Let the Light Shine In

I love walking into a space that, during the day, just doesn’t need artificial light. A space that has plentiful windows, a space that makes you feel the outdoors even when you are in. There really is a delightful feeling when you can sense the comfort and protection of being indoors while experiencing the aliveness that is nature.

One of those spaces is the sun room designed by Williams & Sherrill for the 2010 Richmond Symphony Designer House. The décor and materiality of the space evoke a whimsical beauty and the river views speak magnificence, but it is the lighting in the space just transports you to another place.

Each and every wall is windows…big picture windows overlooking the lawns and river as well as a wall of French doors to the patio and into the foyer and dining room. Transom windows are placed over each set of French doors allowing light to spill into the sun room from outside while letting the light of the sun room escape  into other areas of the house. The designers refrained from using heavy window treatments, just gauzy sheet panels that flank the windows and are center-gathered on the doors.

Awnings are used on the large picture windows to shield the sun room from the harsh light and heat of summer. The room’s skylights have been covered in silver leaf, but do not detract at all…there is more than enough natural light already entering the room.

There is very little artificial light in the room. There are lamps placed on the dining table, desk and side tables that can act as task lighting, but to me, appear more as accent lighting. From the ceiling hang two white decorative chandeliers that operate as ambient light in the evening.

On a sunny day this room is brilliant. But even on a dreary day, this room is pretty magical which is what speaks the loudest of all.

Photos by John Magor and Williams & Sherrill.