It seemed the perfect house for those who want airy living places that don’t want to waste vast quantities of electricity just to keep air circulating. It was in fact perfect for him living there, but it was too bright for my tastes as it admitted too much light.

What You Should Consider Before Recreating Your Breezy Home

I don’t hate sunlight with a vengeance just not keen of being constantly exposed too much of it. The flip side of an airy home, besides no privacy, is that it bounds to let in too much light. To keep air moving, there must be access points like open windows or doors where breezes can enter, and exit points at the other end of the house. Otherwise there won’t be much flow of fresh air indoors.

1. Blinds and Curtains

Unfortunately, open doors and windows let sunlight in. Thin breathable curtains are insufficient protection for those who can’t tolerate even indirect sunlight, because they let rays through. Only opaque, lined curtains will do, but air hardly gets past.

Blinds are solution if they can be angled so that the wind blows easily through, but nary a ray peeps in.

Not fond of blinds and still want to keep the sun out and air moving? Open your windows, hang light curtains, and position sturdy opaque screens between the window and yourself. Sturdiness is crucial as winds can send a screen crashing down in your room, smashing ornaments and itself.

2. Solar Skylights

If you are a sun worshipper, then by all means throw your windows and doors open to the wind, and consider installing a Solar Skylight too. It’s an electricity-saving device that helps draw hot air out through your ceiling and roof via a flexible tube, and also lets sunlight and fresh air in while being unobtrusive in appearance.

However, it is feasible mainly for houses, and only single-storey ones or for the top floor of two- or three-storey houses.

3. Insect Problems

Letting fresh air circulate freely may mean that some undesirable guests like mosquitoes, flies, and cockroaches blow in with the breeze too.

Well designed insect screens let air in and keep bugs out, but those that are woven too densely may keep air out too, so install with caution. Put them up over the windows of just one room first and see how it goes before you do the whole house.

A slightly old fashioned but pretty alternative is a white lace screen that is attached firmly to your window frame. Do ensure that you and the store you buy the material from devise a way of removing or parting them with minimal fuss for cleaning and access to your windows.

4. Busted By Dust

A constant breeze blowing through your home also introduces dust, depositing it in corners and on your furnishings. The above mentioned insect and lace screens can limit this problem somewhat, but not completely as dust particles are microscopic.

Other than getting a good vacuum cleaner or an industrious housekeeper, or creating dust traps like pools and ponds between your house and the wind, there is not a whole lot you can do to fight dust if you want air to enter freely.

To a certain extent, dust is minimized if your home is on a high floor—insect don’t come that thick and fast either.

So do let fresh air into your home, but be aware it’s not always a breeze!

Related Topics

• Picking the Right Material for your Window Shade
• Transform your Home Using these Window Treatment Tips
• Basics on Solar Power Home System

Tips on Picking the Right Material for your Windows:

Fabric: Ask yourself how often you’ll be raising or lowering the shades for proper light control before determining the ideal fabric.

• Velvet and damask drape more fluidly than crisper fabrics.
• Silks and fine quality fabric provide a pricey, natural look.
• Cotton is strong and easy to care for, but can shrink, stretch or wrinkle easily.
• Acetate is smooth, silky, and drapes well, but is weak and easily damaged by the sun.

Natural Materials: Although woven grass, wood, and metal are easy to maintain nevertheless always check out the caring and handling instructions before buying.

• Roman shades such as woven grass, reeds, or wood link the indoors and outdoors, providing unity and cohesion.
• Sleek metal blinds add vibrancy and chic, and are more affordable and functional.

Related Topics

• How To Create a Breezy Home that Works for You
• Transform your Home Using these Window Treatment Tips

Working With Lines

Window shapes can be “altered,” “elongated,” and “widened” through illusion.

• If you have a square window, add height by mounting panels above the window border or let the draperies puddle to the floor to lengthen the look.
• Vertical lines add height, dignity, and formality. They also draw the eyes to the ceiling.
• Horizontal lines are more causal and relaxing.
• Curved lines like valences throw a softening touch.

Working With Colors

Colors survey the window and areas around it. Sweep your eyes over the entire room.

• Room too small? Blend soft, light, and cool colors in with similarly colored walls.
• Dark, warm, and contrasting colors draw attention to the window. Used in large quantities, they may be overwhelming.
• Colors can determine your mood. Neutrals impart a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, while cheery colors increase the energy quotient.
• Reserve the red and overly bright colors as a color accent, e.g. for decorative trims, tie-backs, or other upholstery within the room.

Related Topics

• Picking the Right Material for your Window Shade
• How To Create a Breezy Home that Works for You