Decorating With Natural Light (NAPSA)—The benefits of abundant daylight in our homes are well documented. Studies show that students learn better, adults "a suffer less Seasonal Affective Disorder, and older Americans have less trouble reading and getting around when roomsarefilled with naturallight. Joe Patrick, product manager with VELUX America, points out that natural light comes into most homes through doors and windows. “If there are enough of them, and if they are placed properly, they can do an adequate job of admitting light,” Patrick says. “But if you want to add beauty and style to your home and lift your spirits while visually expanding rooms, consider the additional natural light and ventilation that can be provided by skylights,” he says. Light from above makes all rooms more functional andlivable. Kitchens become more enjoyable when they are bright, cheerful and free of cooking odors and heat, and when moisture is allowed to escape through venting skylights. In baths, we can have a degreeof privacy impossible to achieve with vertical windows, while freeing an extra wall for storage or decorating (where a window that must be kept covered when the bathroom is in use would be). Whenconverting upstairs areas with energy-efficient skylights and roof windows, expensive dormers aren’t necessary, so labor and material costs can be reduced. And finished attics and bonus rooms typically appraise at 100 percent of the value of other living space while basements typically do not. “Many property owners dismiss the idea of an attic conversion on the grounds that the space available seems too small,” says Den- Many areas of the home are prime locations for the natural light and ventilation offered by skylights and roof windows. ver-based Architect Doug Walter, AIA. “In their search for suitable areas, particularly for children, they should reconsider. Children don’t require large areas with soaring ceilings. On the contrary, the sloping ceilings of small attics and the little hideaways they make are particularly appealing to youngsters.” In smaller areas where traditional skylights may not fit or just aren't necessary, more light can be easily added with VELUX SUN TUNNEL”skylights with flexible tunnels that bend around obstructions and are simple for homeowners to install. They work particularly well in entry areas, hallways, inner bathrooms, pantries and closets. For more on the benefits of natural light and skylight selection call 1-800-283-2831 or visit www. veluxusa.com. For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit www.energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit www.nfre.org or www.efficient windows.org.
