COME NOVEMBER, as the sun retreats earlier each day and afternoons loom gloomy even when it’s not raining, any home is destined to feel a bit sun-starved. Because daylight isn’t available on-demand, we’ve asked interior designers for decorating tweaks to maximize natural light—without compromising privacy or physical warmth. Though we associate winter with dark textiles and woody walls, if sunlight is a priority, keep your palette light. This strategy “can be applied to prominent pieces such as a sofa, dining table, area rug and artwork,” she said. Also brightening: Lucite furniture and pieces with lighter, leggier silhouettes, preferably painted in a glossy finish.

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