Let In the Natural Light
The whole point of a sunroom is to let in the light. While sunrooms first appeared in homes in the 17th century, as technology has made it easier to install large windows, they have become more and more popular. With all of the advancements in window quality, it is now possible to have an energy-friendly home, and large windows. But when it is time to cover the panes, choose blinds made of natural elements like bamboo.
Another way to let the light into the room is through the use of French doors that open onto a deck, brick patio, or into a lush garden.
Stay Away from Synthetics
Science has proven we need light to be healthy and feel good, so make your sunroom one of the happiest rooms in your home with the use of comfortable furniture covered in natural fabrics like linen. Lots of brightly covered throw pillows are great accents to use with neutral base colors like gray or navy.
Mid-century modern pieces are perfect to use in sunrooms because of the strong use of soft rounded wood. The key here is to use furniture made from unpainted wood, no matter the era of their making.
While some designers nix the use of wicker in a sunroom, current design is all about reflecting the homeowner’s style. So, if you love wicker, go for it. A fun substitute would be a bamboo chair or settee.
Flooring Sets the Tone
Wood-look porcelain tile, painted cement, high quality vinyl planks, or natural wood are all strong bases upon which to build the look and feel of a sunroom. They are easy clean options that add style and quality to the room. Throw down a modern geometric patterned area rug or a sisal rug layered over with smaller rugs to break up the space and to add texture.
A new trend is to use either hexagonal tiles or painted tiles, like those found in Spanish villas by the sea. These become statement floors that make the room feel just a bit exotic.
City Tile in Murfreesboro has a new collection of statement tiles in their showroom just waiting to inspire a sunroom update.
Make it Your Oasis
Accent the room with lush green plants that enhance the quality of the air, and are mostly impossible to kill. According to thisoldhouse.com there are a number of plants that they recommend you keep as many of as you can take care of in rooms with heavy traffic. These plants include: English Ivy, Peace Lily, Lady Palm, Boston Fern, Snake Plant, Golden Pothos, Wax Begonia, Red Edged Dracaena, and Spider Plant.
Mother Nature Network suggests a few others: Aloe Vera, Gerber Daisy, Chrysanthemum, Weeping Fig/Ficus, Azalea, Warneck Dracaena, Chinese Evergreen, Bamboo Palm, Heart Leaf Philodendron.
When choosing plants, be careful. Some, like Peace Lily, are poisonous to animals. Make sure you keep any of these far from beloved pets, or out of the house completely. A list of plants poisonous to pets is available at aspca.com.
Sunrooms are frequently the most popular room in the house. They are the gateway to the outdoors in the summer, and they can be a great private reading nook or technology get away in the cooler months.
