Let There Be Light

     There are several ways to improve the light quality in a house.  First remove all heavy window treatments.  Think of the windows as lights.  Would you cover a lamp with a light blocking shade?  For sun control use blinds or shades that can be opened fully.  If you must have curtains, use light ones that can be fully opened.  For decoration, instead of covering your windows, add art work or wall sconces. Natural light makes any space more inviting, reduces mold growth and reduces the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder.  In basements, windows can be enlarged by using window wells outside.  Skylights can be added to attic spaces, if dormers are impractical or too expensive.  For interior spaces that can't have a window, sometimes a sun tunnel can be added.  This is a circular tube that goes up through the attic to let natural light in.  If building a new house in a cold climate, have less windows to the north to reduce energy loss.  Painting rooms, that have little natural light or are in a basement, a light color will make them feel larger, more inviting and use less energy.
     The lighting in each room should be designed.  A bathroom should have a ceiling fan light that gives general illumination.  Ideally there should be lights on either side of the mirror to evenly light ones face.  An additional light should be above the tub or shower for safety.  Dining rooms usually have some kind of hanging down light above the table.  This should be on a dimmer to allow for various activities.  General lighting can be added in the ceiling depending on the amount of natural light available.  Sconces are decorative and do not improve how well one can see in a space.  Think of them as art.  Family and Living Rooms usually have a low level of general lighting in the ceiling, supplemented with table lamps.  Lights that highlight wall art, or special areas of activity are also appropriate.  Use compact flourescents to save energy.  Experiment with different brands to find the warmest light.  A typical Kitchen is notoriously underlit.  Start with general lighting in the ceiling.  Add pendants over sitting areas.  Add undercabinet lights at work areas.  Add extra lights above work areas (sink, stove, desk).  Dimmers at any light can give more control as well as save energy.  Never have more than 3 switches at one spot, to avoid confusion.  When lighting the outside of your house, keep spotlights to a minimum to reduce light pollution.  Provide light at doorways for safety. 
  

Bad Flow

     When I tell people they have "bad flow" they usually give me a blank stare.  But once I show them some designs that improve flow, I can see realization dawning.
     Often kitchens have too much or too little flow.  A small kitchen should not have more than 2 doorways opening to it.  A large kitchen might be able to tolerate 3, but rarely more.  Dead ends in a kitchen can cause "people build up,"  especially during parties or holidays.  Kitchens should allow a minimum of 2 work areas not adjacent to each other to help with efficiency.  If you plan to entertain a lot, the kitchen should open directly into a large space.  Otherwise everyone will stay in the kitchen.  People are like a herd of buffalo.  They are going to stay where everyone else is (especially if that's where the food and drinks are).
     Other flow issues involve the transition from outside to inside.  In northern climates its ideal to have a porch or covering over the doorway (to protect you while you close your umbrella or look for your keys).  Inside there should be an area to stomp off your boots and hang up your coat.  A door between this area and the living space is ideal so the cold air won't rush into the warm areas of the house.  Well placed doors and transition spaces (liked screened porches) allow occupants to move easily outside and enjoy the benefits of nature, especially in the spring, summer and fall.
     Often houses flow from public to private functions.  Keeping bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs or at the back of the house away from the front entry will create a more comfortable feel.  If a bathroom is visible from the front door, it should have an automatically closing door or a swing that obscures a view of the toilet.
     Too much flow in living rooms can make it difficult to layout furniture.  Sometimes adding other functions to a living room can disguise this flow problem.  A game table or music area can be added in a traffic area when a couch would create an obstruction.
     Houses feel less constricted if there is circular flow.  Rooms off a circular hallway or rooms that have 2 entries allow the energy and people of the house to flow freely.  Think of flow like water running through your house.  Obstructions will lead to pressure build up.  Or think of flow like air movement.  Not enough movement will create rooms that are stuffy and under used.
     Better flow can help you be Happy in your House.