A Seaside Sunroom Makeover

By Candice Olson

Heather, Brett and their little girl, Adelaide, are happiest when they are close to the water. Whether it's a tranquil lake, a majestic ocean or a backyard pool, the family finds any body of water relaxing and rejuvenating. So when they bought a house in the city a few years ago, it's no surprise they opted for a charming turn-of-the-century home located just blocks from the beach.

After renovating the house to feel more like a cottage in the city, the place was perfect, except for one eyesore at the back: a large, outdated, 1980s sunroom. The space, complete with peach paint and forest green carpeting, stuck out like a sore thumb, yet tended to be the room everyone gravitated toward. It was also the passageway to the family's stunning backyard. The couple was desperate to resuscitate the room, so I gathered my crew together and got set to breathe some life into this listless space.

The sunroom was bland — and chilly to boot — so I wanted to create the warm ambience of a chic, coastal retreat. I decided the room should feature colors, fabrics and finishes that would make it feel both breezy and beachy.