AU NATUREL

How letting more natural light into your home can help increase happiness

- STEPHANIE DE NOBILE

Integrating natural light into homes, or arranging our homes to make the most of the light we have, reduces the need for artificial lighting and is therefore good for both the wallet and the planet. So make sure you have a place to read by the window.

The Happiness Research Institute has studied how light is connected with happiness. We have found that people whose homes score seven or above on a scale from zero to 10 in terms of light are 11.7 per cent more likely to report high levels of happiness the previous day.

People are 10 per cent more likely to be happy with their home if they are satisfied with the amount of natural light in it. Light gives the feeling of more space. Research shows that, if possible, installing a window is a great way to turn a small, cramped room into one that feels more spacious.

SEVEN THINGS TO BE MINDFUL OF WHEN ADDING DAYLIGHT

1. WASH AND TRIM