If you live in Silverdale, Gig Harbor, or Bainbridge Island, you know the "Big Dark" isn’t just a catchy nickname—it’s a lifestyle. In the Pacific Northwest, our winters are defined by a persistent, soft gray light that can make even the most beautiful residential remodel feel a bit somber if not handled correctly.
At Mise en Place Design, we don't just design for the sunny days in July. We believe the true test of interior architectural design is how a home feels on a rainy Tuesday in January. Here is how we use architectural "bones" to chase the light and boost your well-being during the PNW winter.
1. Harvesting the "High Light"
In many older homes in Kitsap, windows are placed for privacy or traditional symmetry, often missing the best sun angles. During a custom home design or a major addition, we prioritize:
· Clerestory Windows & Skylights: By placing windows high on the wall, we bounce natural light off the ceiling and deep into the center of the home.
· Reflective Volumes: We use computer renderings to study how light hits your specific lot, allowing us to angled ceilings or move walls to act as "reflectors" for available daylight.
2. The Science of Sightlines
Light isn't just about what comes through the glass; it’s about how far your eye can travel. A cramped kitchen remodel with heavy upper cabinets can make a room feel dim.
· Architectural Transparency: We often replace solid walls with glass partitions or open shelving in custom cabinetry. This allows light to "leak" from the bright side of the house into the darker corridors.
· Framing the View: By strategically placing windows to frame the evergreens or the Puget Sound, we connect you to the outdoors, which has been proven to mitigate the effects of seasonal blues.
3. Layered Lighting: The Artificial Sun
When the sun sets at 4:30 PM, the architecture has to take over. We move beyond simple "can lights" and design a system of "architectural glow":
· Cove and Perimeter Lighting: Tucking LED strips into architectural recesses creates a soft, ambient wash that mimics the natural sky.
· Circadian-Aware Design: We specify lighting temperatures that shift from bright "daylight" during work hours to warm, amber tones in the evening, helping your body maintain its natural rhythm.
Why Architecture is Your Best Winter Defense
A "light and bright" home isn't just about white paint. It’s about the surgical placement of openings and the thoughtful manipulation of volume. Whether we are working on a bathroom remodel in Poulsbo or a sprawling Kitsap custom home in Kingston, our goal is the same: to make the most of every photon.
By utilizing high-fidelity computer renderings, we can actually simulate the light levels in your home for any day of the year—ensuring your sanctuary feels sun-drenched, even when the clouds say otherwise.