Kim Myles: Life, Style and Design

Interior design maven and host of HGTV’s “Myles of Style,” Kim Myles, will answer a question submitted from an ESSENCE.com reader every day. Kim believes that interior design should offer a lifestyle that’s chic, vibrant and attainable for every homeowner or renter. “My goal is to offer simple solutions that help the average person achieve the look that they want without going into debt. There is absolutely no reason for great design to be overly expensive or exclusive,” she declares. Today’s topic: Lack of Light Making Us Sleepy My husband and I just moved into an apartment that does not have the best lighting situation. It has started to affect me, as I feel more tired when I am home and seem to become a couch potato instead of my usual self. The two of us just realized it is because we don’t have the best window situation and our home is like a basement. What can we do, without breaking the bank, to bring about some more “light” to our happy but sleepy home? KIM MYLES: Ah, the power of light! It really has a huge influence on mood (Seasonal Affective Disorder is proof), as well as the vibe of your home. Luckily, it’s one of the simplest things to fix inexpensively. I suggest adding 3 light sources (overhead is assumed) to the room you spend the most time in – let’s say your living room. Two table lamps and a floor lamp with 60watt bulbs apiece will have an amazing impact, and places like Ikea, Target, Lowe’s and HomeGoods all offer a great selection of stylish options that won’t set your wallet back. Read more:

• Kim Myles: Before and After
• “Myles of Style” Makeovers

Need help selecting furniture for your space? Have a disagreement with your spouse on a color to paint your walls? Toddlers making your home look like a storm rolled through it and need help adjusting for their mess? Send your design question to webmaster@essence-online.com. Please keep the questions brief and as detailed as possible. Remember, the more information you offer, the more Kim will be able to help!