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Submitted by: Charlotte

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Hello Jilly Your flat sounds like it is in a great location, so its such a shame that it doesn't get much light, and ends up feeling dark and gloomy... This can be a big challenge in any home, but don't despair, as there are things you can do with interior design to help create a lighter and brighter feel. Adding extra light through little bubble windows can be very effective, so consider whether it is worthwhile for you to invest in more of these? Even without this, there are plenty of options... Windows - are your windows small? If enlarging them is not an option, make sure your window treatments (curtains, blinds, shutters etc) are light in color, simple in style and (most importantly) can be pulled well back from the actual window itself. Curtain rails (or blind tracks etc) can be raised and/or widened to let more light in. <a href="http://www.interior-design-it-yourself.com/window-treatments-guide.html">More about window treatments, here...</a> Make sure any woodwork around the window, including windowsills inside and out, are painted in a pale color, for preference bright white. White will reflect the light back into your home. Also consider painting outdoor areas nearby (such as off the louge) and balconies, in white or a pale color. If painting is not suitable, how about white gravel? paving? or lots of pale, silvery and white plants and flowers? These will all work to reflect light back into your home. The lighting in your room is, of course, very important. You might find you need to use lighting even during the daytime. You should have a bright central light (maybe a chandelier, or uplighter), plus additional well-positioned task lighting and ambient lighting, making sure that you keep any dark corners well illuminated. <a href="http://www.interior-design-it-yourself.com/home-interior-lighting.html">More information about lighting here...</a> You can also do a lot with your color scheme. White or pale and cool (blue toned) colors will all work well to refelct light. Take care it doesn't become too 'cool' feeling though, by adding a (very few) accents of warmer or brighter reds, pinks, yellows, greens etc which can really brighten and lighten the whole feel. Yellow tones, in particular, can really lighten and brighten your home, and give it a very cheery feel. Green (with yellow tones) is another good choice. cont. on next comment...

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Submitted by: Charlotte

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Continues from the last comment... Keep furniture and accessories simple and streamlined in style (and preferably pale in tone and color too). Glossy, smooth surfaces and textures help reflect light around better - think glass, mirrored surfaces, chrome and anything glossy. Of course using large mirrors around your home (especially opposite windows, behind lights and in dark corners) can reflect a lot of light around too. Any artwork you choose for your home should be pale too, and try to go for glass frames, rather than textured canvases. Take a look at lots more <a href="http://www.interior-design-it-yourself.com/free_decorating_ideas.html">ideas for dark rooms, here...</a> Hope these ideas can help your new flat feel a lot lighter, brigher and more like home. Good luck with your makeover Best wishes Charlotte

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