Brightening Up Small Spaces: The Transformative Power of Color and VELUX Skylights

*This post is in partnership with VELUX*

Hello everyone! I’m thrilled to share an in-depth look at a recent project that truly brought light and life into a small, multi-functional space. You might have already caught a glimpse of the grand reveal of my collaboration with VELUX – the “Brighten Up Any Room Giveaway” makeover – over on Emily Henderson’s blog. If you haven’t yet, I highly recommend heading there for the full scoop on our wonderful giveaway winner, Viet, and how we transformed her compact room into a highly functional and aesthetically pleasing haven.

Today, I want to delve deeper into a specific aspect of this stunning transformation: the strategic use of color and how the innovative VELUX Solar Powered Fresh Air Skylights played an indispensable role in allowing a heavily saturated color palette to truly sing.

Embracing Bold Hues: The Golden Yellow Revelation

My first visit to Viet’s home was an absolute delight. Walking into the nominated room, I was immediately captivated by the existing golden yellow paint color on the walls. It was a vibrant, cheerful hue – specifically, “Pablo Honey” – that exuded such warmth and personality. This was a truly pleasant surprise, and my designer instincts instantly told me this color had to stay. Often, clients are hesitant to use such a bold shade, but Viet had already taken the plunge, and it set a wonderful foundation.

To truly appreciate the transformation, let’s take a moment to recall where we started:

My vision for this space was clear: to amplify the existing joy and happiness that the yellow inherently offered. I imagined cascades of natural light from new VELUX skylights pouring down, truly illuminating these sunny walls and making the room radiate. The goal was, quite literally, to bring the sunshine in. Thankfully, Viet was completely on board with retaining the color. In fact, we decided to embrace it even further, extending the golden yellow to the ceilings, doors, baseboards, and window trim, creating an immersive, enveloping experience.

The Essential Role of Natural Light: Skylights as Game-Changers

Viet confessed that while she loved the golden yellow color, she wasn’t entirely convinced she had made the right choice once it was on the walls. This is a common sentiment among homeowners who experiment with bold colors in rooms that lack sufficient natural light. Her room, with its small, north-facing window, relied heavily on artificial lighting, which simply wasn’t allowing the true vibrancy and depth of the “Pablo Honey” to shine through. The color felt a little flat, and its potential was suppressed.

This is precisely where the VELUX Solar Powered Fresh Air Skylights became the ultimate game-changer. The moment these skylights were installed, the transformation was immediate and breathtaking. The room was flooded with brilliant, unfiltered natural light, and the golden yellow walls instantly came alive. The color, which had previously seemed subdued, now revealed its true nuances, its rich warmth, and its cheerful glow. It was an “aha!” moment that validated Viet’s original bold choice and beautifully demonstrated the profound impact of natural light on color perception.

With the true character of the color finally visible in the gorgeous natural light, I could confidently solidify the rest of the room’s color story. Viet’s entire home is a vibrant tapestry of color, from colorful wallpaper to eclectic furniture and accessories, so it was a priority to extend that lively spirit into this newly brightened space. One of the first inspiring pieces I noticed was an incredible blanket draped over her bed, featuring an array of beautiful hues that complemented the golden walls perfectly. This blanket became a pivotal reference point for our evolving design scheme, truly highlighting its beauty in the new environment.

Crafting a Cohesive and Vibrant Color Palette

Beyond the blanket, Viet already possessed some truly unique art and decor pieces that I knew would integrate seamlessly into the redesigned space. These existing treasures served as my initial guide for the overall scheme. As I introduced new art and accessories, my focus was on highly saturated, vibrant colors that would not only complement the energetic golden yellow walls but also harmonize with the abundant natural light now gracing the room. The goal was to create a cohesive yet dynamic visual experience, where every element felt thoughtfully placed and contributed to the room’s joyful atmosphere.

Small Space Design Secrets: Maximizing Impact with Color and Light

As an interior designer, one of the most common concerns I encounter is people’s apprehension about using bold or even any significant color in a small space. Many clients fear it will make the room feel cramped or overwhelming. Another frequent worry is that their room simply doesn’t receive enough natural light to support a vibrant color palette, especially if they are considering darker, moodier shades. While it’s true that artificial light can distort color, I always encourage clients to embrace their space, regardless of its dimensions.

Here’s a design secret: oftentimes, the smaller the space, the bolder you can afford to be with color! A small room, when treated with a confident hand, can become a jewel box, a cozy retreat, or a vibrant statement. And when VELUX skylights enter the picture, they literally open up a whole new world of color possibilities. The influx of natural, overhead light not only reveals the true character of paint colors but also makes a small room feel significantly larger, airier, and more inviting, directly combating the fear of feeling enclosed.

Another favorite small-space design trick I frequently employ is to carry your chosen color continuously from the floor to the ceiling, including all trim, moldings, doors, and window frames. While this technique is effective in any size room, it is particularly powerful for smaller spaces where you aim to maximize visual lines and create an expansive feel. By draping the entire room in a singular, cohesive color, your eye moves smoothly and uninterruptedly throughout the space. There’s no jarring stopping point, as there would be if your ceilings or trim were painted a contrasting white. This simple yet impactful approach truly elevates a small space, making it feel not only larger and more luxurious but also incredibly chic and intentional.

I am immensely glad that Viet was so open to keeping the golden yellow and fully committing to it throughout the entire space. That seemingly small addition of carrying the color onto the ceiling made an extraordinary difference. It served as a wonderful anchor, beautifully highlighting her cherished art pieces and beloved mementos, making them pop even more. The room always held incredible potential, and I feel so honored to have been able to unlock it, transforming the space into a functional and joyful retreat for her and her family. Her reaction – genuine shock and awe – was the ultimate reward, and I couldn’t be more thrilled for them.

The Lasting Impact of Thoughtful Design and Natural Elements

This project with VELUX truly underscores the profound impact that thoughtful design, combined with the right natural elements, can have on our living spaces and, by extension, our lives. The VELUX Solar Powered Fresh Air Skylights not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal by revealing the true vibrancy of color but also contributed to a healthier indoor environment by allowing for natural ventilation. This dual benefit of beauty and well-being is something I constantly strive for in my work.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to do this work and for incredible brand partners like VELUX, who enable me to genuinely change people’s lives through the power of design and the transformative magic of natural light. It truly is a wonder and a privilege to witness the joy and functionality these changes bring. I’m already looking forward to my next challenge – who’s ready for me to help make their #smallhomebigstyledreams come true?

Until next time, friends!

SOURCES

Murphy Bed-Murphy Door

Bedding-Brooklinen

Rug-Jungalow

Wall Shelf-World Market

Benches-Home Goods

Art (Murphy Bed Wall)-Minted

Pillows- Home Goods

Photography by: Rusty Williams Photography