Updated Palette
Sunrooms should never be somber spaces. To update this drab room, the homeowners chose a cheery palette of aqua, grass green, coral, and sandy yellow that creates a relaxed, summery feel. The bright walls are now the perfect backdrop for striped roller shades that resemble outdoor awnings.
A Sunroom in Need
This sunroom looked great on paper -- lively walls , eight windows, and two sets of beautiful glass doors. However, designer Elaine Griffin had a challenge in store with minty green walls, detracting white trim that made the room look small and boxy, and bland carpet. But with a handful of streamlined touches, Griffin transformed this sunroom from drab to fab in no time.
Smooth Moves
Before the makeover, scattered furniture made navigating the sunroom a nightmare. Pulling furniture into a U-shape improves traffic flow throughout the sunroom and eases conversation. A large graphic area rug sets off the space as the main gathering spot -- and tops new laminate wood flooring.
Statement Piece
The oversize ottoman , upholstered with plush patterned fabric, adds an unexpected touch of personality and texture. Plus, it earns its keep as a footrest, coffee table , display space, and comfy bench.
Bring the Outside, Inside
In a sunroom, it's easy to pass outdoor pieces for indoor ones. The wicker sofa looks less porchlike thanks to clean lines and neutral cushions . The weathered reclaimed-wood end tables also lend an air of indoor/outdoor casualness.
Trunk Show
Three large trunks nestled together form a unique L-shape window seat that serves as a secondary sitting area. With plenty of light pouring in from the large bank of windows, this corner becomes the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon nap. A basket-weave-inspired ottoman , painted in a bold shade of yellow, looks chic and modern and blends easily with the other outdoor pieces throughout the space.
Creative Cushions
The window seat cushions are mitered to meet smoothly in the corner, which keeps them from sliding around. A soft pattern gives the cushions character, but is subtle enough so that it blends with other bolder patterns throughout the room.
Trim Style
Before the makeover , white window trim looked stark and prevented the eye from freely seeing views beyond. Now window trim painted the same color as the walls moves the eye outside. A bouquet of small flowers and a beautiful white orchid keep the space looking fresh and lively no matter the season.
Fabric Finesse
Patterned pillows scattered throughout the room add easy-to-change hits of color. To keep costs low, these pillows were covered with repurposed bedspreads and napkins . To ensure various patterns will blend well together, make sure you choose ones with complementary colors and motifs.
Artful Interpretation
Woven mats nailed to the wall serve as a neutral backdrop for a group of four intricate wall sculptures , which are actually ceiling medallions. While they are interesting all on their own, the medallions look even better when hung together in a balanced composition on the wall. The pieces were given an aged look with nothing more than brow shoe polish.
Serving Space
A large console table located between the two sets of doors can easily shift into a bar or serving space. The weathered surface blends effortlessly with wicker and rattan pieces throughout the rest of the sunroom .
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