I’m thrilled to partner with VELUX to bring more natural light into the room where we spend the most time—the kitchen. Below I share our experience installing kitchen skylights, how the VELUX products work, and why they transformed both the look and function of our home.
When we were house hunting in March 2018, our priority was a large, bright kitchen and an open floor plan. After searching around Minneapolis we found a house that fit almost everything on our list—except the kitchen, which faced the back of the house and was shaded by large trees. The space was big and functional, but lacked the natural light I wanted. We bought the house knowing our one condition: add real natural light to the kitchen. For us, skylights were the most practical solution.
VELUX Skylights
I began researching skylights as soon as we moved in. Removing trees or knocking down walls weren’t options, so bringing light in from above made the most sense. I was initially cautious—I’ve heard concerns about leaks and aesthetics—but VELUX skylights proved to be an excellent fit for our needs.
The VELUX team provided a helpful consultation, recommended the right products for our roof and kitchen layout, and explained the installation process. The work was finished quickly, and I was even able to collaborate with the installers to add custom shiplap around the skylight openings to match the ship-lap on our fireplace, creating a cohesive look.
VELUX No Leak Solar Powered Fresh Air Skylights
We installed three No Leak Solar Powered Fresh Air Skylights in our kitchen and could not be happier. They integrate with a smartphone app so you can control light, ventilation, and blinds from your phone. These are the features that stood out to me:
- Solar-powered operation: The skylights run on solar power and need no hardwiring. Even on cloudy days the solar panels continue charging, and they are eligible for a federal tax credit in many cases.
- Abundant natural light and ventilation: Because these are venting skylights, they bring in a lot of daylight and can also open to let fresh air circulate. Built-in screens keep insects out when the vents are open.
- Motorized blinds and remote control: The skylights and their blinds can be operated with a remote or through the VELUX app, giving you precise control over the amount of light and privacy.
- Automatic rain protection: A rain sensor automatically closes the skylights if it begins to rain, so you don’t have to worry about leaving them open.
- No-leak assurance and warranty: VELUX offers a No Leak promise along with a warranty on product and installation.
- Professional installation: A certified VELUX installer completed the job in just a few days, so we didn’t have to manage the installation ourselves.
VELUX ACTIVE System
One of my favorite additions is the VELUX ACTIVE system. It uses sensors to monitor indoor temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels and then automatically opens or closes skylights and blinds to improve air quality and comfort. The automation runs in the background, but I still have full manual control through the app whenever I want to override settings. The rain sensor also adds peace of mind by closing the skylights when precipitation is detected.
Natural Light + Food Photography
As someone who shoots food photography at home using natural light, the skylights were a game changer. We had one large south-facing window that provided good light on our countertop, but we needed a second light source to balance exposures. The skylights fill the kitchen with soft, even daylight and, with motorized blinds, I can fine-tune the light level and diffusion for every shoot. On bright midday shoots I lower the blinds to diffuse harsh light, giving me consistent, flattering illumination—like having a small studio built right into the house.
Minnesota weather can be unpredictable, and daylight hours are short in winter. The added skylights brighten our days and make morning coffee and cooking feel much more pleasant. Previously, the kitchen only saw direct sun in the late evening; now it’s bright throughout the day.
If you have an older home or limited options for adding windows, skylights are a practical way to bring daylight into rooms without major renovations. They work especially well when trees or neighboring structures limit wall-window placement. I’m happy to answer questions about our installation—leave a comment if you’re considering skylights for your home. We also have another VELUX project coming up that will show additional ways skylights can enhance a space.
This post is sponsored by VELUX. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting Fit Foodie Finds.