Using both natural and artificial lighting to complement other decor and interior elements creates a brighter, upbeat mood and atmosphere that makes your home (or apartment) more enjoyable year-round. Here’s a few ideas and suggestions.

Every home or residence needs a little of each of the following four types of lighting: Ambient lighting provides general lighting for everyday activities; accent lighting showcases decorative elements, like art or a unique interior design feature; task lighting is used for a particular area, for tasks that require more illumination; and natural lighting (from above) not only makes a home feel open and inviting, it also offers balanced light for cooking, reading and other every-day activities.

Light colors can also contribute to brightening a room, such as pastels, whites and gray. Decor elements such as accent rugs, window treatments, wall art and upholstery fabric can also be used. And heavy drapes can be replaced with lighter, translucent sheers that admit natural light and give rooms an airy, open flow. Bear in mind the importance of layering light with a mix of sources throughout a room; choose lighting styles that fit the room’s purpose; for example, there’s a lot of work and activity in a kitchen, so overhead and under-counter lights are great choices for cooking and other chores. Don’t forget energy efficiency, replacing any incandescents with CFLs and LEDs.

There are many benefits-decor and energy saving-to natural lighting; adding skylights is relatively low-cost, but provides high-impact home improvement (and they can be installed by a professional in day or two over just one weekend). Skylights can work alongside windows to provide improved ventilation. Manual and electric models are available, but top-of-the-line, solar-powered fresh air brands offer all the features of modern, no-leak skylights plus significant savings on product and installation costs. They feature a solar panel that charges a hidden internal battery, which operates the control system. No wiring’s required. An intergrated rain sensor automatically closes the units in case of bad weather; all Velux skylights have three layers of water protection backed by installation and no-leak warranties.

A variety of light-filtering, light-blocking and light-controlling solar-powered blinds are also available in a mix of designer colors and patterns, while also improving energy efficiency by as much as 45 percent (the skylights, in addition to the blinds, are operated by a programmable remote control and are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit, as are installation costs. Here’s a few ideas for the types of skylights that are best for several rooms: For the kitchen, overhead skylights can be used (more cabinets and shelves can be added). Overhead lighting will also provide balanced lighting for cooking.

A family room will benefit from solar-powered skylights and blinds operated by programmable remote control to adjust both light and ventilation. Closets, hallways and laundry rooms can use tubular skylights (Sun Tunnel). Daylight’s funneled through a highly reflective tube to spaces below. Low-profile, flat glass models are available. Bathroom skylights provide natural light, fresh air and privacy. The skylight can be opened by remote control to take away moisture and humidity. Got a smaller or half-bathroom? Consider the Velux Sun Tunnel tubular skylights; they provide natural light during the day, and an additional light kit will provide 24/7 lighting. They’re inexpensive and can be installed by a DIYer or professional in a few hours.

For the master bedroom, an additional option are blackout blinds (98 percent of daylight can be blocked out if desired. After dark, the blinds can be opened for a nighttime sky view. For other rooms (home office, playroom, etc.), roof windows are very similar to skylights, but they can be operated by hand. For more ideas on lighting up your home and to view all the available types of skylights, blinds and accessories, visit www.whyskylights.com (Source: “Let natural light enhance your home decor” by Family Features-Vindy Homes-The (Sunday) Vindicator, May 1, 2016).