MICHELE VAN DER VEEN
darker flooring will do. Also consider strategically placing mirrors in rooms and across from windows to reflect light around the room. Lighter-colored paints help reflect light instead of soaking it up. Even the paint’s sheen helps to either reflect or restrict sunlight from moving around a room. Also, use either sheer or at least lightweight window treatments. Heavy drapes take the life out of any room by keeping much of the sunlight from getting through. And, don’t forget that keeping windows clear and clean from any type of dirt or debris allows more light through. You shouldn’t consider a room’s lighting as something that just has to get done. Think of it as the fun part of your project that can and will enhance your project’s overall look if you put time and effort into it. Get creative with your approach to lighting up your next project—you may just surprise yourself!.
height permits. They add more glass for even more natural lighting! SKYLIGHTS/SUN TUBES. Skylights and sun tubes do not work well in all homes. Using them can make your project feel old and dated. They can also cause issues over time with leaking because they are installed in the ceiling. However, if they are your only means to get natural sunlight in the interior of a project, use them. Natural sunlight is important to humans, plants, and animals, so using any means to bring it inside is a must.
Michele Van Der Veen is the host of Good Day segments, including Flip It, Decorate Like a Designer, and Stage to Sell. She started her career in real estate investing more than 30 years ago. A published author, Van Der Veen has been recognized and featured in international magazines for her unique approach to interior design. Acquiring a formal education from the Interior Designers Institute of California, her experience stems from building custom homes to flipping more than 100 homes and working in commercial real estate development alongside her father at a young age. Not afraid to push the limit on her designs and investments, Van Der Veen will often be heard reassuring her team about her decisions by saying “Don’t worry, we are the comps!” For more on Van Der Veen’s work or to contact her, visit iHeartHomescorp.com.
REFLECTING AND AMPLIFYING LIGHT
Many interior surfaces help to reflect and amplify light. For example, using metal accents and glossy finishes such as polished countertops moves the sunlight around the room. Light-colored flooring reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it like
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