Interior design for sunrooms is no longer just a Florida topic. Sunrooms – or garden rooms – are an increasingly popular addition to homes all around the country. Such rooms add a cheerful touch to any style house. Whether you are building a new addition or converting an existing room, here are a couple of things to keep in mind while designing your sunroom:
Common Sunroom Design Elements
Sunrooms are as individual as the people who design them, but a few elements are common to all such rooms. They are light-filled, are casual, and include real or synthetic plants.
- Plants – The focus of many a sunroom, silk, dried, and real plants are an ideal way to give a sunroom a cozy feel. Besides, the light-filled room is an ideal place for houseplants to thrive.
- Lighting – Good lighting – both natural and artificial – is essential in a sunroom. The standard design wisdom of having three sources of light is especially appropriate here. Consider lamps, offset lighting or spots, and even candles for a romantic glow.
- Windows – Ample windows are also important in interior design for sunrooms, for light and to open during the warmer months. If your space doesn’t have a lot of windows, add to the look by hanging window frames with mirrors behind them. They will make the existing light go farther as well as make the room seem larger. If you are constructing a new room, consider adding one or more skylights for even more light.
- Flooring – Flooring in a sunroom can be tile square, usually in a rough, Tuscan or terra cotta style, or rugs made of natural fibers, such as sisal.
Bringing the Outdoors In
The goal of a successful sunroom is to give the feel of the outdoors, even in the middle of winter and to be a welcoming oasis to read and reflect. To achieve this, consider the following elements:
- Furnishings – Furniture in a sunroom is generally light wood, painted wood, or white rattan. Colorful, floral print cushions are often added. Furniture may also include garden accents, such as an antique planting station, used as a desk or bookcase, or a table made from a ceramic planter topped with glass. Sunroom furniture is generally more casual than that found in a living room or parlor and is designed for comfort.
- Accessories – Sunroom accessories, too, reflect the outdoors. “Cottage chic” and antique garden implements, such as old watering cans turned into planters or decorative clay pots, make ideal accent pieces in interior design for sunrooms. Mirrors to reflect the sunshine and make the room seem larger are another popular accessory. Artwork, also can reflect the outdoors. Photographs, either taken yourself or purchased, of plants and flowers are fitting additions.