Natural Light Is Money in Disguise: How Lighting Impacts Value, Mood & ROI | #14

Natural light is one of the most overlooked—and most powerful—design investments you can make. It affects how a space looks, how it feels, and how much value people assign to it, often without even realizing why.

In this episode of Return On Design, Rachel Niederhofer breaks down why natural light is more than an aesthetic preference—it's a strategic tool that drives perceived space, emotional connection, and real return on investment.

From paint colors that never look right to rooms that feel dark, dated, or cramped, Rachel explains how lighting problems are often misdiagnosed—and why windows, placement, and obstruction are usually the real culprits.

You'll learn:

• Why natural light can instantly make a space feel larger and more valuable.
• How poor lighting sabotages paint colors, finishes, and furniture choices.
• When upgrading windows delivers a higher ROI than insulation or cosmetic fixes.
• How furniture placement, window treatments, and mirrors can either block or amplify light.
• Why buyers and renters emotionally respond to bright, airy spaces—and pay more for them.
• How to evaluate whether your lighting issue is structural, functional, or design-related.

Rachel also shares real-world examples from flips and client projects, showing how maximizing existing light—or strategically upgrading it—can completely transform a space without overdesigning or overspending.

If your home feels dark, dated, or "off" and you can't quite figure out why, this episode will help you zoom out, reassess the fundamentals, and unlock one of the most valuable design assets you already have.

👉 Follow Return On Design for more episodes that help you see design decisions differently—and turn overlooked details into real return.