Designing for Light: Tips from Our Studio

Light is one of the most powerful design tools in a home. It changes how spaces feel, how materials read, and how you move through the day. The best homes aren’t simply brighter, they’re shaped around light with intention. Here are studio tips we use on extensions, renovations, and new builds.

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1. Start with orientation
   Before layouts and finishes, understand where the sun moves. South and west light can be generous, north light is calm and consistent. Once you know your strongest daylight, you can plan key living spaces to benefit most.
2. Design the flow of daylight
   Open plan isn’t the only answer. Think in layers: borrowed light, internal glazing, wider openings, and sightlines that allow daylight to travel deeper into the home. A well placed opening can change an entire floor.
3. Use glazing strategically
   Bigger isn’t always better. Consider proportions, head heights, and the view. Slim frames, well aligned mullions, and consistent sightlines feel more premium than oversizing. Balance privacy and overheating with smart placement.
4. Rooflights done properly
   Rooflights bring daylight exactly where you need it, especially in extensions and lofts. Position them to wash walls and worktops with light, not create glare. Align them with cabinetry and room geometry so they feel intentional, not added later.
5. Layer your lighting scheme
   Natural light sets the mood by day, but artificial lighting finishes the home at night. We build layers: ambient, task, and accent. Use dimming, warm temperatures, and discreet fittings to keep ceilings clean while adding depth and warmth.
6. Let materials help
   Light reveals texture. Matte paints, limewash, timber, and stone soften reflections and create a calmer atmosphere. Glossy finishes can be beautiful in small moments, but use them carefully. Your palette should support light, not fight it.
7. Control glare and heat
   Large glazing needs balance. Consider external shading, solar control glass, and thoughtful window treatments. Comfort is part of good light design. A bright room that overheats won’t feel premium for long.

The XTEND approach
We treat light as part of the build, not a finishing touch. When structure, openings, rooflights, and lighting are coordinated early, the result feels effortless, calm, and beautifully resolved.

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