No matter how you plan to use this space, light and warmth are key

A room full of windows is the ultimate way to bring the outside in. It’s also a perfect place to relax—with nature as your backdrop.Designing your sunroom with style is a matter of furniture, fabric and a bit of imagination. For ideas, follow these tips from the pros.

Consider the Amount of Light

"Sunrooms are typically rooms dedicated to relaxing, reading, socializing or solitude. They are an add-on room and don’t have to function like a family room, so owners have the freedom to tailor them to their specific lifestyles."

"My philosophy is to apply the same style throughout the interiors and exteriors. Each space can have its own personality and emotion but in a cohesive way that ties in to the rest of the home.

"By nature, these rooms get lots of light, so all fabrics and rugs need to be UV protected. We prefer true outdoor fabrics to prevent against fading. As an extra layer of protection, some clients choose to add UV protectant film to the windows.

The Modern Way To Do Rustic Design

Be sure to consider the glare coming from the natural light if incorporating a television or computer screens. Motorized shades in semi-sheer materials can help control the light when the need arises.

"Essential furnishings to consider are lounge chairs, an ottoman to kick your feet up, a side table for every seat, an area rug to add softness and/or texture, as well as additional lighting for dark days and evenings.

"I prefer medium tones for paint colors as the sun brightens them during the day and they still look rich at night without feeling like too much of a contrast during the day.

"Choose rugs designed for outdoor use that don’t sacrifice style or comfort. Natural fibers are also a great choice, so consider fabrics like sisal, wool alpaca, or jute."

Make it Cozy

"The style in your sunroom should correlate with the aesthetic of the rest of the house. For example, if you have a very modern interior space, you wouldn't want to style your sunroom with French-country design. The design should seamlessly flow from one space to the next.

"The goal of a sunroom is to have a cozy and relaxed space, so maximizing the seating and comfort level is important. If you're going to have a coffee table in the space, having an upholstered ottoman that can double, as additional seating might be something to consider. Modular, versatile pieces can accommodate a larger number of guests and you can easily reconfigure seating arrangements. I would put a deep sofa or lounger in the space, along with an outdoor speaker for music and candles to create a lovely and relaxing ambiance.

"Muted colors and a tonal palette will create a soothing ambiance for entertaining and relaxing. Maximizing the brightness of a sunroom is something to consider when choosing paint color finishes. A paint color with an eggshell or satin finish is much more optimal than a flat or matte finish. An eggshell finish has a slight sheen and helps bounce the light off the walls, while a flat or matte finish absorbs the light."

"Muted colors and a tonal palette will create a soothing ambiance for entertaining and relaxing. Maximizing the brightness of a sunroom is something to consider when choosing paint color finishes. A paint color with an eggshell or satin finish is much more optimal than a flat or matte finish. An eggshell finish has a slight sheen and helps bounce the light off the walls, while a flat or matte finish absorbs the light."

Be Creative

"While a sunroom shouldn't completely depart from the design vibe of your entire home, it is a place where you can make bolder statements. Change the flooring to a patterned painted wood tile, paint the walls a bold color, add fun collections of decorative items of interest or pick a piece of furniture that makes you smile.

"If you are using your sunroom as a living or lounge space, I say a comfy chaise or daybed is essential. I am partial to velvet teal tufted daybeds these days. Also add a few plants to bring the outdoors inside.

"Find a great outdoor rug with a bold pattern if your sunroom gets a lot of light.