The Beauty Battalion - Featuring Beauty In All Shapes & Sizes January 2018 | Page 45

whether you opt for an updated version of the original or select a whole new
style for a completely fresh look.
Also consider upgrades that can increase natural light and fresh air without
compromising privacy, such as the addition of skylights to your ceiling, or “fifth
wall,” which can completely change the lighting dynamic of the room. In addition
to balanced, natural light, skylights like those from Velux can open to help refresh
your space and keep it odor- and moisture-free.
For extra style and light control, consider complementing the room’s decor with
skylights featuring colored blinds, which are available in more than 100 colors
and styles, and also offer remote control operation for convenience in raising and
lowering the blinds and opening skylights to let in fresh air. Learn more about
making the fifth wall part of your renovation plan at whyskylights.com.
Living Room
A common space where the family gathers is likely to sustain the greatest
wear and tear, and because you spend so much time there, it’s also a
room where you’re likely to find a list of things that irk you. Creating a
new color scheme is a simple fix that transforms the space, but changing
the palette of the walls is just the beginning. Also consider taking your
redesign to the ceiling with vibrant colors, creative wallpapers or even
exposed beams. Round out the room by swapping out lamp shades, adding
vibrant throw pillows, replacing old curtains or blinds, or tying the color
scheme together with a new area rug.
Bedroom
In your private sanctuary, all the typical options for updates apply for sure.
However, this is a space where the furnishings can be an especially impactful
way to influence the ambiance, especially if a construction project in the room
where you sleep is impractical. Changing out the style of the bed frame and
complementary pieces creates a whole new vibe for the room. Then bring in
a new collection of textiles for the bedding and drapery to help round out the
pseudo-renovation.
Laundry Room
If you’re looking for modest ways to update your home, be sure to consider
spaces like the laundry room. Although you likely use this space less
frequently than common spaces like the living room or kitchen, plenty of
essential activity happens in the laundry area. Practical features like added
storage space, cheerful color on the walls and easy-to-clean flooring can all
make this room’s tedious tasks more enjoyable.
Which Skylight is Right?
Skylights can serve multiple functions,
both aesthetic and practical. Understanding
the different types of skylights can help
you choose the right fit for your home.
Fresh Air
Solar-powered skylights rely on the sun’s
energy to open and bring both air and
natural light into your home. Some models,
such as those offered by Velux, feature a
rain sensor that automatically closes the
skylight at the first sign of precipitation.
They’re also easy to operate with a touch-
screen remote control.
Electric skylights are wired into your
home electrical system and open and
close via a radio frequency, touch-screen
remote control.
Manual skylights open with a hand lever;
a control rod is generally available for out-
of-reach installations.
Fixed
An economical choice for visually expanding
areas such as hallways, stairwells and other
closed-in, dark spaces, these static skylights
are intended to fill a room with natural light.
Energy Performance
Adding a solar blind to a skylight results in
more savings via potential tax credits as well
as reduced energy usage. The blind functions
to block heat penetration when closed, but
during cooler weather it can stay open to
allow warm, sunny rays to supplement the
home’s climate control system.