How to Create Your Own Outdoor Great Room

Outdoor great rooms are also called verandas, sunrooms or lanais.

The great outdoors for some is merely a few chairs on a patio or deck. For others, the outdoors is an area that can be transformed into a great room suitable for lounging, dining, relaxing and entertaining. Making your own great room can be done by using the same design and decorating processes that would be used indoors. Make your outdoor sanctuary special by knowing what you have to work with, how much you can spend and what you want the final result to look like.

Things You'll Need

• Measurements of area
• Budget
• Tape measure
• Fabric and paint swatches
• Photographs of potential furnishing, including measurements

Instructions

1. Determine which portion of your property you will be using to create your great room. Decide if it will be on the front, side or back of your house. Work with built structures to make the process flow smoother and cost less. For example, if you have a sliding glass door leading to your backyard or to a cement patio, consider this area for the great room.

2. Choose a color and design concept. Decide what the main decorating colors will be. Determine how you will use the area and consider furniture according to needs. For example, if the great room will be for entertaining and relaxing, opt for a dining set suitable for outdoor use and a sofa or sectional set to provide additional seating areas. Other furniture options include chaise loungers, serving tables, drink carts and beverage-serving stations.

3. Figure out whether you will be enclosing the area with siding, glass or fabric panels. Choose your enclosure type based on your personal preference and budget. Know that a glass-enclosed sunroom will cost more money compared to having a contractor add drywall that is attached to the house. An open-air solution using an awning with or without fabric panels for privacy and style will cost the least.

4. Enclose the area according to the method you selected. If using the open-air concept, install the awning first and consider using one that retracts with a remote control or wall-mounted switch. Consider investing in an awning that has wind sensors that will automatically retract the awning when gusts reach certain speeds. Choose the awning and all drapes or panels in colors you determined when coming up with your color and style concept.

5. Lay carpet if desired. Use outdoor-grade carpet if the area will not be enclosed with a weatherproof enclosure. Even if using a sunroom design, opt for carpet rated for indoors and outdoors to ensure the carpet lasts longer. If you are not enclosing the room, do not install wall-to-wall carpeting; opt for throw rugs to cover major areas of the floor.

6. Add accents throughout the room. Use curtains, draped or blinds if the room has windows. Install a ceiling fan if the room is wired for electricity. Use throw pillows and blankets on seating areas to coordinate with your color scheme. Purchase dinnerware and glassware, again matching the color and style to the rest of the room. Use plants and flowers throughout to enhance the outdoor feel.

Tips & Warnings

• Sketch out your initial design using white paper and colored pencils to help determine the layout and colors.

• Never use a contractor for any work that you have not researched.

References

• Mother Earth News: Plan the Perfect Sunroom Addition
• Apartment Therapy: House Tour: Enrique's Posh Patio
• Sunset: 21 Idea-Filled Outdoor Dining Rooms