Thinking about giving your sunroom a makeover? In this article, I’ll explain exactly how Chuck and Margy Bartle transformed the sunroom in their 1970s-era home into a space they love.

    Chuck and Margy bought their house, which has a golf course view, four years ago.

    However, Margy wanted a rustic sunroom with more flair, so I followed along as the couple installed new siding on two walls, built up the bookshelves, installed new flooring, and updated the lighting and ceiling. Keep reading to learn about how the couple created a rustic sunroom with a fireplace so you can do something similar in your own home.


    The Projects

    These are some of the ways Chuck and Margy updated their sunroom.

    Updated Lighting and Added a Ceiling Fan

    As for the glue residue, they tried many methods and discovered that a window scraper and elbow grease removed the stubborn glue after prying off the tiles. This tedious process included careful scraping to avoid damaging the drywall underneath.

    Removed the Sunroom’s Ceiling Tiles

    The sunroom’s styrofoam ceiling tiles — including some ceiling tiles with wet stains — had to go. Chuck and Margy started removing them but noticed a lot of glued and stapled tiles, so they worked through the night to scrape them off with a flathead shovel. 

    edison bulbs
    Image Credit: Canva

    The old fluorescent tube lighting had to go. The couple selected new Edison-style pendant lights. These emitted a warm glow, perfect for the rustic vibe.

    They also added a ceiling fan with a light kit to improve air circulation and lighting. During installation, they located ceiling joists and cut a hole in the ceiling box. Afterward, they ran the wiring and securely mounted the fan.

    Finally, Margy was able to enjoy a peaceful breeze during coffee time in the sunroom.

    Installed RB&B on Two of the Sunroom Walls

    For the sunroom siding, the couple used a reverse board and batten on the unfinished interior walls.

    They cut RB&B around windows and outlets like drywall, then tacked it in place with a nail gun. The overlapping seams eliminated the need for a joint compound. Before covering all the walls, they hired an electrician to wire new lights. He also cut out space for extra outlets.

    Built Rustic Bookshelves

    Chuck loves books, so he wanted bookshelves. He built them from cedar for a rugged, rustic feel, then painted them with Sherwin Williams Peppercorn, a rich black.

    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    Installing the shelves requires measuring and marking studs. You must measure twice and use a level to ensure each shelf is straight and secure. Lower shelves may need extra brackets for support.

    Put Down Porcelain Wood-Look Tile Flooring

    wood floor
    Image Credit: Canva

    The couple ripped up the dated green carpet, exposing the subfloor. They picked porcelain tile with a convincing wood-plank look that mimicked reclaimed barn wood. In my experience, porcelain beats natural wood for durability and water resistance, so this was an excellent choice.

    When laying the tile, they used spacers between planks and worked methodically outward from a starter row.

    Then, they cut border and accent tiles with a tile saw, applied a grout with a mocha tone matching the tile, and sealed the grout.

    Painted the Walls and Trim

    With everything in place, Chuck and Margy finished up by painting the remaining drywall and trim. They chose Lazy Sunday by Behr, a soothing light tan with a warm vibe.

    Before painting, they taped off the trim and windows using painter’s tape for clean trim lines. Then, they applied two coats with foam rollers, cutting in the edges with angled brushes.


    So, Is a Sunroom Makeover Worth It?

    For an outdated or dysfunctional sunroom, a makeover is worthwhile. As you can see from Chuck and Margy’s sunroom makeover, upgrades like flooring, lighting, and siding significantly improve insulation for year-round comfort. In this specific project, they spent less than $1,500 to create this sunroom makeover. 

    The couple saved money by painting the room ourselves, effectively cutting labor costs. However, I recommend hiring specialists for electrical, tile, and complex work to ensure safety,  durability, and peace of mind. 


    FAQs About Sunroom Makeovers

    What are some popular sunroom design styles?

    Some top design options are farmhouse, traditional, plant-filled, floral, craftsman, and coastal themes. This particular makeover resulted in an on-trend rustic farmhouse style.


    What flooring works best?

    Flooring such as porcelain, ceramic, and stone tiles is excellent because it’s waterproof and durable. Other reliable choices are stone, concrete, and vinyl plank.


    Should I insulate my sunroom?

    I highly recommend properly insulating your sunroom as it keeps the space comfortable year-round. I suggest using spray foam as it insulates well and has a high R-value. Ask contractors about ideal methods and R-values for your climate before choosing a specific insulation method.


    What permits do I need?

    Most states and cities require permits for layout changes or structural work like removing walls. Electrical, HVAC, and plumbing work also need permits. Regulations vary locally, so check with your building department or consult a reputable contractor before making any changes to your home.


    Can I DIY part of the makeover?

    You can DIY many parts of a room makeover to save costs, such as demolition, painting, basic carpentry like shelf installation, and decorating. But, electrical, insulation, drywall, and flooring often require hiring contractors for best results. Consider your skills and schedule while you assess where you can safely save money and where you should splurge.


    Editorial Contributors
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    Amy DeYoung

    Contributor

    Amy DeYoung has a passion for educating and motivating homeowners to improve their lives through home improvement projects and preventative measures. She is a content writer and editor specializing in pest control, moving, window, and lawn/gardening content for Today’s Homeowner. Amy utilizes her own experience within the pest control and real estate industry to educate readers. She studied business, communications, and writing at Arizona State University.

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    Lori Zaino

    Lori Zaino is a freelance writer and editor based in Madrid, Spain. With nearly two decades of editorial experience, she’s written and edited for publications like Forbes, CNN, Insider, NBC, Newsweek, The Points Guy, The Infatuation, and many others. Having just completed her first home renovation, she’s more interested in home improvements than ever, dedicated to bringing you fresh and accurate content to help you update your living spaces.

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