If it seems like no matter what you do, you just can’t seem to make your space feel lighter and brighter, there are a few steps you can take to illuminate both your interior and exterior—and up the value of your home in the process.

Mirror, mirror
The power of reflection can make all the difference in a home that gets very minimal sunlight throughout the day. Identify the areas where light peeks through, and place mirrors on an opposite wall so the light can bounce around the room. You might think this tactic would create an annoying distraction,  but you’d be surprised at the maximum amount of brightness you can generate. And don’t just stop at one. Mirrors can add a touch of elegance and charm to any room, so experiment with a gallery wall of mirrors or one large piece over furniture to really make a statement.

Shine a light
When it comes to brightening up the outside of your home, it doesn’t take that much effort. Sometimes a single light is all you need! Do you have a tree in your yard that stands out? Try placing a spotlight behind it to illuminate and make it stand out even further. Spotlights also look wonderful when thoughtfully-placed in the front of a home to give your space a charming glow that adds instant curb appeal. However, if you aren’t a fan of the spotlight approach, lining walkways with ground lights (you can even get solar-powered ones to save energy) will also do the trick.

Bigger is better
Even if you aren’t a fan of huge, crystal chandeliers—or you don’t want to dish out the time and money to install them—your space could likely benefit from a few carefully placed light fixtures. The majority of homes are actually significantly under-lit, so installing larger lights or adding light to areas that feel particularly dark can make a huge difference. Also, be wary of how long your bulbs are intended to last. Even if a bulb hasn’t burned out completely, it will fade over time. If your fixtures are all full of dull bulbs, they might as well not be turned on at all.

Throw away the shade
If your design scheme leans toward darker, richer colors but you’re tired of living in darkness, it might be time to reevaluate. This is not to say you have to completely throw away your personal style, but room darkening shades and deep paint colors could be part of the problem. Swap out these shades for breezy linens and brighter hues that are guaranteed to reflect the light coming in, not absorb it. Believe it or not, this shift can make your home look brighter from the outside, too.