Wednesday, May 26, 2010

I can smell the potential

We have a sun porch.  Actually, we have two, but here is the one that I'm referring to:
This porch is right next to the driveway and is what we walk through to get to our back door in the kitchen.  It's really not even a porch, as there are no screens.  And it's not a sunROOM because it has no framing or insulation.  So, right now it's pretty much a storage area because we don't know what to do with it.  LAME!
It has a screen door that the cats can totally open if we don't make sure to pull it shut.  This door has started many rounds of the 'find the cat' game in our neighborhood, which I'm sure the neighbors find charming.  At least that's what I tell myself. 

It is a good-sized space, 9 x 15 feet.  Since it has those awesome french doors that lead into the den, (remember when the other side of them was maroon?) it has great potential to be an indoor-outdoor extention of that room.  The door to the kitchen is on the right. 
There is a non-operable window that brings tons of light into the kitchen.  I love it, but I can't help but think how cool it would be to have an open-able window to pass booze through to my guests!?  Booze is very important when planning our spaces, you know?   
The beadboard ceiling is fab, but the light fixture will definitely be replaced with something more interesting. 
Shaun came home one day last summer and told me he saw a nice wood loveseat on the curb down the street.  I was surprised he mentioned it, since he hates random furniture laying around.  I'm glad he said something, because it will be nice when I get around to fixing it up!  Don't mind all the lumber on top and the pink bedsheet on the cushions. 
There are many things that need to be fixed in this room, like the lack of screened windows, the dirty brick floor, and the completely rotted wood on one side:
The room is pretty drafty as well (usually the case when there is no insulation!), so we're talking to some contractors about rebuilding the wood areas and installing new windows and a storm door.  I can't wait to see how great this space can be, just in time for summer! 

29 comments:

  1. oh boy, i love, love love love, my sunroom. you are right, there is loads of potential here. can't wait to see the direction you go in.

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  2. Fabulous bonus room! I'm really rooting for this room makeover. I think it's the mark of a good hostess to think about her guests, so I fully support your booze window idea.

    Just make sure to arrange seating near the window so your guests won't even have to get up for you to pass them their booze. Less work for you, less work for them.

    Everybody wins.

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  3. What an incredible space! It definitely has some serious potential! Can't wait to see what you guys do with it!!

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  4. What a great space, yes there is loads of potential! I love your DIY projects, I am so happy that you are starting another one. xx

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  5. I am ALSO very excited to see what you do with this! The room definitely is brimming with potential...I have a feeling it's going to turn out awesome!

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  6. That room is FULL of potential! What a wonderful space.

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  7. Such a great space! I often lament that I didn't buy a house with a sunroom/screened in porch, they are such great getaway spots. It's going to be amazing when you're finished.

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  8. This is such an awesome space! I love the brick walls on two sides. We just bought an awesome teak-style table and chairs set from World Market (I'll post photos soon), so if you want it to be more of a casual dining space, that could be cool. I can't wait to see what you do with this!

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  9. You lucky girl! That kitchen window is reallllly adorable, but I can totally see your point about passing booze along. And what a fab loveseat find! Can't wait.

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  10. That space has amazing potential...can't wait to see what you do! And those doors look stunning from the outside too!

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  11. This is a really cute room! TONS of potential! Our room is a 'porch' too I guess. We don't have insulation either. We do have framing and screens on our windows though! So, hmmm.

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  12. This is going to be goooood!

    I'm really excited, but also jealous of your two sun-filled extra rooms!! Have I mentioned that I only have FIVE windows in my entire house? Boo!

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  13. Oh how exciting!! This room has tons of potential - can't wait to see what you do! And yes, booze is always important when planning home improvement projects.

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  14. WOW!!! knwoing you this space is going to be amazing, can't wait to see, are you going to do come colorful curtains?

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  15. Mrs. Chic - I wasn't sure whether to do white or colorful curtains, but the wheels are definitely turning! ha

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  16. it really is a great space....so much potential! i agree... booze should always been considered when designing a room:)

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  17. I saw this on Better After and it made me think of your window. http://genevievegail.blogspot.com/2010/04/before-after-pretty-porch-art.html You could do something awesome with it even if you rip it out to make a booze-transfering window.

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  18. Cannot wait to see what you do. We have a similar space in our rental, but it's on the front of the house.

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  19. Now THIS is going to be a fun project. And the perfect place for umbrella drinks when it's all done.

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  20. I was so excited to see this space and to hear you have 2 sunroom areas. This could be so amazing and I know when the two of you put your heads together it WILL be amazing. I can't wait to see what you do to this!

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  21. Tons of potential.

    I love sunrooms, you can usually get use out of them at least 3 seasons of the year.

    I would suggest a fan for the sealing ... sun rooms can get very hot and it's a good idea to keep the air moving.

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  22. Sarah, this will be a fabulous room and I cannot wait to see the results!!Surprise is on my site!

    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  23. Ohh, I can feel the potential in here! Love it. That ceiling is totally fab, and I love how important the booze element is in your designing (as it should be!). :)

    ~Chelsea

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  24. I would kill for a room like this!

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  25. Whoa, I'm jealous! I've always wanted a sunroom. If it were my space, I think I'd set up a little seating area, maybe with some wicker/outdoor looking furniture and a coffee table. It would be a really peaceful place to read a book or work on a laptop. And with all that light from the windows, you could have a ton of plants too. Maybe grow an herb garden?

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  26. Can't wait to see this done! Fingers crossed for you!!

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  27. Um, hello! I would love to have a "room" like this! Wish I had some good pointers, but I don't have any experience with a space like this. I have no doubt it will be very fun and functional when you're done with it, though!

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  28. So much potential! I'd love to have a sun room. Can't wait to see what you do with it...

    Kelly

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  29. So much to love about that space! The pointing on the bricks looks bright and clean, making it a perfect backdrop for whatever comes next. In one shot I see the brick work on the floor--great weave...hope it gets to show off somehow. The bricks look smooth and would be great on bare feet on a hot day. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with it.

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Thanks so much for reading....your comments mean a lot to me!
Sara