Luciana, I have looked at your photos carefully, and I don't feel you will get away with the Velux window. It will probably have to go. Looking at your build pictures, the entire room is in the roof slope so you don't have much chance of bringing light through the slope side.In your build pictures, I notice you divided the space into two rooms. What is on the other side? You have a tall wall on the shower. Perhaps you could install a tall window (transom) that allows light through from the other room. It won't be a view but it will afford some natural light. Question is, is it worth it?Another solution I have done for a client is to install a full window (we wanted to do it with a switch that turns it from transparent to opaque but it was so pricey). Hold this in mind for the future: http://www.gizmag.com/sonte-film/27780/Thank you for your kind words about my Berlin wall. We are still in battle but at least we are on an official level through a judicial system with the commune backing us! So, fingers crossed.Antoinette

I don't mind the current colours although a greys and beiges tend to suck light out of a room, a brighter colour rather than just white will help. I agree with much of what Jill says above, with a few tweaks ... the lighting needs attention. The room needs some interest, colour and texture to create depth. Get a larger rug, more colourful, with organic pattern which draws the eye outward. Big enough to sit the furniture on. Pick up some of the colours from the new rug and get some cushions. A couple of plants would help with texture and add life to the room. I know you are using the mirrors to add light and space but the one under the stairs is just reflecting the underneath of the stairs ... try a colourful print of a pathway between trees for example, to draw the eye beyond the room otherwise it's a bit bland. The TV is just on a stand that is too small and a bit low, go for a wider piece or try positioning the unit against the other wall in that same corner so it is facing the sofas, then the TV won't look so out of balance. If you make the room a bit livelier and interesting the light issue won't be such a problem. Consider pale turquoise walls for example rather than just white and add some artwork.

Hi ianthy Bulb no. 1 is a halogen lamp and bulb no. 2 is an LED lamp. LED lamps require much less energy to run compared with halogen bulbs, are more eco friendly and last much longer. Average life of bulb no. 1 is around 3,000 hours compared with the LED bulb no. 2 which has an average life of 35,000 hours. However, as you have discovered, LEDs are more expensive at the outset. Depending on how many you need for your project and if budget will allow, I would recommend going for the LEDs as you'll make your money back over time by saving on energy bills. Some say halogen lamps look better and have a more attractive light but LEDs have come a long way and I think they're now very similar. Just check what type of light you're getting. Cool white is quite bright and blueish while warm white will have a slightly golden hint. Hope this helps! Jennifer

Hi there, I was looking for some advice about how to restore a light fitting in my house (please see pic). I think this is the original from when the house was built around 1910. The metal is very badly tarnished and I think the colour has bled from glass parts. Any advice greatly appreciated!