Lighten Up!

Winter is approaching, and you've probably already noticed that it gets dark a little bit earlier every evening.

Here are ways to make your home look brighter and bigger during winter's dark days:

* New light fixtures help you increase light without the expense of installing doors or windows. Accent lighting makes dull rooms appear elegant and small rooms seem larger.

* For a room with a dark wall, hang pictures and light them with halogen spotlights. This "photo gallery" adds warmth and is a great way to brighten a narrow hallway.

* Using full-spectrum light bulbs in place of incandescent bulbs brightens a room by providing light that is similar to sunlight.

You can also warm up a room using color. Studies show that pinks and greens are calming, while darker colors such as red can cause agitation. Neutral tones create harmony. Bright colors should be used as accents in pillows, artwork or flowers.

Here are more color tips:

* Keep ceilings light to make a room appear more spacious. Dark ceilings appear lower and make a room feel cramped.

* The trim should be the same tone and style throughout the house to unify your decor.

Color and light can dramatically change the feeling of your home. A bright, well-lit house will help you feel at ease and enjoy your home all year round.

When choosing paint, put at least four color chips together to get a better idea of the shades you like.

Look at your preferred paint chip in natural and artificial light to make sure it's really what you want.