Enhancing Natural Light with Interior Painting in Seattle

Entry hallway design with bench and console table

With gray days spreading over the horizon of Seattle, leaving its residents with only 71 sunny days per year, it’s no surprise that Seattleites wish to design their homes to welcome as much natural light as possible into their spaces. 

I know some of us swear by the ‘Seattle Gray’ (I myself am on that team), but most of us want to escape to the Caribbean at the first sight of the fall rains.

Seattle homes are usually built with expansive windows and skylights, and outdoor living spaces in homes are enjoyed whenever possible. But other than architectural methods, how can our interior paints usher in a feeling of brightness?

Photo Courtesy: Arch Daily

Photo Courtesy: Arch Daily

If you’re thinking about repainting your Seattle home, the guide below will explain the following characteristics of interior painting in Seattle:

  • Benefits of a fresh coat of paint
  • Painting techniques to maximize natural light in your indoor spaces
  • Cost of Interior Painting in Seattle

So let’s get started!

Benefits of a Fresh Coat of Paint

Quick Makeover

A fresh coat of paint can instantly transform the look and feel of your home. Our experienced color consultants can help you choose colors and finishes that match your style and preferences, allowing you to evoke the mood you want to achieve.

Pemberly Blue by Annie Sloan

Pemberley Blue by Annie Sloan

They can also help you figure out which colors work best in north-facing rooms versus south-facing rooms. North-facing light is a cool gray light that is slightly bluish, and south-facing light is warm and yellow-toned.

Both these sun exposures render wall colors differently and make spaces look chillier or warmer than the color chip you see at the paint store!

Enhances Mood

The colors you choose for your home’s interior can have a significant impact on your mood and emotional well-being.

Certain colors can lift your spirits, while others can promote relaxation.

This is a very personal choice, and a good designer can help you identify your own unique color stories! 

Photo Courtesy: Homeyohmy

Photo Courtesy: Homeyohmy

Attracts Potential Buyers

A fresh coat of paint can brighten up rooms and create a clean and well-maintained look, and a well-chosen paint scheme can even make spaces appear larger.

Photo Courtesy: lookboxliving.com

Photo Courtesy: lookboxliving.com

When a home looks well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing, buyers are often willing to pay more for it.

Even if the actual cost of the paint job is relatively low, the perceived value it adds can be significant.

Enhances Air Quality

Gone are the days of having to deal with hazardous fumes and strong odor lingering in your home after a painting project.

Picture courtesy: @reallivingmag

Picture courtesy: @reallivingmag

With the rise of low or no-VOC paints that are environment-friendly, you can now enjoy improved air quality and protect your family from the toxic effects of harmful chemicals.

Adds Protection to Your Home

A significant benefit of newly painted inner spaces is that they can safeguard your walls from wear and tear.

Breakfast Room Green by Farrow and Ball

Breakfast Room Green by Farrow and Ball

Besides, if the paint job is of high quality, it can also prevent moisture, mildew, and mould from growing on your walls. 

Interior Painting Techniques That Enhance Natural Light 

Even on bright and sunny days, which are rare in Seattle, there’s no guarantee that the sunlight will be able to illuminate every corner of your room.

Hence, not only do you miss out on natural light, but also the advantages it entails.

Lucky for you, certain interior painting techniques can enhance the amount of natural light entering your home.

Let’s explore them below:

Careful selection of paint colors

An easy way to instantly brighten a space is to paint your interior walls with light-colored paint, such as soft whites, light grays, or pastel shades, that reflect natural light more effectively than dark colors.

Light colors create a sense of openness and airiness, making the room feel brighter and more spacious. Colors can be added in small dashes in furniture, throw pillows, and other accessories.

Portola Paints – Eastwood Limewash

Portola Paints – Eastwood Limewash

Some paint brands offer special light-reflective paints designed to enhance natural light. These paints contain particles that help scatter and reflect light more effectively.

However, Seattleites who love the drama and mystery of darker colors need not despair!

Billiard Green by Sherwin Williams. Photo Courtesy: dwell.com

Billiard Green by Sherwin Williams. Photo Courtesy: dwell.com

Brightness and contrast can be brought in with clever design solutions like adding warm metallic finishes, mirrors to bounce light around, carefully designed lighting, proper furniture placement, lighter flooring and furnishings, and so on.  

Use Higher Gloss Paint

Paint finishes can also affect how light interacts with the walls. Glossy or satin finishes reflect more light compared to matte finishes, which tend to absorb light.

Photo Courtesy: Dwell.com

Photo Courtesy: Dwell.com

Consider using a glossy or satin finish on walls, trim, and ceilings to maximize light reflection.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Residential Painting in Seattle

We know that each house or office is different, and the demands of our clients vary from one to the other. Therefore, the cost of interior painting in Seattle cannot be summed up in a single figure. 

However, you can estimate your Seattle house painting cost by accounting for the following factors:

Picture Courtesy: Interior Define

Picture Courtesy: Interior Define

  • Area and Complexity: The vastness of the space that needs to be painted and the complexity of surfaces, for instance, intricate work, textured walls, or vaulted ceilings, can increase the material and labor required to complete the job. This alters the cost accordingly. 
  • Preparation and Repairs: Some surfaces require extensive preparation, repair, or priming before being painted. Similarly, tackling surface issues like leakage is necessary for a quality finish. The greater the demand for such repairs, the more the cost. 
  • Paint Quantity and Quality: Higher gloss paint costs more than standard paint. Meanwhile, the number of coats required for a smooth appearance also impacts the cost. 
  • Additional Services: Additional services, such as applying finishes or texturing, removing wallpaper, or repairing drywall, have additional costs assigned to each job.

FAQs

How can I choose the right color of paint for my home?

When deciding the right color for your house, think about your interior design and the overall ambiance you wish to create. Other factors to consider include natural lighting, decor, and room size. You can also consult with our design experts to finalize the best mix of colors. 

Why should I use different paint finishes?

Different paint finishes are used for different purposes. For instance, flat finishes hide surface imperfections, while semi-gloss or gloss finishes exhibit a shiny surface that is easy to clean.

How do I find reliable painting contractors?

The best way to find reliable contractors is by browsing through online reviews, professional associations, or referrals from acquaintances. Your objective should be to hire contractors with proper licenses, a customer portfolio, an excellent track record, and insurance coverage. 

Photo Courtesy: Meer.com

Photo Courtesy: Meer.com

Conclusion

Enhancing natural light for your spaces through interior painting in Seattle allows you to make the most of the city’s sunny days and revitalizes your house’s overall appearance and ambience.

Are you ready to welcome more natural light into your indoor spaces? Contact us at Persimmon Design, your reliable and experienced interior designer in Seattle.

Take this step toward a brighter and more vibrant living space with Persimmon Design, and enjoy our immense attention to detail, along with recommendations from our design experts for the most optimal combinations to suit your personal style. 

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