Sunroom decor: Crafting a stylish retreat with fabrics, colors, and seasonal accents
Within the heart of my great room lies a cherished space that has captivated the attention of my Instagram followers, garnering admiration and sparking numerous inquiries. In this blog post, I intent to describe how I attempted to create a stylish space, taking into account the architecture of the sunroom, being inspired by similar rooms and choosing appropriate fabrics and colors while adding seasonal accents.
Sunrooms serve as a seamless extension to the outdoors. Mine, adorned with 12 French doors, 2 skylights, and a grand window ascending to the A-shaped 16-foot ceiling, offers a picturesque view of the pool, garden and surrounding forest. As the seasons change, my décor seamlessly transitions, featuring objects of seasonal interest, with a notable exception for my grand Christmas trees in December.
Before exploring decor choices for a welcoming and stylish ambiance with accessories, it’s essential to take into account the overall design of the place, its archictecture and building material. Research existing sunrooms and find your inspiration. Then consider the abundant natural light and its impact when selecting the perfect fabrics and colors for furniture. Finally, in regions where sunrooms may only be utilized for three seasons of the year, exposure to fluctuating temperatures becomes a crucial consideration in selecting décor elements.
Architecture
The architectural layout of your sunroom, whether integrated into your open living space or enclosed in a separate area, plays a crucial role in determining the arrangement of furniture. Prior to furnishing, it’s essential to measure the room accurately to avoid overcrowding and to maintain a clear view of the outdoors. Consider lightening wall and ceiling colors to enhance the overall ambiance of the space.
For those constructing a new sunroom, thoughtful consideration should be given to the choice of materials, practicality, and the climate of your region. Sunrooms with complete or partially glass ceilings can benefit from shades, especially during the warmer months. In the absence of air conditioning, the addition of a fan becomes essential, with a high ceiling offering enhanced ventilation.
Be inspired!
When we purchased the house in early 2015, I embarked on a thorough research journey for inspiration before our move-in. At that time, Instagram was just emerging in the niche of decor, and farmhouse style was dominating the trends. However, I sought something more enduringly elegant, between French country and contemporary, with a touch of modern farmhouse. I curated ideas on Pinterest and drew inspiration from the professionally designed interiors showcased on Houzz (see below for two examples), modern approaches of the old scrapbooks I used to do from magazine clippings when I was young. My vision was to establish a foundation of neutral tones and then draw from these sources to build upon it.
Due to the abundance of windows and doors in a sunroom, it’s a good idea to think creatively about furniture placement. Instead of pushing chairs and couches against the walls, consider arranging them in the center of the room or in other unconventional ways to make the most of the natural light and views. Plus, it can be fun to periodically rearrange the furniture to refresh the space and enjoy a new perspective.
The previous owners possessed impeccable taste, but it soon became apparent that their style did not align with ours. As illistrated, most of the house was styled with English furniture, crystal chandeliers, and many oversized mirrors.
While we aimed to maintain the same airy ambiance, our collection of antiques and decor items is eclectic, ranging from primitive Quebec armoires to more refined pieces. I wanted to use as much furniture from our previous 200-year-old stone farmhouse while replacing all upholstered couches and chairs. Ultimately, I aimed to create a relaxed environment, taking advantage of the proximity to the pool, outdoor dining area, and garden.
I selected also the coffee table to withstand the many floral arrangements and bonsai trees I intended to showcase throughout the year. I have had many requests about these nesting tables over the years. It has a bronze base and a travertine top. Anyone trying to find it should do a web search using these keywords. I bought it at a local boutique decor store in Montreal.
Remember to consider your style, the overall design aesthetic of your sunroom, and the intended use of the space when selecting furniture fabrics and colors. You may decide to create specific zones with special vibes. By choosing fabrics that can withstand sunlight and opting for colors that enhance the natural light and ambiance, you can create a sunroom that’s both stylish and functional for years to come. This is what I will discuss below.
Fabrics
- Natural fibers or textured fabric: If you prefer an organic feel, natural fiber fabrics like cotton or linen can work well in sunrooms. Keep in mind that these fabrics may require more maintenance and protection from sunlight to prevent fading. My couch and chairs are covered in a resistant textured linen-looking fabric that has held well for the 10 years we have been in this house. Even with a black and white kitty choosing the couch as his favorite nap spot!
- Sunbrella fabric: For sunrooms that receive ample sunlight, consider using Sunbrella fabric. This durable material is fade-resistant, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean, making it ideal for furniture upholstery in sun-drenched spaces.
- Indoor-outdoor Fabrics: Opt for indoor-outdoor fabrics that are designed to withstand exposure to sunlight, moisture, and temperature changes. These fabrics are often made from synthetic materials like acrylic or polyester, offering both durability and style. They are particularly useful if you open windows during the warm months or use your sunroom as an alternative for a dining room or a pool house.
- Leather is not suitable at all, because of fading which even alters the textures and finishes. Most synthetic alternatives to leather may become too warm if used for seating.
Colors
- Light and airy hues: Light and neutral colors like white, beige, light gray, or pastel shades can help create a bright and airy atmosphere in your sunroom. These colors reflect sunlight, making the space feel open and inviting.
- Bold pops of color: Add personality and vibrancy to your sunroom with bold pops of color in your furniture upholstery. Consider incorporating accent chairs, throw pillows, or rugs in bold shades like teal, coral, or sunny yellow to infuse energy into the space.
- Natural wood tones: If you have wooden furniture in your sunroom, embrace the natural warmth of wood by selecting pieces with rich, warm tones such as maple, honey oak, walnut, or cherry. These tones not only complement the outdoor surroundings but also add a cozy touch to the space. However, it’s important to be aware that stained pieces or wooden floors may change color if exposed to prolonged sunlight.
Seasonal accents
Seasonal decor accents are essential for infusing your living space with freshness and vibrancy that reflects the changing seasons. These accents not only add visual interest but also create a welcoming atmosphere that resonates with the spirit of each season. For instance, during the cozy winter months, adding plush throws, festive pillows, and twinkling lights can transform your home into a warm retreat, while in the spring, incorporating pastel-colored decor, floral arrangements, and botanical prints can evoke a sense of renewal and rejuvenation.
In my sunroom, I love changing art seasonally, drawing inspiration from the Japanese tradition. Similar to the Japanese practice of shin hanga or uke nagashi, where artworks are rotated and changed throughout the year to reflect the changing seasons, I find that turning over paintings or swapping out artwork brings a meaningful touch to the otherwise outdoor-inspired space. This mindful approach to decor not only adds an artistic element but also allows for a deeper connection with nature’s seasonal rhythms.
Embracing seasonal decor in this way allows you to curate a living space that evolves with the natural world, celebrating the unique characteristics of each season and making your home a true reflection of the beauty and charm of every time of the year
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