From: "Charles Spitzer" 
Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house
Subject: Re: dingy house, how to make it brighter?
Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2004 11:35:11 -0700


"HR"  wrote in message
news:cgnrn3$r3e$1@grapevine.wam.umd.edu...
> My house is dingy without much light - the property is heavily treed, and
> we're facing whichever direction offers the least sunlight. The house
would
> be great if it weren't so dungeon-like. Cutting down trees are not an
option,
> but I wonder if there's something I can do to make the living room a bit
> better?
>
> The living room has the least sun because there is a big porch right in
front
> of the bay window ( http://www.wavian.com/us/moving/ ). What do you think
I
> could do to make it lighter in there?
>
> Here are my thoughts but I'm not sure if they'll work:
>
> Option 1: Change porch roof so it's clear?? But it's a cape cod. I've seen
> cute little clear porch roofs before but I doubt it would work here. Or
maybe
> add skylights? But maybe it would look really stupid, and not be good for
> winters where we get heavy snow that lays on that porch? Plus this option
is
> probably really expensive and difficult.
>
> Option 2: The walls are white. What could I do paint-wise that would
brighten
> it up? I'm kindof timid with experimenting with color but I like it when I
> see it in other people's houses. I have no idea which colors would
brighten
> up a dingy room though.
>
> Any other ideas? What would you do if this place was yours?
>
> Holly

skylights?

white is the most reflective. any color would make it feel darker to me.