Here’s a great way to create texture and interest around your rooms without adding things that are textured or… interesting: Turn on the lights. Okay, maybe we’re oversimplifying things a bit.

Let’s go back a little. There was a corner in our living room that was missing “something”. There was a cushy chair and a plant, but the wall behind it was plain. There wasn’t enough room to do anything funky, so we just grabbed a small spot lamp, and placed it on the floor in front of the plant and aimed its beam through the leaves towards the wall. The wall literally came to life with a gorgeous interplay of light and shadow, with colors ranging from pure white and soft shades of green to deep slate.

Who knew shadows could be so useful? We were so excited about the instant makeover potential of well placed lights and shadows that we decided to get creative and test it out in other places around the house. The west-facing windowsill in our kitchen is now lined with empty antique mason jars to catch and filter the late afternoon light. Candles beside a staggered stack of books on an end table create flickering shapes along the floor. A large hanging plant in front of the dining room window now provides shade, privacy, and cool leafy patterns on the table.

Our favorite idea involved placing twigs from the yard behind various lampshades around the house. When you turn on the lights the abstract shapes shine through and onto the walls. We even tested out different light intensities to create different moods. A dim bulb made soft billowy shadows, and a bright light produced crisp ones with well-defined edges.

This clutter free way of decorating is inexpensive and the possibilities are endless, so before we get carried away with ourselves, tell us how you are using light and shadow around your home to decorate. Send an email with your bright ideas and suggestions.