Designing with Daylight: Maximizing Natural Light in Central Oregon Homes

One of the first things I notice when I walk into a space—before color, before furnishings—is the light. And here in Bend, we get the best kind of challenge: that high desert sunlight that streams in golden at sunrise, then shifts into bright white by midday. Some rooms soak it in; others seem to hide from it. I’ve learned to work with all of it.

I love designing with daylight in mind. Not just for aesthetics, but for the way natural light can shape how a space feels—energizing in the morning, warm and cozy in the evening, calming as it moves across the walls during the day.

So whether you’re dealing with a sun-drenched great room or a north-facing bedroom that always feels a bit dim, here are some of the ways I maximize natural light in my Central Oregon projects—and my own home too.

I always start with the windows.
I try to avoid covering windows unless it’s truly necessary. And when it is, I use window treatments that enhance the light, not block it. Think soft linen drapes, light-filtering shades, or my personal favorite: woven wood blinds. They add texture while still letting the light play through. In rooms with larger windows, I’ll mount drapery rods wider and higher than the actual frame—it makes the windows feel grander and lets in more light when the curtains are pulled back.

I use mirrors strategically.
A well-placed mirror can completely change the energy of a space. I often hang them across from a window or adjacent to one to bounce the daylight deeper into the room. Even in a darker hallway or entry, a mirror can help bring in light from nearby spaces. I’m not afraid to go oversized here—it’s functional and dramatic. And if I can layer in a mirror with a lovely frame that ties into the rest of the space? Even better.

I keep layouts open—but not empty.
Open-concept living is common in newer Bend homes, but I like to strike a balance. Too much openness can feel stark if the lighting isn’t quite right. So I float furniture in a way that doesn’t block light flow, and I pay attention to where the shadows fall during the day. I’ll sometimes swap a solid piece for one with legs or open shelving—furniture that breathes lets the light move freely.

I consider every surface.
Paint, flooring, even countertops can all affect how light moves in a space. In darker rooms, I lean into warmer whites or very soft taupes that reflect light without feeling cold. And I always check how a paint color looks throughout the day—because Bend light changes everything. A cool white that looks clean in the morning might feel icy at sunset.

I bring in natural materials that glow.
Light loves texture. I use a lot of matte wood, woven baskets, and ceramic finishes that catch the sun differently throughout the day. It creates a kind of quiet movement that’s not always noticeable at first—but makes a space feel alive.

In a place like Central Oregon, where the light can shift from crystal-clear to moody in a single afternoon, working with daylight instead of against it makes all the difference. I find myself constantly tweaking—opening a curtain wider, swapping in a sheer shade, shifting a chair two feet to the left to catch that late-day sunbeam. It’s part of the rhythm of living here.

If you’re thinking about refreshing a room—or building something new—start with the light. I promise, it’ll guide everything else.

— Suzanne