Sunrooms provide a great way to enjoy nature and the outdoors while being inside your home. It serves as an extension of the outside world by providing a plethora of natural light and vegetation, while also creating a pleasant area to unwind. This type of room is best for hosting guests and offers opportunities for creativity. Its spaciousness makes it an ideal spot to experiment with colors, patterns, and furniture. If you are looking to renovate your sunroom, there are different types of sunrooms to consider, from greenhouses to enclosed porches. If sunrooms are included on your renovation list and you’re looking to beautify them, here are 12 sunroom ideas we found from Architectural Digest archives that we think would do the trick.
Photo: Matthew Millman
Nancy Cain Marcus had a 1929 Dallas-area residence renovated by Peter Marino. At the west end of the mansion, a pavilion with a domed tempietto resemblance was constructed, along with an adjacent terrace for entertaining.
Photo: Mary E. Nichols
The Cloister at Sea Island is one of the most luxurious and well-renowned resorts in the world. It was rebuilt by architect Peter Capone, who captured the storied 1928 original designed by Addison Mizner. The many preferences and interests that visitors had clearly expressed throughout the years were also considered by Capone and designer Pamela Hughes.
Photo: Scott Frances
James and Lisa Cohen hired Montecito, Manhattan-based interior designer Alexa Hampton and California-based architectural designer James Nigro to assist them in creating a Tudor-style home near the Hudson River. The southern wall is rounded, and the garden room (above) expands into a columned, groin-vaulted loggia.
Photo: David O. Marlow
For a Southern California couple, Architect Richard Landry designed structures to resemble those seen in a small Italian village. The breakfast room encapsulates the essence of indoor-outdoor living. The unique space features ceilings and outer walls made of glass that allow natural light to pour in. The French-beaded crystal chandelier adds elegance and charms. Its base was made from a Portuguese giltwood Corinthian capital, which gives it a touch of sophistication.
Photo: Steve Hall/Hedrich Blessing
Margaret McCurry, of Tigerman McCurry Architects, was asked by a long-standing client in southwestern Michigan to design a weekend house on their property. The enclosed porch is the perfect space to enjoy nature without being exposed to the elements. With walls and ceilings made from corrugated metal, this room is designed to seamlessly flow onto the lawn. Plus, with doors and windows on three sides, you’ll have plenty of natural light flooding in.
Photo: Bruce Buck
Designer Carleton Varney and his clients “worked together symphonically to create this environment.” The 11,80-square-foot Norman-style Long Island residence was renovated and expanded by architect Norman Wax of Wax Ferraro. Running along most of the house’s rear elevation, the exquisite conservatory will transport you to another time and place. With Victorian-inspired details and Gothic Revival-style furniture, it’s the perfect spot to relax and escape the everyday world. Soak up the sun or curl up with a good book – whatever you choose, you’ll love spending time in this stunning space.
Photo: Mary E. Nichols
Situated on a hillside in Los Angeles, this home was expanded and converted by Austin Kelly and Monika Haefelfinger to take advantage of the sweeping views of the city below. With a second level added and an open floor plan that blurs the line between indoors and out, this property is perfect for those who want to experience all that California living has to offer. The terraced garden and patio area are perfect for dining al fresco, while the modern design ensures that you’ll enjoy every moment spent in this one-of-a-kind home.
Photo: John M. Hall
Kenneth Battelle’s country house on the Hudson River is perfect for those who appreciate both modern comfort and natural beauty. The property has been extensively landscaped with plenty of evergreens and birches, making it a haven of peace and tranquility in all seasons. Inside the conservatory, you’ll find turn-of-the-20th-century wicker furniture, overlooking the picturesque grounds.
Photo: David O. Marlow
This magnificent home, which was built in 1913 for Burton E. Green, the founders of Beverly Hills, is now the home of Geoff and Anne Palmer. After undergoing a complete renovation by renowned designer Craig Wright, it is now the perfect oasis for modern living. The winter garden, a Neoclassical-style solarium, provides a wonderful space for informal dining and relaxation.
Photo: Durston Saylor
A work of designer Marshall Watson and associate Homes Easley, this home has been renovated with a touch of English style, for Erika Anderson. The Lutyens-inspired design is complete with a Palladian twist, making this the perfect home for all their needs. With a porch that was inspired by Old Westbury Gardens, they’ll love spending time outdoors in the conservatory that features an airy design. Plus, the brick walls help ground the space while the porcelain-and-gilt chandelier provides elegance and sophistication.
Photo: Tony Soluri
Designed by Architect Nicholas J. White, the William and Patricia Anton’s summer house in northern Michigan is the perfect place to entertain guests. With its local Shingle Style cottage architecture, this home is sure to impress their friends and family. Plus, with plenty of informal indoor and outdoor spaces for dining, they’ll never have to worry about where to put everyone. Whether they’re enjoying a meal on the sun porch or sipping cocktails on the patio, this beautiful home is sure to provide plenty of memories.
Photo: Brian Vanden Brink
This one-of-a-kind Martha’s Vineyard compound was designed by architect Mark Hutker to perfectly accommodate the needs of Warren and Megan Adams. The open-concept design features a cedar-and-glass conservatory that links the adjacent great room to the landscape, providing stunning ocean views all year round. Plus, the limestone flooring is ideal for keeping the plants lush and healthy – perfect for plant enthusiasts!
We hope these 12 sunroom ideas have given you some great inspiration for your own renovation project. Even if a sunroom is not on the top of your list, we encourage you to think about how adding one could create a pleasant space in your home where you can enjoy nature and spend time with friends and family.
If this sounds like something you want to explore more, contact us today! Our team at The Great Cover-Up has been transforming homes across Missouri into beautiful spaces that serve as an extension of their owners’ personality.