DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: The house I grew up in was surrounded by a lot of trees. Even with all the curtains fully opened, the house always felt dark and chilly, which wasn’t a bad thing in the hot months, but never felt good to me when it was cold outside.
I remember often feeling bluesy, and looking back I can see how not enough natural light probably was felt by the rest of my family too, especially as seen in my mother’s bouts of mild depression.
So, for all my adult life, living in a bright and sunny home has been a big deal. The house I raised my daughters in was filled with natural light. I believe it’s best for your mood, especially based on observations of how my own emotional state is boosted by it.
My younger daughter and her husband just bought their first home. It is a center townhome, which faces north and south, so they get some nice northern exposure light, and a brief blast of southern light once a day. But instead of making the most of those light features, my daughter and her husband have put up plantation blinds, which they keep closed 24/7.
When I visit I tease them that they must be vampires. But beyond the joking, I have some deeper concerns.
If all goes well, they will have their first child later this summer, and I think it will be a shame if my grandchild grows up in a home as dark as the one I grew up in.
My daughter is usually open to listening to my suggestions, but since they are just starting out as homeowners, do you think I should say something to her about how much a too dark house can affect your mood, or do I just let them figure it out by themselves? --- PERSONALLY NEED THE LIGHT
DEAR PERSONALLY NEED THE LIGHT: There may be a reason your daughter and son-in-law choose to keep their windows fully covered. For instance, they could feel it’s more private or secure, or it provides the atmosphere they enjoy. Whatever the reason, it’s how they’ve decided to set up their home, and it makes sense to me that you respect their preferences.
If at some point in the future, you notice changes to your daughter’s or her husband’s mood, you might consider relating something of your personal experiences with the benefit of natural light in a home. But for now, I think the best course is to let them enjoy their new home as they’ve established it.