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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.