Winter lighting can help improve your mood
Decrease of sunlight in the autumn months can trigger a genuine medical disorder. Seasonal Affective Disorder can continue for six or seven months through winter and into spring.
Some people are hugely affected by the confusion in the human brain when our inner clock, known as the circadian rhythm, is bumped out of whack. We can take advice from frozen Nordic countries and try to adjust our architectural needs to the fact that winters can take a toll on our bodies and minds.
In Denmark, the country where roof windows were perfected, it became clear to a young man in 1941 that attic spaces and upper floors could become turned into inexpensive living spaces if there were good, operable and reliable windows in those challenging architectural areas. Villum Kann Rasmussen had a burning desire to bring fresh air, daylight and attractive views to the lives of people who were living in such unusual places.
Those who own old multifloor houses understand the challenges of coping with angled roof lines while converting attics and upper floors into functional space. There are many skylights and roof window models available today that fit into any shape or strange physical situation.
Grabbing as much sunlight as possible is an issue in much of our nation. I live in Southern California where we attempt to shade ourselves more often than not, but for Americans in Illinois, Minnesota, Maine, Vermont, Montana and Alaska, the approach of winter comes with the prospect of depression and anxiety.
We know now those chemicals that are naturally produced in the body, like serotonin and melatonin, are keys to regulating mood and sleep. When the brain is exposed to sunlight, there is an increase in those chemical levels. Therefore, long, dark nights and short cloudy days are not conducive to feeling upbeat.
A small, dark room can be totally transformed by the addition of a window. Know that if you are going to break into your drywall or plaster for another purpose, you might also investigate an electric control of your venting skylight.
In Europe, windows are installed in severe angles that go from floor to ceiling. Obviously, the majority of structures in other countries are much older than ours. In the U.S., there is likely no situation that cannot be retrofitted with a truly functional window.
In addition to fresh air and sunlight, know that a focus on available artificial light is also a key component to improving a winter mood. You may need to add more recessed or surface mounted lights in main living spaces. If you are a renter and that is not practical, add floor lamps.
Torches are very effective in improving general illumination in a room as the design bounces light off the typical 10-foot ceiling. This lamp type is smaller and can be placed around any room. Design styles range from modern to traditional.
For severe cases of SAD, some people sit closer to bright windows at home or in the office and use phototherapy lamps that they sit under for up to 45 minutes a day. People seriously affected by light might also wish to remove heaving draperies during winter months.
Introduction of brighter accent colors could act as a visual pick-me-up as well. You might consider adding inexpensive accent pillows, table runners or artificial flower arrangements.
Bedspreads can be changed for the winter and while the colors of winter tend to be richer, deeper and more somber in general, there is no reason you cannot lean toward lights and brighter accent colors for throws, pillow shams or coverlets. Bathroom towels can be brighter, too.
• Christine Brun is a San Diego-based interior designer and the author of "Small Space Living." Send questions and comments to her by email at christinebrun@sbcglobal.net.
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