Lighting Tips for Character Homes in Central Hawke’s Bay

Central Hawke’s Bay is home to many beautiful heritage villas, farm cottages and bungalows — each with timeless charm and plenty of personality. But these older homes often share a common drawback: dark interiors caused by small windows, deep hallways and wide verandas that block natural light. If you live in Waipukurau, Waipawa or nearby, these simple lighting tips — including adding sun tubes — can help you enjoy a brighter, more inviting home without losing its character.

1) Use Light Colours and Finishes

One of the easiest ways to amplify whatever daylight your home does receive is to choose:

• Light, neutral paint colours for walls and ceilings.
• Soft, warm-toned white for trims and window frames.
• Reflective or satin finishes instead of heavy matte where appropriate.

This helps bounce daylight deeper into rooms and makes spaces feel more open.

2) Place Mirrors Strategically

Mirrors do wonders for older layouts:

• Position a mirror opposite or adjacent to windows or internal doorways.
• Use mirrors at the end of narrow hallways to reflect light back.
• Try mirrored splashbacks in kitchens for an extra boost of brightness.

3) Open Up Doorways and Archways

When renovating, consider widening doorways or adding archways between rooms:

• This allows light to flow more freely.
• It connects living spaces while preserving period details.
• Even partial openings between a hallway and lounge can make a big difference.

4) Add Sun Tubes for Natural Daylight Where Windows Can’t Go

For many older Central Hawke’s Bay homes, adding more windows may not be practical due to thick walls or heritage restrictions. Sun tubes offer a smart, low-impact way to bring daylight into darker areas without major alterations.

Why sun tubes work well:

• Ideal for central hallways, bathrooms, pantries and laundries.
• Compact and discreet, preserving the home’s character.
• Quick to install and require no ongoing energy.

Illustrative Example Only:

A Waipukurau villa owner installed sun tubes in a long hallway and a windowless bathroom. The result? Bright, airy spaces that feel welcoming all day, while maintaining the villa’s original features.

5) Use Layered Lighting for Evening Comfort

Even with good daylighting, older homes benefit from well-planned evening lighting:

• Combine ambient lighting (ceiling fixtures) with task lighting (reading lamps, pendant lights).
• Use warm LED bulbs that complement traditional fittings.
• Add dimmers for flexibility and mood control.

Brighten Your Character Home, Naturally

Central Hawke’s Bay’s heritage homes deserve to feel as warm and light-filled as possible. With clever decorating, a few structural tweaks and well-placed sun tubes, you can enjoy bright, healthy living spaces that stay true to your home’s classic style.

Curious how sun tubes could work in your home?

Get your free sun tube quote here and bring beautiful daylight to your character home, naturally.