Unlock the Power of Natural Light for a Healthy Home and Better Wellbeing

Natural light is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to improve your home wellness and overall wellbeing. It brightens your space, boosts your mood, supports better sleep, and even enhances productivity.

 

As an architect and Feng Shui coach, I’ve seen how the right light can completely transform a home’s energy. Today, we’re diving into practical healthy home design tips that make the most of daylight so you can create a brighter, healthier, and happier living space.

1. Place Your Windows for Maximum Wellness

In the northern hemisphere, south-facing windows capture the most daylight year-round, making them perfect for rooms where you spend the most time such as living rooms, kitchens, or home offices.

If you want to take it further, floor-to-ceiling windows flood your interiors with light while framing calming outdoor views — a simple way to improve mood and support your mental wellbeing.

2. Create Open Layouts and Use Reflective Surfaces

Light moves freely in open spaces. If possible, remove unnecessary partitions so daylight can flow into every corner.

Even without major renovations, you can still enhance your natural light home wellness by adding mirrors and light-colored walls. Position a mirror opposite a window to instantly brighten the room and make it feel more spacious.

bright modern Los Angeles living room with floor-to-ceiling windows and sunlight by REAL Arch

3. Simple Fixes for Darker Rooms

Not every room has large windows, but small changes can make a big difference.

  • Switch heavy drapes for sheer curtains to allow more daylight while keeping privacy.
  • Choose light-toned furniture and finishes like glass, white, or metallics.
  • Trim outdoor plants or trees that block sunlight from entering.

These quick adjustments can instantly lift your home’s atmosphere and support your health and wellbeing.

4. Bring in Light from Above

For rooms without many exterior walls, skylights can be game-changers, filling the space with uplifting daylight.

Another option is clerestory windows — those high, narrow openings near the ceiling — which bring in light without sacrificing privacy.

Bright modern kitchen with skylights and large windows filling the space with natural light | Los Angeles by R.E.A.L.|cw Architecture.

5. Maintain Privacy While Maximizing Light

If you’re concerned about feeling exposed, frosted glass, privacy film, or high-set windows will let sunlight in while keeping your interiors private and peaceful.

Why Natural Light Matters for Wellness

Designing with daylight in mind is one of the easiest ways to create a healthy home. Benefits include:

  • Improved mood and reduced stress
  • Better sleep cycles
  • Increased productivity
  • Lower energy costs from reduced artificial lighting

Your home is more than a place to live — it’s where your wellbeing begins.

cozy reading nook with natural light, indoor plants, and throw pillows by the window in a Los Angeles home by REAL Arch

Your Turn

Have you made changes to bring in more natural light? Share your ideas in the comments so we can inspire each other.

Want more home wellness and Feng Shui tips? Subscribe to get fresh ideas for creating a healthier, happier living space or click here 

PROJECT: Aldea ADU

Type | ADU
Date Completed | June 2024 

PROJECT: Hesby Residence

Type | Residential Addition & Complete Remodel
Date Completed | Oct 2024 

PROJECT: Sunset Olive Oil

Type | Industrial Food Processing
Date Completed | March 2023 

PROJECT: Ogden Residence & ADU

Type | Residential Historic Restoration & ADU
Date Completed | December 2024 

PROJECT: Lab 5 Gardena

Type | Sports
Date Completed | January 2023 

PROJECT: Newville ADU

Type | ADU
Date Completed | December 2024 

PROJECT: Malibu Eco

Type | Hotel
Responsibility | Conceptual Design
Photo Credits | Egan Simon Architecture

PROJECT: Transtopia

Type | A Thesis Project

PROJECT: Vendome Palms

Type | Multi-Family Residence/Affordable Housing
Date Completed | December 2011
Responsibility | Construction Document to Construction Administration
Photo Credits | Egan Simon Architecture

PROJECT: The Courtyards

Type | Multi-Family Residence/Affordable Housing
Date Completed | November 2010
Responsiblity | Conceptual Design to Construction Document
Photo Credits | Egan Simon Architecture

PROJECT: Step Up on Vine

Type | Multi-Family Residence/Affordable Housing
Date Completed | January 2013
Responsibility | Conceptual Design to Construction Administration
Photo Credits | Egan Simon Architecture

PROJECT: Roman’s Carving Kitchen

Type | Restaurant
Date Completed | December 2017
Project Architect | Alain Giaimo
Responsibility | Construction Document to Permit

PROJECT: Beach Cities Cryotherapy

Type | Retail/Crytotherapy
Date Completed | May 2016

PROJECT: Mod’s Hair

Type | Retail/Hair Salon
Date Completed | January 2017

PROJECT: Lab Five Soccer Center

Type | Sport
Date Completed | June 2020

PROJECT: Pitchoun Bakery @ DTLA

Type | Bakery/Bar/Restaurant
Date Completed | April 2015
Photo Credits | Urban Daddy, LA Eater

PROJECT: South Bay Community Church

Type |Church Interior Concept Design
Date Completed | January 2013

PROJECT: Mulholland Security Headquarter

Type | Showroom/Office
Date Completed | August 2013

PROJECT: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Lake Forest
Type | Restaurant
Date Completed | October, 2016

PROJECT: Please Do Not Enter
Type | Retail Art Gallery

Date Completed | May 2015
Photo Credits | Please Do Not Enter

PROJECT: Varga Store Type | Retail Store Date Completed | October 2015
Photo Credits | Varga Store

PROJECT: Leimert Park Eatery

Type | Restaurant/Bar/Bakery Conceptual Design
Date Completed | January 2016

PROJECT: Cheviot Residence

Type | Residential Addition

Date Completed | June 2020
PROJECT: St Clair Residence

Type | Residential Addition
Date Completed | December, 2017

PROJECT: Sunrise Olive Oil Mill

Type | Industrial Processing Mill
Date Completed | February 2019