Design with daylight with ELLE Decoration

ELLE Decoration International is a leading voice in design and lifestyle and celebrates creativity and innovation in interiors. Monique van der Reijden, Creative Director of ELLE Decoration Netherlands, is particularly passionate about the role daylight plays in shaping our modern living spaces.

In collaboration with VELUX, ELLE Decoration gathered eight international design talents for a special event in Amsterdam, where they engaged in a thought-provoking conversation about the transformative role of daylight and roof windows in our living spaces.

Hosted at the striking Factory House, designed by Inez Kuiper, this exceptional residence—featuring VELUX roof windows—provided the perfect backdrop to explore how natural light enhances design, well-being, and connection to nature.

Daylight plays a crucial role in supporting our health and happiness. Research shows that exposure to natural light can elevate mood, boost productivity and help regulate our sleep patterns¹.

As the days grow shorter, many of us become more susceptible to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression most common in autumn and winter. Symptoms include low mood, fatigue, lack of interest in daily activities, oversleeping and weight gain, often caused by a lack of daylight.

For Daphne Dorgelo, journalist and editor at ELLE Belgium, the role of daylight is vital: “Daylight is a basic need. It immediately gives a feel-good effect. As someone that prioritizes a healthy lifestyle, fresh air and daylight are essential.”

“With daylight I feel more focused and more present” confirms architect Katharina Buseinus. “The need of fresh air is crucial and boosts my creativity ” echoes Italian designer Tommaso Spinzi, when asked about the role of daylight in his daily work.

Given that we spend around 90% of our time indoors, it’s essential that we design our homes to maximise the amount of natural light coming in. By thinking carefully about how we can better integrate daylight into our living spaces, we can make them feel bigger and brighter, creating beautiful, uplifting environments that boost our well-being.

1. More daylight – a pure source of energy
2. Fresh air – essential for mood and vitality
3. Connection with nature – vital for well-being

“The soft filtered daylight that comes through roof windows creates the perfect space for reflection and creativity” notes Katharina.

In autumn, the effect is particularly striking: as the sun sits lower in the sky, daylight becomes more dramatic and expressive, casting warm tones and theatrical shadows throughout the home. For interior designer Hollie Bowden, this shift is part of the seasonal charm, it gives us a chance to really appreciate how light moves through a room.

Daphne Dorgelo enjoys watching the trees change colour from the comfort of her home, while for Laetitia Renevier, roof windows offer more than just illumination: they provide a daily connection to the outdoors, gently bridging the gap between the inside and the outside.

Beyond aesthetics, VELUX solutions contribute to a more comfortable indoor environment. On cold, sunny days, south-facing roof windows allow sunlight to provide passive heating, helping to reduce heating costs.

By increasing natural light, they also help cut down our use of artificial lighting by up to 20%². And, strategically placed roof windows encourage natural ventilation, allowing fresh air to circulate and removing stale air.

Smart solutions, such as VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO, automatically monitor and adjust the air quality and temperature in your home, ensuring optimal conditions all year round. By reducing humidity and stale air, they help maintain a fresh and inviting living space.

To further enhance comfort and efficiency, consider blackout shutters , which provide insulation, reduce heat loss, block out unwanted light and help manage seasonal temperature changes — lowering energy bills in the process.

If you’re considering transforming your home with roof windows, VELUX Design Advisory Services  are here to help. Receive expert guidance to find the best daylight solution for your needs.