The sunroom is where I have my office and the sewing and craft areas and supplies. Originally it was a patio, and previous owners had it built in. At first I planned to take out the vertical blinds, but now I’ve gotten fond of them. They make me think of Florida houses in the 1960s, appropriate since the house was built in 1960 and Houston’s climate is generally similar to Tampa’s.
How it was:
Indoor/outdoor carpet.
Floor being leveled, excessive and unnecessary cables being removed.
Current:
Note the dog beds scattered around the room on the new floor. Note Guinness on the floor. Note Anime on the sofa.
I bought those old tavern tables and stools many years ago after my mother moved out of the apartment at The Compound and I needed some furniture in there. Tim didn’t want to use them in his new place, so they now serve as a “computer bar” where guests can use my PC, if needed, or set up their laptops or other devices. I need for Lynne (HINT) to make new stool covers for me. I have fabric!
That stained glass window is one my mother gave me. It was propped in a window of the room at The Compound that was at different times my office and a guest room (aka “Lisa’s suite”). If you’re in the kitchen, the sunlight coming through the office illuminates it. At night, light from the kitchen brightens it from the other side.
My desk is a mess because I was in the middle of organizing a lot of paperwork when I shot these photos.
But you can also see my sewing machine, a work/craft table, Margot in a crate… Those filing cabinets were all different sizes and colors and were beaten up from years in our garage. Tom repainted them to match my black desk, and now when I need to find something, I don’t have to be devoured by mosquitos to get to it. Everything in one place: This is a luxury after twenty years.
When the blinds are open, I have a view of almost the entire back yard, so the dogs can run in and out and I’m always able to see what they’re up to. Here, little foster dog Macho is trying to talk Anime into going out with him. They all love the space outside.
I love the space inside.
This is a beautiful room, full of beautiful things. I am in love with the idea of being able to see what the dogs are up to while you’re inside, and hallelujah for no mosquitos on your way to looking up the things.
Thank you. I worried about Margot and Guinness adapting–The Compound was the only home they ever knew. But now it’s as if they’ve always been here. They enjoy the space in an entirely different way from the younger dogs. I’m learning a lot about and from them.
I love the blinds and the paneling: So much room and so much light! I can’t wait to hang out in there 🙂
I’m wondering what it will be like in the dead of summer, but I think it probably can’t get any hotter than my office off the kitchen used to get. You and Paul are always welcome here!
I love that room! Definitely a place a person could spend a lot of time in. It’s so spacious and I love all the windows! (Macho looks like a real cutie.)
Thank you! Yeah, Macho was adorable. Five months old, six pounds. He’s with his real foster family now–I was just a stop along the way. But even after only three days with him, it was hard to let go!
What a wonderful room! I hope you enjoy it for many years to come.
Thank you, me, too!
Oh to have an office like that! So big and light! Macho seems forlorn in the last pic, did Anime decline the invitation … and I saw Twilight and Star Trek on the walls!
Yes, Anime continued to nap, but Macho still explored the great backyard on his own. He’s such a cutie, now in Colorado.
…and the cards I sent? Are they up there too?
You missed a third cross-stitched piece:
And do you mean these cards? I know one is from Lynne; are both of the others from you?
I think at least Limey girl is from me … but I am not sure… I know one of the girls is … I bought it at the whole foods in New Orleans when I took Julie there … and I wrote the card while I waited for her in the cafe .
Definitely both girls are from you: http://beckycochrane.com/2009/05/27/hump-day-happy-66/
http://beckycochrane.com/2009/07/24/more-fruity-goodness/
and the orange slice is from Lynne.
I love the wall-to-celing windows and the light they bring. I wonder, how hot will it be in the summer?
I think the room is situated such that it doesn’t get either the direct morning or afternoon sun, so my fingers are crossed that it won’t be an oven.
Wow, oh wow! Mlle. Renee and I could live in a room as large as your office. And it seems like Anime is taking a Renee nap with her head resting on the sofa pillow.
Yes, that Anime loves her cozy naps. She and Renee could curl up together, because she also loves doing that with the big dogs.
hey… you can sew! I will look at the stools next time I am there.
How nice that you now have a place where all of your projects are in one place. I think I like that most about my new house. (Funny, isn’t that after 2 years it is still the “new house”. )
AND when we are visiting, there is a place to sit and talk while you are at the computer.
And I am ALWAYS at my computer!
Did you look at the stools on my birthday or were you too busy in the kitchen?
And this is just the sunroom?! Bloody hell. It’s fabulous. It must be the size of the ground (US first) floor of our house – if not the whole house! How wonderful.
As the months have passed, we’ve learned we inherited a few problems with this room, but they’ve been fixable. A new place always comes with a surprise here and there. And I have to say, even though it’s almost mid July and a hot summer, the room has been comfortable. I feel very fortunate with that and the space. After nearly twenty years in a tiny home office, this is decadence!