As Brits prepare for the clock change next week, many will be lamenting the cold, dark days and nights ahead.
However, just because summer is well and truly over, you don’t have to say goodbye to the bright and bold colours in your home.
With a few easy tweaks, you can bring warmth and brightness to your space without breaking any rental rules.
Samantha Lancaster, Senior Resident Services Manager at Grainger has put together a list of eight top tips to bring the light inside this autumn and winter.
- Switch to Light Breezy Curtains
Heavy, dark curtains may block out the cold, but they also block the sunshine. Instead use sheer, lightweight curtains in soft pastels or white to let in as much light as possible. They’ll make your space feel airy, even when it’s grey outside. You can also layer them with thermal blinds if you need that extra bit of insulation.
- Choose light, reflective paint colours
If you happen to live in a rental apartment which allows personalisation through painting of walls, then light and reflective paint colours play a key role in making a space feel more open. Lighter colours such as white, cream, grey or pastel reflect light better than darker ones which absorb it, making a room feel more spacious. Glossy or satin finishes have the same result, so ensure you’re choosing the best paint for your desired effect.
- Bring in Tropical Plants
Nothing screams summer like lush greenery! Indoor plants like palms, ferns, and monstera instantly transform any room into a tropical paradise. They’re easy to care for and add a fresh, vibrant look. If you’re tight on space, consider hanging plants or a small herb garden on your windowsill.
- Swap Out Cushions and Throws for Brighter Textiles
Cosy up without sacrificing that summer vibe by swapping out dark, wintery cushions for ones with bold, tropical prints or sunny yellows and blues. Lightweight throws in bright colours can add warmth while keeping the summery spirit alive. Think of it as beach vibes but from the comfort of your sofa. Light colours also make a room feel bigger and brighter while injecting vibrancy into a space.
- Utilise mirrors / reflective surfaces strategically
Mirrors are more than just a decorative element, they are a great way to channel light and reflect it back into a room. By placing mirrors near entrances, behind doors, or close to artificial light to get natural light bouncing around the room, you can bring so much extra light into your space and really maximise the room. You can also use mirrored furniture which will give the same desired effect!
- Add a Sunny Scent
Scents are a powerful way to shift the mood in your flat. Choose citrus or coconut-scented fragrance sticks or use an essential oil diffuser with summery blends like lemon, orange, and eucalyptus. It’ll create a fresh, breezy feel, even if the rain’s pouring outside.
- Hang Up a Gallery Wall with Summer Memories
Relive those beach holidays by creating a photo wall filled with summer snaps. Use renter-friendly adhesive strips or picture ledges to hang your photos, so no nails are needed. Add a mix of vibrant art prints with palm trees, sunsets, or beach landscapes to keep that summer glow alive.
- Layer lighting and use different lightbulbs
Using a mix of ambient light and accent light will make your home feel cohesive and put together. Utilising a mix of spotlights, overhead lights and lamps offers layers to a room with varying amounts of light, while also choosing between cool and warm bulbs can instantly change the feel of the space as well as the visibility in the room. Lampshades are also perfect for tempering the amount of light, and choosing something like linen or glass will allow the light to pass through without any unwanted glare.
