Change a bulb – Change the vibe
Try these quick DIY projects to bring a fresh new feeling to one (or all) of your rooms.
- Replace the lightbulbs: Find all the dead bulbs in the room (or the whole house) and replace them. Make sure to use the same type of lightbulb if there are multiple bulbs in one fixture. Lightbulb shopping is CONFUSING! Think about what you do in that space. If you cook or work, go for bright lights in white or daylight colors. If you sleep or relax, choose warm lights in yellow colors.
- Let in the light! Open the drapes and blinds. Clean the windows, inside and out. Remove the screens in the winter. Consider replacing dark, heavy drapes with something lighter.
- Add dimmers: This is an easier project than you might expect, and provides a lot of bang for your buck. All you need is a screwdriver and a dimmer switch from a hardware store, and you can have the power to instantly change the mood of your room from lively workspace to relaxed and cozy.
- Candles: Natural candles are lovely. But if you want a safer or easier approach, purchase battery operated candles with a 4-hour timer. They will go on each night when it gets dark and will turn off when you head to bed. They provide a special and cozy atmosphere to any room.
- Add more light: When I first tour a new client’s home, I nearly always find one or more rooms that feel too dark. Add a lamp to any room to optimize mood, regulate sleep cycles, and improve well-being.
- See https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7445808/ to learn more from the National Institute of Health about how light effects mood.