm-toned neutral paints that are more saturated are the best paint options when adding light to the home. Try lavender, light blue, sunny yellow, soft gray, bright orange or light pink to add color and light to the home.

Use Floor and Table Lamps 
Though ceiling lights and track lighting will add permanent light to a room or home, these may be expensive options if an electrician is needed to re-wire the rooms. Instead, opt for floor and table lamps that are less expensive and easy to move should the room be re-arranged. Arrange the lamps so that they provide optimal light to those in the home. For example, instead of sticking a floor lamp in a dark corner, opt for a table lamp by the couch for reading and relaxing. Lamps also allow you to personalize and creatively make any room your own.

Add and Upgrade Windows 
Natural light through windows and doors add both light and beauty to a home. Many people cover their windows with curtains to keep out the hot or cold outdoor temperatures, which blocks the natural light. Upgrading windows with energy efficient models will allow natural light to shine through without the outdoor temperatures affecting the inside of the home. If your home lacks natural light, speaking with a contractor about adding windows in strategic places could be a good option for you. Additionally, if you’ve been covering your windows or doors due to scratches, cracks, or some sort of imperfection, consider investing in replacement windows. Replacing the old with new can bring new life and light to your space.

Use Mirrors 
Mirrors can not only make a room look larger, but they can also enhance the natural and artificial light to brighten a room. To use a mirror more effectively, place it directly adjacent from the open window or floor lamp. This will allow the light to bounce off of the mirror and brighten the entire room.

When winter begins, many people notice that their home becomes darker and darker. Don’t avoid certain rooms in the home because of the darkness. Use these simple ideas to add more light to the home and brighten the family’s mood today.

If you are a homeowner who is trying to feel part of the 21^st Century, you’re going to need to make some changes around the house. Modernizing your home gives a more productive yet relaxing atmosphere, allowing you to be more efficient in your lifestyle and more satisfied with your home. So here are 5 tips that you can use to give your home the facelift it needs to feel on top of the modern lifestyle.

Use Wood or Stone in Your Flooring
Use natural stone flooring or wood flooring to add an amazing modern look. While you may find the materials themselves to be archaic, natural flooring is timeless, and now with finishes and cutting styles that make them more durable and versatile than ever. Today is all about convenience, and natural flooring, especially natural stone flooring, is easy to clean and will stand against the test of time and furniture. This is much more preferable to carpet, with styles that are outdated within five years and require intensive maintenance. If you prefer the soft feel underfoot, get an area rug, which is much easier to clean and replace than a permanent carpet.

Use Mirrors More 
Reflective surfaces open up the room in any age, and decorative mirrors are a major part of that. It has long been known that mirrors make a room look bigger, and their glossy surfaces make the room look cleaner, too. Mirrors come in geometric shapes of any size, allowing you to create eye-catching patterns on the walls, and the reflective properties of mirrors create a more ambient lighting source that is easier on the eyes. It doesn’t matter if you have a large house or a small apartment; adding mirrors will expand your visual space and give a sense of glamour to any room.

Minimalism 
Less is more, and over-cluttering your home with decorations will create the atmosphere of a pawn shop rather than a modern living space. Instead, be strategic in your decorative choices, opting for decorations that are functional and convenient. The more open space and simple, clean lines you use in your decorating, the more calm and balanced you will feel. This minimalistic approach is present in all modern designs, seeking to create a sense of order in a chaotic world.

Earth Tones and Accents
The 60’s-90’s were all about bright, garish colors that have long since been replaced by more neutral, subtle color schemes. Earth tones like gray, brown, silver, and orange are becoming very popular. Muted colors from the warmer half of the color wheel are easier on the eyes and the mind, and create a homey and relaxing atmosphere. While shiny chrome and polished silver are great for kitchens and the occasional decoration, they can be blinding and uncomfortable in large amounts.

Smart Tech
Homes are becoming smarter and more automated every day. You don’t need to be a tech geek to know how to get this rolling, however, as most gadgets are intuitive extensions of what you already do. Garage door openers can now be linked to your phone, as can your lights, locks, and audio system. Think you left the door open? Your phone can tell you. As previously said, our modern age is one of convenience, and homes can now be upgraded to make even minor routines, like turning the lights off at night, more convenient for you.

When it comes to your home, it should be a place that is relaxing and uplifting. However, that can be diminished with cluttered rooms and frequent maintenance routines. You should be able to come home and rest comfortably while still able to entertain guests unabashed. So don’t remain in an outdated living environment. Use the tips above and make sure your home is as modern as possible.

Guest Post By:

Anica Oaks
Freelance writer and web enthusiast
Read some of my published work on my Google+ page.