Designer tells how to make a dark apartment brighter

With the arrival of autumn, there is very little sunlight. We found out from designer Ksenia Muzenets, how to make an interior brighter using a properly chosen color palette, furniture, and decor.

Ksenia Muzenets is a designer, graduate of the "Details" school, member of AADDI

The truth about white color

There is a stereotype: white color expands space and makes it brighter. There is some truth in this — but only when used correctly. Otherwise, white color can ruin the interior.

In classical use of white color on walls and ceiling, space seems light, and boundaries seem to blur. But in fact, this technique can be applied almost with any color.

Paint the ceiling one or two tones lighter than the walls to soften the clear boundary between the vertical wall and horizontal ceiling. This will unite them into one whole and visually lift the ceiling. It doesn't matter if it's a pale pink pastel or deep indigo blue.

Forget about pure white in finishing. In the interior, it will look "hospital-like" and cold, and with sparse winter lighting — gray. For classic light-colored walls, use a white shade with warm undertones — "cream", "ivory", "eggshell" — various palettes are available from almost all manufacturers.

Remember that with different amounts of daylight, i.e., in different regions, the same colors look differently. The less natural light enters the room, the warmer and brighter the interior color palette should be.

Design: Ksenia Muzenets

Selecting furniture

Dark furniture and textiles absorb light — choose light, visually lightweight models. As an option, glass and mirror countertops and buffets. They reflect light well, and sunlight rays will shimmer in their facets. Patterns and designs can add volume to the interior.

Glossy furniture and wall tile finishes also help. For floors, I prefer to use matte materials: they look better and are safer.

Design: Ksenia Muzenets

Lighting

Use multiple light sources — floor, wall, and table lamps instead of a single chandelier in the center. Harsh light from it creates dark corners and emphasizes the darkness of the room.

Multi-level lighting helps create different scenarios and gives the interior a specific mood — from bright and festive to romantically dimmed.

Design: Ksenia Muzenets

What else can help add light?

Mirrors can help add light to a dark room. Place them opposite windows or light-colored walls, just make sure that what is reflected in the mirror is clean — ideally, the wall should be free of furniture. Use mirrors with light frames to visually not overload the space.

Use glass doors and partitions in rooms where privacy is not important.

Glass, clean or with stained glass, allows light to pass from one room to another. For example, a wall in the kitchen, office, or dining room can be made of glass and hung with a heavy curtain that isolates the room from outsiders when needed.

Design: Ksenia Muzenets

Open windows as much as possible. If there is a possibility to expand the balcony window into a French window — don't hesitate for a second.

Use light sheer and curtains on windows. Don't clutter the window sills with flowers — in this way, much more natural light will enter your apartment.

Design: Ksenia Muzenets