It's estimated that approximately 25% of our homes in the UK are north-facing. Even south-facing homes have north-facing rooms, and making these spaces feel inviting can be really tricky.
Due to the fact that these rooms have limited direct sunlight and that the daylight they do get is cooler than their south facing counterparts they often feel cooler and darker. During the winter months, this can make the rooms feel unwelcoming.
The key to making these rooms feel warmer and more inviting is Interior Design: to think about the colours that are used in the space, the materials chosen and also how the lighting can be optimised.
If you have a north-facing room and this sounds familiar these Interior design hints and tips will help to transform it into a warm and cosy space.
So the first step to warming a cool and uninviting space is to choose the correct colour scheme for the room. The problem is that the light coming in is cool with blue undertones, and makes other colours look dull or cold.
The solution to this is to choose warm, earthy colours which combat the cool undertones of the light and warm it. There is no hard and fast rule to this as to which colour to choose as the light coming into your room will be very slightly different to the light next door and so on.
Generally you would need to pick colours with red undertones for example warm neutrals, terracotta, soft blush and mustards as these will create a warm atmosphere and appear to warm the space.
Adding warmth through layering lighting is probably the most effective way to transform a cool space. The light coming into the room is cool and has blue undertones so if you add a mix of lighting sources this will warm the light in the space.
Firstly I would add various layers of lighting such as wall lights or sconces, table lamps and floor lamps. This adds actual different layers which can help to create small pockets of light, enhance drama and warmth and zone the room into cosy spaces.
Having lights on around the room such as the wall lights, tables lamps and even candlelight can really help to create a warm welcoming space. I often don't use the central pendant light in a room as this can make the room feel oppressive and create a lot of unflattering shadows.
Bonus Tip: Choose bulbs with a Kelvin rating of 2700K–3000K for the best warm light effect.
A key tip to creating a warm atmosphere in any room is to add texture and softness. A cold northfacing room feels unwelcoming and the solution to this is to add softness by way of adding soft furnishings such as throws, cushions and thick curtains.
Thick, lined and interlined curtains are great ways of actually adding insulation to a room if it is actually cold and they look luxurious and opulent which adds to the atmosphere.
Soft wool throws and boucle blankets can add texture and warmth as well as bringing in pops of colour. Perhaps adding luxurious materials such as velvet or linen which will add to the range of textures and softness.
Adding a plush rug underfoot is a great way of bringing warmth to the floor and making it more comfortable to walk around barefoot.
Mixing textures, materials, colours and patterns in the right quantities can really warm the room, adding cosiness as well as sophistication.
A north-facing room can often lack warmth and dimension, feeling flat and dull. Bridging in reflective and warm materials adds an element that bounces light around and adds depth. Opting for gold or brass accents - for example with door furniture, light switches, candlesticks etc - can add a pop of life through metallic elements.
Adding mirrors to a room brings the illusion of more space as well as reflects light back into the room and makes it feel lighter. Ensure the mirror has a warm feel to it and doesnt bring a clinical edge.
Wood is a naturally warm materials and can be used really effectively to creta a warm atmosphere, there are so many types of wood there is always a finish that suits the spce. Whether the wood has a natural finish or has been highly polished it can work to bring depth, a natural touch as well as warmth to any room. I nearly always incorporate wood into my designs as I like to use natural materials but I have also found that the organic softness of wood really adds a friendly touch to any scheme
In a space that often feel flat and lifeless bringing in a few touches of nature can really bring it to life, adding organic shapes and colours. I often add plants as their presence can transform a space and soften a room, their scale can also be really useful to balance a room.
Choosing plants that can tolerate low light levels is key, there are many plants that thrive in north-facing rooms such as snake plants and peace lilies. They often have many other benefits as well and I feel are crucial to creating a welcoming space in any home.
Adding artwork with a botanical theme can also have a similar effect as an actual plant, by adding the colour and shapes without the maintenance of a plant. I would suggest if you can have real plants and also artwork.
Now that you have a good idea of the causes of the coolness of your north-facing room:
Limited daylight
Daylight has blue undertones
And the best ways to counter it:
Warm colours
Layered lighting
Add texture and softness
Use reflective and warm materials
Touches of nature
What is going to be the first change you're going to make, to create a more welcoming and warm north-facing room?
If you need help making your space feel cosy and inviting book a consultation today - lets transform your home!
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