The current preference for large, light-filled, open spaces has inspired many people to remodel and reconfigure their older homes. Have you been considering this as well?  In the core area of your home, the plan will usually involve removing the walls that divide the space into small rooms, such as a wall that separates your dining room from the kitchen. This opening-up process increases the amount of light that can reach into all the previously dark recesses. It often creates larger expanses of wall space that provide the opportunity to install more and larger windows.

When the secondary areas of your home feel closed off, a different strategy will be needed. Opening up the space by removing the interior walls could pose a problem if you value privacy in, say, your office or your laundry room. On the other hand, those solid walls and doors can form a barrier that cannot be penetrated by light from the rest of your home. You may find yourself having to turn on the electric lights during the daytime, which wastes energy. One option for bringing more natural light into these secondary areas is to install exterior windows, roof windows, skylights or light tubes, where feasible.

Another way to add light to the remote corners of your home is through the use of interior windows, glass partitions and glass doors. These products provide a way to borrow light from other rooms, allowing the light to reach deeper into the house. A strategically placed glass interior opening can almost double the illumination received by your master bath as it shares light with the master bedroom. This is also a good option for helping to illuminate a hallway.