I'm going to talk about Light and Dark in this section. It seems to be one of the most important topics that my clients speak to me about so I'm running through my views. However, rules were made to be broken so at the end of the day you can do what you want. But we're jumping ahead, first let's run through the advice.
While a south facing room is about creating warmth, a north facing room is about managing it. The modern english approach to a sunny room isn't about blocking the sun, but rather celebrating the 'high-contrast' shadows and the vibrant colours that only direct light can provide.
NORTH FACING ROOM
(a) Cool the heat
North facing light is intense and yellow-toned. It can make warm reds or oranges feel overwhelming.
Lean into the classic 'historical colours' such as a pale, chalky light blue or a grey based white. The yellow sun will naturally green these blues, making them feel like a soft breezy acqua, or a light relaxing blue.
Dulux Terrace White comes alive as a light blue in this north facing room
A crisp apple green also feels refreshing when the room hits it's peak temperature.
The finish of these colours should be dead flat. High gloss can create blinding sports where the sun hits the wall. A matte finish absorbs the intensity, giving the colour a soft velvety depth.
(b) Manage the Shadow.
In a sunny room, you don't need lamps for visibility during the day, but you need them to handle the drama of the sunset and the transition to night.
Some zones you can think about having lighting:
The Window Silhouette
On a console table directly under of next to the north facing window. At dusk, the window becomes a black hole. Placing a lamp here that has a glass base allows the light to dance off the glass softening the transition from day to night.
The Cool Corner
Place a lamp in the darkest corner of the room, usually opposite the window. Use a large white plaster lamp (off white or mint). This provides a visual rest from the sun-drenched areas of the room.
The Mid-room Bridge
Place a lamp on a side table between two chairs. A blue and white porcelain base looks great here. Historically, the english used chinaware in sunny rooms because the crisp white and cobalt blue look great bathed in sunlight.
(c) The Fade and the breeze
Sunlight ruins silks and heavy velvets. Instead use Linens, cottons and tickings. For example a heavy flax linen sofa serves as a base for any pattern or colour. It's always a good choice, and you should buy the best sofa you can afford. Choosing a neutral, textured fabric for the sofa is a good background for colourful, printed cotton cushions.
I love to use cafe curtains on the window. I usually go for a light buttery yellow as opposed to white as this filters and warms the beautiful light coming in.
The neutral's advice would be to go for lighter wood tones in a bright room, but I like a contrast and will use a small piece of mahogany near the window to amplify the difference.
SOUTH FACING ROOM
Using cool greys or crisp whites in a south facing room, can make them look dull and flat. The modern english approach is to lean into the shadows rather than fighting them.
(a) Embrace the Gloom
In a dark room, trying to make it look bright often results in a space that feels flat. Instead go for depth in the room.
Warm muddy tones can counteract the blue light. A chocolate brown or a terracotta is a good choice for this room, but I particularly like Ochre Yellow or Chartreuse Green. These pigments have enough weight to stay vibrant when the sun isn't hitting them.
"Morning Room" designed by Daniel Slowik for the Treasure House Fair at WOW!house 2025 in London
A high gloss on the wood work or even ceiling, will catch and bounce whatever light is available creating glimmers in the corners.
(b) Texture and Warmth
Since the light is cold, it's best to use materials that feel physically and visually warm.
Using velvet on the sofa is a surprisingly resilient material, and creates light and shadow contrasts within the material. A burned orange or a deep moss works well. Unlacquered brass on furniture or aged copper plates adds to the opulent look.
Brown furniture is a great choice in this room, and due to it's affordability, beautiful pieces can be picked up from ebay or auction houses for very little.
Finally, add marble to contrast with the warm tones built up. You need to mess with the theme a bit so it creates interest and variation.
(c) The amber glow
Since you cannot rely on the sun, you need to make your own artificial golden hour.
Using extra warm white bulbs of around 2700k, mimics the flickering of candles to create a cosy atmosphere. Putting a foxed mirror opposite a window will add a layer of shimmer and depth.
As a rule of thumb including 5 different sources of light at eye level, and shades that are yellow or gold lined will help to give a comforting environment.
(d) Textures that are heavy and enveloping
Go for a thick wool rug, or even better install underfloor heating that gives stone or tiles (my preference for living room flooring) a gentle warming feeling and makes a huge difference to how the room feels.
Using interlined curtains can really help to keep out the winer cold. A print can give a real jolt of excitement to the room and is a chance to contrast with the rest of the scheme.
(e) Bring in the green
In a dark room, greenery can really make the area feel alive. Low light plants such as a snake plant or Zamioculcas are perfect. Putting them in a brass pot can illuminate them from below at night.
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I write about modern English interiors and Italian antiques, I’m an Anglo-Italian-Aussie living in Melbourne so I feel I can. All views are my own, happy to discuss - louise@buson.com.au