The "Wow!" Effect - Part 2 Natural Light

Over the past few years we've rehabed several homes in a neighborhood with a 60+ year old age demographic.  Much to our surprise there is a high level of interest in features that I would have expected to more associated with younger people (young = anyone under 65).  The rehabbed homes we've sold have all been to out of state owners that were looking for the "Florida" lifestyle.  In questioning them as to what attracted them to the home it was not always the golf course community - it was more often than not the "natural light".

Florida is known as the "Sunshine State" for a reason.  Look up when you're outside during the day.  Natural light is by far the most underutilized asset and it's free.   The first thing we do is throw away all the window coverings (usually verticals) and let the light in.  It instantly makes rooms look brighter and bigger.  The next thing key is to throw away the marble window sills and trim out the window to create and immediate "Wow!".   Throwing away the window coverings is free, the trim should cost no more than $75 per window.

The before and after photos from our last rehab really show the dramatic difference that we were able to achieve.  The reflection of the light on the bamboo wood floors only enhances the natural light factor even more.  We've found that adding the trim around the windows serves to bring the eyes to the light as well as create visual focal points.

Light coupled with color can be even more powerful so be sure to check out the next "Wow!" blog..  Hope you see the light now, if not just go outside and look up!

Happy rehabbing... if you say it enough you believe it.  Besides it's easier than denial.