With lots of us looking to extend and improve instead of moving, the popularity of renovations such as adding skylights and rooflights is on the up.

’Whatever you like to call them – roof window, skylight or rooflight – they all serve the same purpose, which is to bring natural daylight into your home,’ explains David Mayo, Managing Director of Sterlingbuild. ‘They bring in a substantial amount of light to a room all year round. Which in turn can give that area a feeling of being bright and airy.’

As with most renovation projects, the planning and installation process of installing skylights naturally brings up a whole load of questions. While they might offer more light in a room, do they also make it colder in winter? And what about direct sunlight and heat in the summer months? And what’s involved if you decide to install one in your home?

Skylights and rooflights – the lowdown

We explain the nitty gritty when it comes to installing skylights to your home. From the costs involved, to the intricacies of planning permission and all the confusion that might entail. Our guide will take you through everything you need to know (and the things to avoid) when bringing some extra light into your home.

What is a skylight?

Image credit: Future PLC/Tim Young

‘A skylight is essentially a window, located in the roof, that brings daylight, into a room,’ says Natalie Goodridge, Marketing Manager at Lamilux. ‘They’re a popular design choice for residential new builds and extensions with limited natural daylight. They can also offer the added benefit of supplying a room with fresh air through opting for an opening skylight for ventilation.’

However, not all rooflights are the same and there are some key differences worth considering.

• Skylight/rooflight Both terms refer to a window, located in the roof
• Roof window A roof window is as it sounds – essentially a pane, or panes, of glass installed into a flat or pitched roof.
• Roof lanterns These have the appearance of small conservatories – they can be fitted to a flat or pitched roof.

Whether you’re installing a roof window, a skylight or a roof lantern there are various options available. These can allow for ventilation or limiting the amount of light which enters your room.

Where should I position my skylight?

Image credit: Velux

Where you position your skylight or roof window is an important decision. Skylights and roof windows let in daylight all day. But, depending on the direction your house and room is facing, you’ll get more concentrated brightness at different times of the day.

‘One of the first things to consider is where you would like the light to come in and what effect you’re looking to create,’says Scott Leeder, Marketing Director at Velux. ‘You should start by looking at the direction of the windows and the sun. Think about where and at what time of the day, you will need the most daylight in a particular room.’

‘You might be considering installing a roof window in a new flat roof kitchen extension,’ says Scott. ‘You’d like plenty of natural light to flood the space whilst the family enjoy breakfast together each morning. Then you should consider the orientation of the building and where to put the roof window to make this vision a reality.’

What are the skylight pros and cons?

Image credit: Velux

The advantage of having more light in a room might seem obvious. But there are plenty of other benefits to installing a skylight. Natalie from Lamilux agrees. ‘Skylights can provide homes with a pleasant indoor climate thanks to maximising natural daylight and optional natural ventilation,’ she says. ‘Scientific research demonstrates health and wellbeing, and productivity benefits, can be linked to good indoor air quality.’

Pros of skylights

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

The main advantage of skylights are:

• Access to natural light. They let in more light than windows. Some research shows up to 40% more exposure to natural light. Sunlight can play a great role in lifting our spirits and making us feel happier. Natural light helps to keep our ‘circadian rhythms’ in check, which helps to regulate healthy sleep patterns.
• Better air quality. Skylights can provide homes with a pleasant indoor climate. This is thanks to maximising natural daylight and optional natural ventilation. Scientific research demonstrates health and well-being, and productivity benefits, can be linked to good indoor air quality.
• The feeling of space. The addition of a skylight introduces more light into a space, which in turn, can make your room look and feel bigger.
• Saving on energy costs. More natural light means less reliance on artificial, electric lighting. Sunlight can also help heat up a room. Cross ventilation from skylights and roof windows that open can also help cool them down. They have an air conditioning effect – both potentially cutting down your energy bills.
• Adding resale value to your home. It goes without saying but an attractive, bright and airy space is enticing to home buyers.
• Health benefits. Natural sunlight is a great source of Vitamin D, which is vital for maintaining a healthy metabolism, bones and muscles.

Skylight cons

There are, however, some potential drawbacks that are worth considering. Installing skylights can add to the length of a building project. This includes the ordering and delivery of the units themselves and then organising of installation. If not planned for and installed properly, you may find yourself facing problems.

The cons of installing skylights can include:

• Too much light. Knowing what a room will normally be used for might have a bearing on the positioning of a skylight. For example, direct light on a television could be a problem.
• Too much heat. Have a proper consultation beforehand to make sure the position of any skylight or roof window isn’t going to expose you to prolonged direct sunlight. This is especially important in the summer months.
• Breakage from falling objects. If there are trees surrounding your property, laminated glass could be a good option. In the even of a branch falling your roof or skylight won’t shatter.
• Leaks. Investing in poor quality equipment or having someone untrained do the installation can result in leaks. This’ll either let water in or heat out.

What frame options are there?

Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore

Once you’ve opted for a skylight there are a number of different frame options available. A variety of manufacturers offer uPVC, wood and aluminium capped frames. And with a wide choice of colour and particular design elements it’s possible to find a skylight or roof window that fits perfectly with the aesthetic and practical demands of your room.

‘Think about your internal environment and what matches your décor,’ says David from Sterlingbuild. ‘If you have white uPVC windows then a white finish roof window will match perfectly. In addition, depending on the room the window is being fitted in different finishes suit different needs. A PVC or polyurethene window is designed for high moisture areas. This is perfect for a kitchen or bathroom.’

What’s the cost of adding a skylight?

There are many different factors which will contribute to the cost of installing a skylight  in your property. Firstly, there are inexpensive skylight and rooflight options available. Basic rooflight units can be found at DIY outlets for £100 to £150.

Going bespoke, naturally, is more expensive and depending on your particular needs and specification. In terms of price at least, the sky’s the limit. When it comes to cost, David from Sterlingbuild explains: ‘It entirely depends on what you’re looking for, the scale of the project and your budget. Before looking to purchase a roof window you need to decide the type of roof window required and where it will be fitted.’

Installation costs must also be factored in. Going cheap either in terms of the skylight unit itself or the installation could end up costing you dearly in the long term. You might regret going for a cheap option if you have to replace a leaky poor quality skylight or make repairs resulting from poor installation.

What size of skylight do I need?

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

It might seem like a no-brainer – the bigger the skylight, the more light you get flooding a room. But when choosing the size of your skylight and its positioning you should consider the particular practicalities of the room and how it’s used.

Consider the style of your property, both inside and out. A modern, contemporary interior may benefit from large, expansive areas of glass. But what works for the modern home might look a little out of place in more traditional homes and interiors.

Are there standard size skylights?

Rooflights can come in all shapes and sizes,’ says David Mayo from Sterlingbuild. ‘Some come as standard or you can get a bespoke, made-to-measure fit depending on what you’re after. One of the key considerations is the right balance and spread of light. So in many occasions two smaller windows allow for better light distribution than one large window.’

What about bespoke?

‘Our roof lanterns are made to measure’ says James Upton, Managing Director at Westbury windows and joinery. ‘They can choose square, rectangle or octagonal for the lantern shape. If a customer is looking for an oversized roof lantern, we would usually advise to go for two smaller ones. Or we would need to include tie bars to help support the weight of the lantern.’

Do skylights make the room hotter?

With greater levels of light in a room comes increased levels of heat from the sun’s rays. Planning and the positioning of your roof light is key. This ensures you don’t end up with a room that is either too bright or too warm to comfortably spend any time in.

‘There are a few things you can think about to mitigate solar gain in the hotter months,’ says David of Sterlingbuild. ‘Internal and/or external blinds are the most pocket friendly option . You can choose roof windows that will open and close or have a ventilation flap. Or you can opt for a glazing that will reflect UV rays’.

Solar control glass is a special type of glazing that reflects the sun’s rays and limits the amount of heat skylights let into a room. As well as offering UV protection they can help reduce glare while maximising the amount of light.

Do I need planning permission for a skylight?

Image credit: Colin Poole

In most cases, the answer is no. David from Sterlingbuild explains: ‘Generally there isn’t a need to apply for planning permission, as long as the following limits and conditions are met and it is not part of an extension project.

• Any windows installed must protrude no more than 150mm above the existing roof plane
• No alteration can be higher than the highest part of roof or stand out above the roof ridge
• Side-facing windows are to consist of obscure glazing for privacy purposes and should not be openable unless 1.7m above the floor

There can be exceptions for listed building or conservation areas. It’s always best to check with your Local Planning Authority before starting any work.

Can I install a skylight in a conservation area?

Planning permission is always required if your building is listed,’ says James from Westbury. ‘Additionally, if you live in a conservation area or a location of outstanding natural beauty, you are required to obtain planning permission if you wish to change the appearance of your home’.

‘It can be done,’explains David from Sterlingbuild, ‘but it’s imperative you check with your local planning authority before carrying out any work. Especially if you live in a listed building with an Article 4 direction.’

Can you install a skylight yourself?

Many skylight and roof window manufacturers offer installation as well as “supply only” service. That is, the skylight or window unit is delivered and you make the arrangements to have it fitted.
Unless you are a particularly skilled DIY-er installing a rooflight yourself is not recommended. On the surface, what might seem like a fairly straightforward procedure could end up costing you a lot of money.

‘You can install a skylight yourself,’ says David from Sterlingbuild. ‘But we really would strongly advise against, unless it’s your profession. The risks and financial cost of getting it wrong far outweigh the costs involved to get a very good builder to install one, so it’s best to play it safe and leave it in the hands of an expert.’

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Fans of Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr on BBC1 would have been sad to wave goodbye to Rochelle Dalphinis and Abi Davis in a double eviction on Wednesday night’s episode.

Rochelle and Abi were paired up in week three to transform the common room of the Lundy Lions. They transformed the space with diagonal grey stripes, bright furniture, and a statement turf wall, however, it wasn’t enough to save them from the sofa.

Over the last few episodes, Abi and Rochelle have wowed us with the other contestants with what they’re able to achieve on a tight budget. Overhauling whole rooms, and even apartments in just 16 hours with smart budget decorating ideas.

Image credit: Interior Design Masters

Speaking to Ideal Home, Abi and Rochelle revealed that thrifting, second-hand buys, and upcycling furniture ideas were the key to them working with such a tight budget.

‘I’m such an avid charity shopper I believe that you should always go to charity shops before you go anywhere to buy anything,’ Abi told Ideal Home. ‘I think my keen eye for charity shopping got me through so I can spend more budget on wallpaper, more budget on things that were more expensive.’

Image credit: Interior Design Masters

Rochelle revealed that on episode 2, it was second-hand buys that got her through too. ‘In episode 2, I went to a lot of vintage yards, and bought a lot of stuff from there and from french chateau house clearances,’ she explains.

Making the most of secondhand buys is something that both designers apply to their own home design, not just on the show. Abi even has her own upcycling business flipping unloved pieces on her Etsy store Abi Ann Davis. ‘I think both of us it’s all about thrifting, and trying to get whatever we can for as cheap as possible and then give it a glow up and make people want it again,’ explains Abi.

‘The ethos that both of us agree on is that design is accessible for everybody,’ adds Rochelle. ‘It doesn’t matter how tight things are for you, there are ways you can create things that mean that you can have beautiful things. Interior design can be accessible, you just have to be clever about how you do it.’

Abi and Rochelle’s tips for shopping second-hand

So where should you start when sourcing second-hand? Both designers swear by Facebook Marketplace. ‘Even if you have to drive to Timbuktu and back you can get some great second-hand things on there,’ says Rochelle.

Image credit: Interior Design Masters

Before taking an item home though Abi recommends checking four things first. ‘Always check it has all the legs, you’d be surprised, sometimes they have wonky legs,’ she says. ‘Make sure that it’s actual wood that it’s not flatpack. Check for any woodworm, because if you take that back to your house – oh my god. Always just think when you see a piece think of it in your house and think about what color it could go. From there you’ll get the upcycling bug.’

‘What’s the worst that could happen, you spent £50 on a bit of furniture that you painted and you think it doesn’t look right you just sell it on, put it on Facebook market place and someone is going to buy it for £50 because they’ll go ‘I can do a better job of upcycling that’.

If you’re not ready to say goodbye to this season’s Thelma and Louise, you can find more interior design and thrifty shopping tips on the pair’s Instagram @abianndavis and @rochelle_dalphinis.

Is it just us hoping for a thrifty homes podcast from the pair?

The post Interior Design Masters’ Abi and Rochelle reveal their secret to sticking to a small renovating budget appeared first on Ideal Home.

Colour is a game changer. It’s proven that bright, cheery colours can have an uplifting effect, so when it comes to kitchen ideas, if you have a drab kitchen that is in need of a pick-me-up, then yellow is the perfect choice.

Yellow is instantly associated with sunshine. So for north-facing kitchens that are starved of natural light, adding sunny yellow will invigorate the space and bring a natural energy and warmth. But while yellow is a bold choice used wall-to-wall in a kitchen, adding just a pop of yellow can have a positive impact on kitchen space too. It helps to lift the mood and add a relaxed, sunny vibe.

Yellow kitchen ideas

‘The kitchen, often seen as the heart of the home, is the perfect space to use bolder colours, such as yellow, which will bring joy and create an energetic scheme,’ says Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene. ‘Yellow is a timeless and positive colour. It’s perfect for busy spaces that see a lot of activity such as a kitchen or hallway and can instantly lift the mood and atmosphere of the room.’

1. Add sunshine with a bold yellow splash back

Image credit: Future PLC/Fraser Marr

Large, open-plan kitchens can feel quite stark and empty without any additional colour to give the space focus. Painting all the walls yellow would be too overpowering in such a large space. Adding a sunny yellow splashback is the perfect compromise. It adds contrast colour and makes the prep space a focal point.

In a modern, high-gloss kitchen, glass, perspex or laminate splashbacks make a great alternative to tiles. The smooth, glossy finish is practical and easy to keep clean and splashbacks are available in a spectrum of colours. So you can pick the perfect shade to complement your kitchen.

2. Give tired kitchen cabinets a facelift

Image credit: Valspar

Bring tired kitchen cabinets back to their best by repainting them. Less costly than a full kitchen refit, if cabinets are sound (but you’re simply tired of the colour), painting them a bright, cheery shade is the perfect pick-me-up.

For a durable and long-lasting finish, don’t be tempted to cut corners. Always use a specialist cupboard or furniture paint that is designed specifically for kitchens and do your prep work first. Kitchen cabinets will need thorough cleaning and de-greasing and the surface primed before paint goes on.

3. Immerse your kitchen in yellow wall-to-wall

Image credit: Little Greene

For a warm, vibrant look that cocoons the entire kitchen in colour, paint walls, cabinets, woodwork and even the ceiling in the same sunny yellow shade.

‘Yellow is a wonderful shade that brings positivity to a space whether used all over, on all four walls and the ceiling, or as a colour highlight,’ says Ruth Mottershead. ‘The inherent brightness of yellow tones evoke joy and energy in the home. They are perfect for use in children’s rooms, nurseries and vibrant living areas like the kitchen.’

Panelled cupboards, nooks and crannies and beams create areas of light and shade in a one-colour scheme. Add an accent colour with bold black furniture, shelving and kitchenware, for contrast and definition.

4. Make the floor the focal point

Image credit: Carpetright

Introduce a bold, vibrant colour at floor level. This is a clever way of bringing in colour without it dominating the whole kitchen. An eye-catching mustard yellow vinyl flooring adds energy and warmth to a modern kitchen. Limiting its use to kitchen flooring ensures that the colour doesn’t overpower the unfussy aesthetic of the space.

Smooth vinyl or rubber is a practical choice of flooring for a modern kitchen. Warm and comfortable underfoot, it’s hardwearing and easy to keep clean and comes in a wide range of colour options to suit any scheme.

5. Focus on accent areas

Image credit: Future PLC/David Merewether

Yellow is such a bold, punchy colour that it can add instant impact even when used in small doses. Using spot colour is an easy way to highlight a decorative feature or favourite piece of furniture and will bring life to a plain kitchen or all-white space.

Try painting a larder unit, freestanding dresser or sideboard in a kitchen or dining area. Or simply paint the kitchen door and skirting in a standout colour to create a cheerful focal point. Add extra pops of colour around the room on tableware and kitchen accessories to tie the scheme together.

6. Add punch to a monochrome kitchen

Image credit: Benjamin Moore

Classic black and white is a winning colour combination that works in pretty much any style of kitchen, from modern to traditional. But lack of colour can sometimes make a monochrome scheme feel flat, so bring in a splash of sunny yellow to create a livelier vibe.

Adding an accent wall in a soft, buttery shade adds an instant injection of colour that brings a warm, sunny glow to plain white walls and cabinets. Paint a block or panel of colour on a kitchen wall for an easier and less-costly option than a tiled splashback. It can easily be repainted if you fancy a change later on.

7. Add calm with softer shades of yellow

Image credit: Future PLC/Dan Duchars

Yellow is a versatile colour that comes in many variations. If bold, sunny shades feel too intense, then take it down a notch and opt for calmer shades of pastel yellow for a softer, more muted effect.

Pale yellows vary from warm buttery shades to cool, fresh primrose and soft vanilla. Try pairing soft, pastel yellows with calm greys and white for a relaxed, restful scheme. Painting the walls of a sunny room in pale vanilla will give a warm and cosy feel in daylight and create a restful mood after dark.

8. Accessorise all areas

Image credit: Future PLC/David Merewether

The easiest way of introducing yellow into a kitchen colour scheme is by bringing in colourful fixtures, fittings and accessories to give a more subtle nod to the colour, rather than going for yellow wall-to-wall. But while a shot of colour can revitalise a space, be careful not to get too colour-heavy, less is always more when it comes to colourful accessories.

Kitchen stools are an easy way of adding a splash of sunny yellow into a scheme and the colour can be repeated in a few select accessories here and there – or use it on a more unexpected element, such as zingy yellow cables on pendant light fittings.

9. Add a flash of colour inside a display cabinet

Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore

Colourful wallpaper or yellow paintwork behind shelves or inside a display cabinet is a brilliant way of introducing an extra shot of colour into a kitchen scheme. Adding a lively colour or darker shade inside creates a contrast backdrop that will make crockery, glassware and display items pop against it. And using remnants of wallpaper or leftover paint samples will cost you nothing to put together.

10. Go for gold for a winning scheme

Image credit: Howdens

If you’re planning a kitchen re-fit and considering a new colour scheme, then kitchen cabinets in a mellow golden yellow are the perfect way of bringing warmth to north-facing spaces that can sometimes feel quite cold and chilly.

Muted yellows have an earthier tone than bright accent yellows or soft pastel tones. Variations range from golden yellow, mustard and ochre to paler maize and straw tones, that feel warm and easy to live with and sit well with natural timber, stone and warm-toned metallics.

11. Create a colourful kitchen display

Image credit: Future PLC/Dan Duchars

Extend a sunny colour scheme to a kitchen-diner area with a hand-decorated shelving unit in a mix of cheery yellow wallpapers and prints. A display area is the perfect opportunity to work extra colour and pattern into a plain white kitchen and makes useful extra storage for crockery and glassware as well as freeing up crowded cabinets.

Turn a standard off-the-peg shelving unit into a thing of beauty with just a couple of rolls of wallpaper. This is an easy DIY project for a weekend. Select assorted designs in co-ordinating colours and paper the back panels of cubby-holes leaving a couple plain here and there. Then simply fill with your favourite pieces.

12. Bring a burst of sunshine

Image credit: Blinds2go

Adding a vibrant splash of colour at a kitchen window is an easy revamp that will have instant impact in a small kitchen or neutral scheme. A simple roller blind will add a large swathe of colour that will give the room a golden glow. Roller blinds are a practical choice in a kitchen as they are unfussy, easy to keep clean and a safe choice near hobs and sinks.

Is yellow a good colour for a kitchen?

Yellow is a warm and welcoming colour that can work in any room. For kitchens that don’t get much natural light and feel on the chilly side, yellow is a great choice as it will add instant warmth and energy. A good choice for small kitchens too, yellow will infuse a small kitchen with brightness and help open up the space to make it feel bigger.

If an all-yellow kitchen is too bold a choice, introducing yellow in smaller doses is an easy way around it. Consider a two tone kitchen, with base units in yellow and top units in white. Having yellow at the bottom will help to ground the scheme, with white cabinets at the top reducing the intensity of the yellow and making the kitchen feel lighter and loftier. Alternatively, painting a kitchen island yellow is another way of brightening up a plain kitchen with a shot of sunny yellow.

What colour goes with yellow in a kitchen?

Yellow makes a great partner for all kinds of colours. Neutrals are natural bedfellows for bold shades of yellow, with easy-going taupes and oatmeals, or darker walnut and chocolate brown making a smart partnership.

Yellow and grey is another colour combination that has become increasingly popular and works well in a kitchen set-up. Grey acts as a calming neutral to yellow’s brightness, whether teaming mustard yellow walls against soft grey cabinets or vice versa. Black and white is another colour pairing that can be energised by a splash of yellow, whether on fixtures, fittings, accessories, or even just a vase filled with sunny yellow flowers.

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