# Interior decorating advice needed

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-decorating-advice-needed/371118>\
**Category:** Cafe Society\
**Created:** [September 1, 2006, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-decorating-advice-needed/371118 "2006-09-01T20:33:38Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![JillGat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9fc29f/32.png) [@JillGat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JillGat)\
**Post date:** [September 1, 2006, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-decorating-advice-needed/371118/1 "2006-09-01T20:33:38Z")

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Our bedroom has a window, but there’s a large covered patio outside, so we have almost no natural light in there. At some point, we’ll probably put a skylight in, but can’t afford it right now. It feels like a cave. What are some ideas for making it more comfy/attractive?

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**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\
**Post date:** [September 1, 2006, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-decorating-advice-needed/371118/2 "2006-09-01T20:45:02Z")

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I’d go with light paint…maybe a green or sand color. And I’d go with light gauzy curtains. Lightweight fabrics, maybe a few bold accessories in complementary colors. I’d also try to minimize the knick-knack action. Good luck!

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**Author:** ![Antinor01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecae2f/32.png) [@Antinor01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antinor01)\
**Post date:** [September 1, 2006, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-decorating-advice-needed/371118/3 "2006-09-01T20:48:49Z")

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1. Mirrors can be good for giving the illusion of more space, as well as reflect any light that there is.
2. Decorate with light or brighter colors, white, pastels etc. It opens up the room.
3. Some plants that don’t require direct light can be nice too.
4. Try to eliminate any unneeded furniture, leave more open space.

A combo of those should be helpful, feel free to ask if you want more ideas.

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**Author:** ![JillGat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9fc29f/32.png) [@JillGat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JillGat)\
**Post date:** [September 2, 2006, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-decorating-advice-needed/371118/4 "2006-09-02T01:22:27Z")

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I did paint one wall a light, mint green and the other wall is white. It sounds like you are saying I should pick up all the laundry on the floor, but I’m not sure I’m ready to do anything that drastic.

I’ve heard of these skylights that use a small tube and reflect more light into the room. That sounds good. I’d like to get rid of the big chest of drawers, but then it would just be even more clothes on the floor. I also think the carpet needs to go.

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**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\
**Post date:** [September 2, 2006, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interior-decorating-advice-needed/371118/5 "2006-09-02T16:15:12Z")

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> [@JillGat](#):
>
> I did paint one wall a light, mint green and the other wall is white. It sounds like you are saying I should pick up all the laundry on the floor, but I’m not sure I’m ready to do anything that drastic.
> 
> I’ve heard of these skylights that use a small tube and reflect more light into the room. That sounds good. I’d like to get rid of the big chest of drawers, but then it would just be even more clothes on the floor. I also think the carpet needs to go.

Good lord, NO! The laundry adds texture and interest!