How to Decorate an Italian Sunroom

The sunroom can serve many purposes in a house, such as being an indoor garden, an enclosed porch, a music room, a spare bedroom, a spa, an entertainment room or a study. While its purposes will dictate much of the necessary furnishings, it is also possible to decorate along an Italian theme. Tuscan country style is a popular way to add robust color, warmth and old world charm to the sunroom.

Things You'll Need

• Furniture Accessories Paint

Instructions

A Sunroom With a Touch of Tuscany

1. Begin with color. The trademark palette of Italian style is earth tones and various hues of gold. You can paint an accent wall espresso brown or install terracotta ceramic flooring. Add splashes of color with majolica pottery, tile mosaic surfaces and wrought iron wall sconces.

2. Furnish in Italian country style. Keep the overall look simple, uncluttered and homespun. If the inside of your sunroom is made of wood, complement it with furniture made of natural materials such as wicker, rattan, bamboo and straw. The look should be time-worn rather than sleek, so distressed pine furniture and vintage items look ideal. One quick way to add a homey feeling to an unused corner is to place an Italian bistro set there. These three-piece sets, usually comprised of a couple folding chairs or stools and an ornamental cafe table, take up very little space and encourage relaxing.

3. Consider lighting. You want to complement, not battle, natural light, but you also want to avoid creating a space that is glaring with brightness. Recessed lighting can work well in this environment. For a bit of Italian panache, consider antique or rustic-looking fixtures or a chandelier covered with crystals. Window treatments should welcome the outside world into the sunroom. Consider draping light fabric around the window frame. Rather than blinds, opt for wicker or bamboo shades that add a natural element.

4. Address the floor coverings. While some people love an unadorned tile or wood floor, area rugs can warm up the space. Tuscan country design often features coordinated floor mats in natural fibers that define the space and add continuity. Colors should remain earthy, although small splashes of gold, red, indigo and yellow are common.

5. Accessorize the sunroom Italian-style. The obvious course of action is to invest in some artisan pieces made in Italy, such as trademark ceramics or paintings of Italian scenes. Tuscan design features the fruits of earth, with plain pitchers filled with wildflowers, dried peppers hung along the walls, leafy plants in earthenware pots and big bowls of fruit. Soften the effect with colorful embroidered throw pillows and pillar candles.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider the path of sunlight when you plan seating--certain spots may be too hot in the summer or too cool in the winter.

• Do not over-accessorize or coordinate every piece--the Italian look is eclectic and simple.

Resources

• An article and photo gallery of a Tuscan home makeover