1. Understand How Light Moves Through the Day
Before reaching for rooflights or full-width glass doors, we always study how the sun moves across your home. The orientation of your property matters — a south-facing garden brings different opportunities (and challenges) than a north-facing one.
We look at: - Morning vs. afternoon light - Shading from trees or neighbouring buildings - Solar gain in summer vs. winter
✅ The goal is to let in as much soft, indirect light as possible — while avoiding glare and overheating.
2. Use Glazing Strategically, Not Excessively
More glass doesn’t always mean more light — and it definitely doesn’t mean more comfort. Instead of floor-to-ceiling glazing across one wall, we often combine:
- Slimline windows at eye level
- Clerestory windows for high-level light
- Rooflights positioned to wash light across walls
- Framed garden views, rather than full walls of glass
✅ This layered approach provides a soft, ambient light that changes throughout the day — and feels calmer to live in.
3. Balance Open Plan with Zones and Flow
Light is just one piece of the puzzle. Great open-plan spaces also: - Feel purposeful, not cavernous - Allow for different moods — cooking, relaxing, working - Have clear circulation routes
We often use changes in ceiling height, floor finish, or furniture placement to subtly zone spaces without losing openness.
✅ This creates a sense of calm — and makes the most of the natural light in each part of the room.
4. Choose Materials That Reflect Light Softly
White walls aren’t the only answer. We favour natural, light-toned materials with depth and texture: - Lime plaster or clay finishes - Pale timber or cork flooring - Soft-toned cabinetry and joinery - Matte rather than glossy surfaces
✅ These choices bounce light without creating glare — and feel warm even on grey winter days.
5. Consider Comfort All Year Round
Many homeowners worry about open-plan spaces feeling cold in winter or too hot in summer. We address this through: - Orientation and window placement - Deep reveals or overhangs to reduce summer glare - High levels of insulation and airtightness - Underfloor heating and natural ventilation
✅ It’s not just about how the space looks — it’s about how it feels to live in, every day of the year.
6. Bring the Garden In — Without Losing Privacy
Connecting to the outdoors doesn’t have to mean fully openable walls. We think carefully about: - Garden layout and planting - Frame-worthy views - Thresholds and transitions
✅ Subtle changes in level, planting, or materials can help your home and garden feel like one — while still feeling private and enclosed.
Our Approach
We approach every project with care, light and flow in mind. Whether you’re extending, remodelling or starting fresh, our goal is to create spaces that are not just brighter — but better to live in.
Looking to create your own calm, light-filled kitchen–living–diner? Let’s talk.