Letting the sunshine in
Sunrooms are a great way to extend your living space. Aside from adding a light, airy space to your home, it can also be a hub for social interaction with family and friends.
Sunrooms can have a variety of uses – it can be an extension of your dining or living room, a study or work area, a recreation room, or even a place to do yoga and meditation.
Whatever the purpose you have in mind, this home space can definitely brings in benefits. Aside from adding to the overall aesthetics of your house, it can also contribute to its resale value in case you put your property up for sale.
With proper planning, you can certainly create the perfect sun lounge for you and your loved ones. Before you embark on your home improvement journey, however, bear in mind these helpful tips:
1. Climate
Consider the climate where you live. Also think of how you would want to use your sunroom.
- Do you live in areas with long winters?
- Would you want it available for use throughout the year?
Determining when you want to utilize the space will guide you to make the correct decision on the design and construction.
The environment that you live in will influence the kind of materials, fittings, and accoutrements you will need to create this area. If you live in the tropics, you might want to maximize the amount of sunlight and opt for floor to ceiling windows and mesh screens. If you live in colder climes, you can plan for indoor heating and maybe throw in cozy, decorative pillows for added warmth.
2. Color
Depending on how you want to use it, splash your sunroom in colors that will perk up your senses or calm your nerves. Picking the right color will provide the right vibe to your room.
A safe rule of thumb is to go for a neutral base for the room. Navy, beige or gray are a good place to start. Then you can layer on bold and bright hues for spring and summer and warmer tones for autumn and winter.
Since it is an extension of your home, try to match the colors of your furniture or accessories with the color scheme of the main house.
3. Flooring
Again, you should ask yourself what the main purpose of your sunroom is. This will lead you to decide which types of floors will work best.
Some popular choices include vinyl laminates, ceramic tiles, and carpets. Stamped concrete and stone or epoxy flooring may be considered if you want that “outdoor patio” look. Wood is another favorite among those who prefer one-of-a-kind sunrooms with specific detailing and construction.
Available in various forms such as pine, oak, cedar, maple, birch and others, wood flooring offers excellent insulation and can be finished to protect against the elements.
Walk through the details in your mind and think of factors such as function, style, design, and budget. These will surely help in steering you to the right path with your flooring preferences.
4. Furnishings
Take advantage of the natural lighting and go for furnishings that will let your sunroom shine. The latest trends in sunroom décor tend to favor classic or contemporary styles.
Opt for “modern classic” pieces that tend to never go out of style. Wicker and woven items are now more preferred for outdoor areas.
Other trends include retractable panels or glass walls that convert your sunroom into an extension of your patio. Other times, there can also be a little too much sun, so you can also look into drapes or roman shades that reduce glare.
Tie up your sunroom look by sprinkling it with accessories that reflect your personality or your family’s. If you are fond of reading, create a nook with books and a comfy chaise. Display your artistic side by using repurposed furniture like a rustic table made from old crates.
Be careful not to overdo it with accessories, though. You want a pop of personality infused into the room, but not so much as to clutter it. A statement lamp that will mesh well with a clean, minimalist room design can already speak volumes.
5. Plants
Bring the outdoors in by making room for plants. Aside from aesthetics, plants also have several other benefits. Interior landscaping has been found to reduce stress and contribute to the general well-being of the house’s occupants.
Studies also say that plants improve air quality by reducing carbon dioxide levels, increasing humidity, and keeping temperatures down, among others. More recent research has shown that plants help reduce background noise as well. These studies indicate that certain plants and their leaves absorb, refract or reflect background clatter, and can absorb high frequencies.
Some examples of indoor plants that you can use are:
- Peace lilies
- Garden mums
- Spider plants
- Aloe vera
- Snake plants
Be sunroom-savvy
While you might think that it is easy enough to DIY, the opposite could be true. Home design experts suggest that it would be best to discuss your project with professional sunroom contractors.
Some would think that scrimping on professional help will save them money, but doing it yourself may backfire in case something goes wrong, as in the case of bad window installations, poor insulation, or faulty foundations.
Partnering with an experienced team will help you consider critical components like location, property size, easements and utilizing the most cost-effective and durable materials.
Creating your Zen zone through a soothing sunroom can be an enjoyable and relaxing experience for the whole family. Taking into consideration the above mentioned tips will guide you toward a thoughtfully designed and carefully planned space.
AUTHOR BIO
Carmen Velilla is an experienced Brand Manager currently overseeing the strategic development of multiple brands as part of the Epwin Group. She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (ACIM), specializing in Corporate Communication and Digital Marketing.