May 18, 2016

HOW TO CREATE THE PERFECT SUNROOM

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You don’t need a conservatory or extension to create a sunroom. With a few simple tweaks, you can convert what you have already into a beautiful room for all year round. This is a dreamy room to gather together and soak up the heat of the summer months. And on colder winter days you can curl up with a good book and a throw.

1. Stake Your Space

The first step is to decide where to create your sunroom. Conservatories and extensions are great, but if this isn’t an option, you will need to work with what you have. Consider transforming a living room or dining room. Or even the spare bedroom. If space is a problem, then consider splitting a room. Cordon off a small space at one end that you can utilise for this area. For example, you could use a small section at the end of your kitchen. Distinguish it from the rest of the room by decorating and furniture choices.

You’re creating a sunroom, and so natural light is important. Choose spaces with large or multiple windows. The trick is to allow as much light into the room as possible. At the same time, you need some protection from the blistering summer heat. Window coverings such as the Blinds-Superstore perfect fit range are an ideal solution. They will fit the windows perfectly.

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2. The Purpose

Decide on the purpose of the room. Will this be an occasional room where you eat brunch at the weekends? Or will it be somewhere to relax after work with a cup of tea or glass of wine? Decide on the purpose of the room in the early stages. This will help you plan your furniture and furnishings accordingly.

3. The Floor

If you’re starting from scratch and intend to redecorate, the floor is the best place to start. Decide whether you’re going to use carpets, tiles, wood, etc. Fit this first. If you don’t want a complete overhaul, then consider adding a few rugs to add pattern and texture.

4. Paint

Decide whether you’re going to paint the walls or wallpaper. There are advantages and disadvantages to both options. Either choice can be tailored to your space to create the mood and atmosphere you desire. Small spaces can be made to look bigger and large bare walls can be made to look cosier.

5. Furniture

At each stage of this process, refer to your purpose. What will you be doing in the room? Assess the space carefully and work out how to make the most of it. If your room is fairly small, consider these space-saving tips:

• Use fold-away chairs and tables that can be packed away when not in use.
• If you can’t squeeze in a sofa and chairs, consider converting window sills into window seats.
• Go for multipurpose furniture. For example, a table with built-in storage space.
• Utilise underused space. E.g add a shelf above the door.
• Use mirrors to create the illusion of space

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6. Furnishings

This is the fun part. Now you get to decorate your room with ornaments, pictures, and other knick-knacks. Create a theme and stick it to for consistency and to pull everything together. Your theme could be colour-related, or you may want to pick a subject. For example, the British seaside, gypsy caravan, etc.

7. Create A Garden Room

If it’s impossible to create a sunroom indoors, consider creating some space outside. We’re not talking an extension here but a garden room. Make the most of your garden by creating a temporary space that can be utilised in the summer.

An awning is always useful for garden rooms. They can be fixed to the wall and opened or closed as needed. This will provide some protection from the sun or showers.

Garden rooms present their own challenges. You need to work out how to add heat when it’s chilly. You might want to consider outside heaters or simple throws. You also need to deal with the changing weather and bugs.

Invest in some comfortable garden furniture that can be stored away when not in use. Don’t forget comfort. Buy cushions, seat pads and tablecloths. Consider outdoor candles for summer evenings.

If you want to take this one step further, consider converting a shed or garage. You could even add electricity for lighting and heat. Garden rooms are becoming increasingly popular as more people consider flexible lifestyles.

The main thing to consider when creating your room, is the purpose. Decide how you’re going to spend your time there and decorate accordingly.