There's nothing that beats the winter blues like a cheerful sunroom. If you have a sunroom, you should make the most of it during this time of the year. While the days are getting longer now, it has been a tough winter. Cold temperatures and lots of snow have dampened many a mood over the past few months. Sitting in natural light is a good way to beat the winter blues and start to change your outlook to a positive one.
This lovely sunroom is as cheerful as any room could be. While the photo was taken during the summertime, the room can work in any season.
The lovely seashell pink walls and vast oversized windows flood this room with natural light and sunshine. You can't help but feel good when you spend time in a room like this. Lots of large houseplants, wicker furniture and natural tile flooring create the ambience of a California sunroom. Botanical prints and bright, floral upholstery give the room life. Each of these elements speaks to the outdoor theme that is being created in this room.
Large indoor plants, especially in the winter months, can do a lot for the mood. My husband and I often take a walk through the Tropical House at Assiniboine Park during the winter months just to get enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of warmer weather. It's a real spirit lifter. Adding some of that joy to your home is a definite plus. If you're prone to allergies from plants, you can always use silk plants, which will still provide the greenery needed to make the room feel vibrant. Textural elements, like the wicker furniture and accessories, bring a natural facet to the sunroom, while stone or tile floors retain heat from the sun, which is comfy on the feet.
Even if you don't have a window-laden sunroom like the one featured today, you can still create a space where you can drink in the sunshine during the winter months. The size of the space isn't as important as the function, so even if you can only devote a corner of a bedroom for this endeavour, it will still be worth your while.
Finding the right space
The location of your sunroom area will depend upon how the sunshine floods your home. The area that gets the most sunshine midday is the best place to start. A large window helps but is not absolutely necessary. For example, I have a secondary kitchen window that lets in tons of sunlight during the day. Sometimes I just grab a chair and sit in that spot to soak it in. It's not a spot that can be used for this purpose permanently but it works for me. So, even if your space is limited, at the very least find a way to sit in the sun.
Making the area inviting and comfortable will make the experience all that more enjoyable. Purchase comfortable seating like a chaise or recliner that can sit in front of a large, sunny window. Whatever will keep you comfortable for long stretches of time is best. As a side note, choose upholstery that will best withstand direct sunlight.
Remove window treatments when possible to let the maximum amount of sunlight into the space or use window treatments that can be fully opened to the same end. (Fixed valances, for example, may block some of the light from entering the room.)
Adding to that summer feeling through your accessories will make your sunny space all the more enjoyable. Include some greenery and colourful flowers to the space. A small water fountain would be a soothing addition. Soft music or CDs with the sounds of nature will relax and rejuvenate you. Botanical prints or photographs add to the theme. You may not be able to install natural stone flooring but a cosy area rug in co-ordinating colours will feel great under foot. Make your sitting space comfy by adding toss cushions and throws in botanical prints or colours. A big basket of reading material is a good addition for those who love to read but never find the time. Other items like decorative birdcages will add whimsy and charm to your sunny space.
If you can dedicate an entire room to this project, then consider a sunny wall colour that will reflect natural light and brighten your spirits. If you are only able to use a small area of a room, use large colourful artwork to keep it cheery.
Spring is coming and the days are getting longer. Enjoy as much sunshine as you can. Even on the coldest days, a little indoor sunshine can lift your spirits.
connieoliver@shaw.ca
