In the southern US, summer is the time for soaring energy bills as air conditioners work all through the day and night to keep homes cool in the baking heat. Not many people are aware that changing the color of their roof and adding to the solar reflectance of the roof shingles could significantly cut electricity consumption for cooling their homes. White roofs absorb the least amount of heat and light colored roofs are a better option in hot climates. Coatings to improve heat reflectivity are applied on granules that make up the shingles and roofs made of such coated materials are called cool roofs. Cool roofs come in various shades to match the house sidings. Sidings in dark colors absorb the sun’s heat and push up cooling costs, so it pays to switch to lighter pastels.
Living rooms with French windows and pastel walls allow the light and breeze in, reducing the need for artificial lighting for most of the day. Dark wood paneling in the study makes for great aesthetic sense but the room may need more lighting fixtures. Heavy drapes in dark velour add that touch of luxury but shut out the natural light.
Color choices for the kitchen including those used on tiles and the cabinetry give it a cheerful, trendy or traditional feel. Bright colored walls with dark wood cabinetry may require spot lighting in the cooking area and the dining area. White café curtains on windows lend an air of old world charm, while leaving the room open to natural sunshine and breezes.
For a small room, saturating the space with the same color works wonders to make it appear larger than it is. Split the lighting between two walls in addition to a bedside lamp and add mirrors to reflect the wall lights and make the room appear bigger. Shades like blue and pastel green give the room a cool restful feel.
Children’s rooms are typically painted or wall papered in pastel shades. An abundance of whites in the furniture and the décor adds to the room’s brightness. Children find reassuring the lighter walls that reflect the light from tiny night lamps.
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