HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-05-07, Page 15THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 1997 PAGE 15.
If Home & Garden 1997;
Home renovation a sunny addition to house
By Bonnie Gropp
Citizen staff
An idea that just got bigger and bigger.
That's the way Rene Richmond of
Brussels describes the glorious sunroom
addition at the back of their home. It was
during a trip home from Florida two
years ago, that the idea sprouted. "The
place we had rented in Florida had a
sunroom and we really enjoyed it. But it
certainly grew from what we started
talking about," Rene recalls.
One of the first big changes to the plan
for a simple sunroom came when Rene
and Bob's son John, a carpenter,
suggested that they put a basement under
the addition. The existing house did not
have a basement and the feeling was that
it would provide extra space for the
Richmonds' growing family. "When we
started out in this house there were five
of us. Now we're up to 16 and when
they're all home for a visit that basement
has been invaluable. There's not much in
it but kids," Rene laughs.
While allowing a play area for the
youngsters away from the adults, the
basement is also close enough that they
are a part of things. "Family is the biggest
thing for us," says Rene. "Having them
come home, be together, but have space
is a treat."
After the original idea was agreed on,
the Richmonds got further input from
John, as well as their son-in-law, Chuck,
also a carpenter. "They gave us a lot of
good ideas," said Rene.
To get to the sunroom, traffic passes
through a guest bedroom. The Richmonds
had considered putting a hallway there
but with the window having to be closed
off the door into the sunroom would be
the only natural light coming into the
bedroom. Rene says traffic into the
bedroom has never been a problem, nor
has noise from the sunroom when people
gather there. "The door shuts out a lot of
sound," says Rene.
With the addition being tacked on to
the back of the house, there was no major
renovation, such as tearing out walls, to
the existing structure.
Surrounded by sunshine and light, the
room features eight windows, that all
open, one door and one set of French
doors. A focal point is the large arched
window.
There are no curtains allowing for as
much natural light as possible and an
uninterrupted view of the glorious
rosebushes and the pool. Despite this,
Rene says privacy has not been an
problem, as a number of backyard trees
offer a sense of cover.
Adding to the sense of lightness is the
wall colour, which has just a hint of pink.
While Rene says that the sun definitely
helps to warm the room in winter, there
has not been a problem with too much
heat in the summer. "We have air
conditioning, but I think we only had it
on a few times last year."
The outside of the addition, which is
white siding, blends perfectly with the
main house.
For furnishing, Rene said the
investment was next to nil as she used the
wicker that had been used outside. The
carpet is industrial, easy to clean, while
complementing nicely the overall look of
the room.
While this has been the first major
renovation project the Richmonds have
done to their home, Rene says it has been
well worth. "All our spare time is spent
here," says Rene. She says that at first
they agreed to keep the television in the
living room out of concern that no one
would ever use that room. "But then we
decided who cares."
"It has been a good investment. We
have not regretted it one minute."
Room with a view
Enjoying time to relax with a cup of
tea, Rene looks out at the pool in
anticipation of warmer days
outside, while enjoying the
sunshine indoors, now. Foliage
provides privacy from outdoors.
Indoor outdoor furniture
Rene was able to use her outdoor wicker to decorate
her new sunroom.
Focal point
This majestic window in the centre of the south wall of the Richmonds'
sunroom addition lets plenty of light into the room and offers a lovely view
into the rose gardens .
Perfect blend
The sided exterior of the sunroom blends beautifully with the original
home.