Enjoy summer with updated sunroom

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/05/2016 (3522 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Three-season rooms such as a sunroom, porch or even a balcony can finally be enjoyed now that the warm weather is here. There’s nothing like sitting with a cup of coffee in the morning and letting the sun work its magic on you or witnessing a stunning Prairie sunset from your balcony. These seasonal rooms can be just as stylish as your main living spaces with a little planning and effort.

This lovely sunroom photo, courtesy of Lauzon Flooring, is flooded with natural light. It would be hard to feel gloomy in such a pretty and sunny space. The cottage style of the decor is casual and inviting.

One of the reasons this room feels so light and airy is because of the white walls and ceilings. If you have a porch that boasts raw wood, consider giving it a new look with a coat or two of warm white paint. Other pale colours such as soft yellow, green or light turquoise could also be lovely, even on the ceiling. In any event, the light wall colour will help reflect sunlight and keep the space feeling bright and beachy.

I love the unique accents in our feature photograph. The hanging greenhouses are adorable, and the old wooden crates make wonderful display shelves. A simple shelf above the window/door at the back of the room is a great place for a display of small items in keeping with the decor style. The casual dining table evokes thoughts of afternoon gatherings with friends and family. Once your garden is in full bloom, be sure to include lovely bouquets for your sunroom or porch.

In order to use your three-season space to its fullest, consider what furniture will work for your specific needs. Your summer space might be a small balcony that can only house a small parlour set, or it might be a large, wraparound porch that can handle a full set of wicker furniture and a swing. Take stock of the furniture that will make best use of the space for you and your family. Perhaps a dining table is the answer for family gatherings and games night. It might be a patio sectional everyone can lounge around on and have afternoon naps. Opt for durable, comfortable pieces that have additional hidden storage, if possible. These pieces can house board games, extra throws for those chillier night and books for a great afternoon read.

Easy-care is the way to go in a three-season space. You’ll want to have flooring that can take a beating and withstand the winter temperatures yet look stylish. Talk to your flooring expert about what to purchase in this special space. If you have wooden floors in the porch, consider painting them in a dark colour to contrast with the light walls. Rich navy or even brick red could be stunning with white wicker furniture, for example.

Sisal rugs are a good option for a covered sunroom or porch and are casual and easy care. The woven design in these rugs adds some texture and the natural fibres they are made from add a sense of natural beauty. Or, for the crafty people out there, paint a faux rug onto the wooden floor in a style and pattern that suits your tastes. All you need are some inexpensive craft paints and brushes, and your imagination.

Porches, sunrooms and even balconies can be great places to have a small container garden of annuals and herbs for the summer season. Choose an area of the room that has the optimal daylight for your specific plants and create a vertical garden. You can use an old wooden ladder or other vertical shelving unit to house your flowering pots while not taking up too much floor space. This vertical garden is especially handy on a small balcony. Consider hanging planters if more room is needed. Paint clay pots in colourful shades for added beauty.

Accessorize your space with colourful items that can withstand the elements. Even in a screened-in porch, moisture and sunlight can damage fine art objects. Instead, opt for items such as driftwood, painted rocks, colourful kites or windsocks for a sense of summer fun. Flameless candles or a string of white mini-lights will create a warm ambience in the evenings. Colourful patio lights are another option and will add colour even when not lit up.

A seasonal room can add more living space during the warm summer months. Take full advantage of it and create a cozy spot where you can enjoy the season.

connieoliver2016@gmail.com