Across the San Jose real estate market, many buyers are looking for homes that have more space. A home is a haven: an opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world and relax with friends and loved ones. By brightening up your space, whether you're planning to put your home on the market or have just moved into a new property, you can make your home more appealing. Ready to start lighting up your home? Try these key tips.
Tip #1: Take advantage of natural light
You can brighten many rooms simply by bringing in more natural light. While keeping the blinds closed during the brightest part of the day may help cut down on your heating costs, embrace San Jose's frequent sunny days wherever possible. You may want to try:
- Moving furniture that could block the light from windows.
- Installing new windows if yours have gotten dingy or broken or to improve energy efficiency.
- Using light-colored curtains and keeping them drawn back during the day.
- Raising the blinds.
Bringing in natural light is particularly important during showings or when taking photos of your home, as it makes the space feel larger.
Tip #2: Add more light sources
If you want to make the lighting in your room pop, make sure you have at least three light sources throughout each room of the home. You may want to consider:
- Overhead lighting.
- Lamps.
- Sconces.
- Candle lights.
Having multiple light sources throughout the room can ramp up the ambient light and make the room seem much brighter.
Tip #3: Use task lighting
Task lighting is a great way to make the most of each room in your space. Task lighting is a light source that zeroes in on a specific area. In the kitchen, that might mean a light over the top of the sink or counter that makes it easier for you to see exactly what you're doing when you're cooking. In your office, you might want to install a desk light that brightens up your workspace. The amount and type of task lighting you need may depend on the room, its purpose, and the ambient or overhead light options in the room.
Tip #4: Pay attention to dark corners
Go through your room at night and turn on the lights. Then, take a look at which corners are not fully illuminated. While it's fine to have a few shadows, you want to make sure that you aren't missing pockets of darkness where people might want to sit or take care of necessary tasks. If you have dark, shadowy corners in your room, consider adding small lights to brighten them up, such as a lamp in that corner where the overhead light casts too many shadows or a task light for the desk that just doesn't have enough light during certain times of the day.
Focus on functionality and practicality as well as beauty. If you do not have adequate lighting in a particular space, you're missing out on the opportunity to use it to its full advantage.
Tip #5: Use dimmer switches and warm lighting where appropriate
In many cases, you may want to brighten up the room during specific times of the day but have the ability to dim those lights for other activities. In your bedroom, for example, you may want to switch to warmer lighting that helps you prepare for bed in the evenings rather than bright white or blue-tinted lights that may contribute to keeping you awake. While you might enjoy bright lighting in the living room when you're hosting a game night for your friends, you may prefer dimmer lighting when you're curling up with a book in the evening or settling in for a movie with that special someone. Dimmer switches can make it much easier to get the exact lighting effect you're looking for.
Tip #6: Highlight key areas with your overhead lights
In many cases, you can use your overhead lighting to create specific effects or draw the eye to key areas throughout your home. For example, if you have high ceilings in the living room, you may want to include both ceiling and wall lighting to draw attention to the seating areas in the room and make it feel cozier. In the dining room, you may want to highlight the table and draw attention there as soon as people come into the room. In the bedroom, you may want the light focused on the bed.
Your lighting choices can also help bring personality and style to the room. For example, you may want to try out a chandelier or a fun lamp that fits with your decor and showcases your sense of style.
Tip #7: Don't forget outdoor lighting
As you're creating the perfect lighting plan to brighten up your indoor space, don't forget about the great outdoors! With the great weather in the area, many houses for sale in San Jose contain outdoor living spaces that give many people more usable areas in and around their homes. When considering your outdoor lighting, make sure you consider these key elements.
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Make sure you have security lighting all around your house. You want to be able to light up the outdoors when you're out at night, whether you're letting the dog out for a few minutes or hanging out with friends.
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Light up outdoor spaces. If you have a patio or porch, ensure you use overhead lighting. If you don't have those options, consider torches or sconces, which can help brighten the night.
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Use accent lighting to highlight walkways and driveways at night. Your lighting can fit your decor and help you make the most of each day.
Outdoor lighting can help you keep your gatherings going long after the sun goes down or allow you to enjoy warm, comfortable evenings out on the porch in greater comfort.
Contact a real estate agent for help finding your dream home
Whether you're looking for a dream home with more space and light or you're interested in putting your home on the market, finding the right real estate agent is essential. Contact Martin Quintana today to learn more about the San Jose real estate market and the many homes it has to offer. Martin is an area expert and can help you discover the perfect home or buyer.
