How to Remodel Sunroom Additions | Home Guides | SF Gate

Light colors help to keep a sunroom open and airy.

Sunrooms have oodles of windows, lots of natural sunlight, and are filled with comfortable furnishings. They are a tranquil spot to unwind and refresh yourself. As sunrooms age, remodeling helps maintain a cheerful, modern ambiance as well as improve the room's energy efficiency. A thorough cleaning and clutter removal are the first steps toward refurbishing a sunroom. Fresh colors, new furnishings and a variety of textures complete the much-needed updates, giving new life to an old space.

A fresh coat of paint brings new life to the walls and ceiling of a dated sunroom. Light-colored paints -- crisp white, light beige, barely yellow, pastel gray -- help to keep a sunroom feeling open and spacious. If your home is brick, one wall of your sunroom -- against the original exterior back wall of the home -- is probably brick and can be brightened with masonry paint. Installing white beadboard to a solid wall adds charming character. Refresh hard-surface flooring in good condition with a new, oversize area rug in a natural fiber, like sisal, or a synthetic that is either plush or durable depending on your needs. Consider installing under-floor, radiant heating when you plan to replace outdated hard flooring to improve the comfort of the space in cold weather.

A sunroom is true to its name by allowing lots of natural sunlight to stream indoors through numerous windows. There are times, however, when privacy is desired or the sun's rays are too intense. Window films can screen the sun, while providing an unobstructed view to the outdoors. This helps keep it cooler inside while blocking harmful ultraviolet rays from fading floors and furnishings. Consider replacing older windows with more energy-efficient models for an updated look and better climate control. Wooden window blinds with 2-inch slats in a finish that complements your decor let you control light with the twist of a wand and have a clean, modern look. Create a natural, eco-friendly look by installing natural-woven blinds over windows. Supplement natural lighting with decorative table and floor lamps. Add an overhead ceiling fan with an attached light fixture to provide bright illumination and a cool breeze.

Revamp a sunroom addition with comfortable furniture to accommodate your needs. For example, a cushy sofa and chunky armchairs provide an ideal spot to read or daydream. Add an ottoman in front of each chair for resting tired feet. Bamboo or wicker accent tables add natural texture while providing a place to set a drink or snack. Furnish your sunroom with a small wooden dinette set for casual dining or playing board games. Or, add a wrought-iron dining set with a glass tabletop to increase textural interest with an upscale feel. A small writing desk and chair is ideal for light office work.

Natural plants and bright sunrooms work well together. Bring the outdoors inside a sunroom with colorful, blooming plants, pots of greenery and vases of fresh flowers. Create an attractive display by placing several plants on a wooden plant ladder or metal baker's rack. Cheer up a lonely corner with a ficus or indoor palm tree. Accent a sunroom with natural accessories -- rustic birdhouses, large seashells, decorative animal statues, handmade pottery, wooden trays, woven baskets, glowing candles. Hang a piece of colorful artwork on a solid wall to inject lively energy into the space. Assorted toss pillows and soft furniture throws add cozy comfort. The sounds of a soothing, babbling fountain contribute to the tranquil ambiance.

Mary Cockrill's education and certifications in interior design and home staging have allowed her to author numerous home-related articles. Cockrill has been a top design consultant for a renowned home store and is the owner of Starwood Home & Gifts, LLC, an interior design, decorating and home staging business. She holds a Bachelor of Science in secondary education with a comprehensive major in office administration.

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How to Remodel Sunroom Additions | Home Guides | SF Gate