Room Of The Week
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Room of the Week: From Dull Verandah to a Delightful Living Area
The transformation of this yawningly boring verandah to a lively transitional space is a sight to behold
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
Brief
The brief was to refurbish and build in the deck and connect it to a new patio extension for year-round entertaining. Having always been the exterior deck of the main house, the client wanted to take advantage of enclosing it to reclaim an additional living/dining space, while establishing a natural flow to the garden and new outdoor zone.
The client wanted the room to have the same transitional aesthetic as the rest of the house, with classic overtones.
Find an interior designer near you on Houzz, browse images of their work and read reviews from previous clients
The brief was to refurbish and build in the deck and connect it to a new patio extension for year-round entertaining. Having always been the exterior deck of the main house, the client wanted to take advantage of enclosing it to reclaim an additional living/dining space, while establishing a natural flow to the garden and new outdoor zone.
The client wanted the room to have the same transitional aesthetic as the rest of the house, with classic overtones.
Find an interior designer near you on Houzz, browse images of their work and read reviews from previous clients
The deck before works.
Starting point
Having worked with this client over many years, we had already updated and decorated the interior of the house and made a start on the deck’s furniture scheme. This informed our final vision because we had to incorporate existing pieces.
However, it was a chance to see it completed, since a refurbished deck and garden would enhance what we had already begun. The way in which our client entertains was also a big cue in designing a functional and versatile furniture layout for the space.
Having worked with this client over many years, we had already updated and decorated the interior of the house and made a start on the deck’s furniture scheme. This informed our final vision because we had to incorporate existing pieces.
However, it was a chance to see it completed, since a refurbished deck and garden would enhance what we had already begun. The way in which our client entertains was also a big cue in designing a functional and versatile furniture layout for the space.
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Key design aspects
Colour palette: We kept the architectural elements black and white and infused punches of colour through the fabrics and furniture using a palette of reds, blues and greens. We chose this palette to keep the space fresh and to complement the beautiful natural light that permeates the room.
Colour palette: We kept the architectural elements black and white and infused punches of colour through the fabrics and furniture using a palette of reds, blues and greens. We chose this palette to keep the space fresh and to complement the beautiful natural light that permeates the room.
- Dulux Vivid White is used on battening, trusses, walls and plantation shutters.
- Floors are in a Feast Watson stain.
- Stegbar black aluminium French doors and windows.
Key pieces of furniture:
- Reclaimed teak daybed repainted and upholstered in Jim Thompson ‘Lalla’ fabric in Turquoise.
- Lincoln Brooks cane chair upholstered in Boussac ‘Feroe’ fabric.
- Console table from Perfect Pieces.
- Dining table from Xavier Furniture.
- The dining chairs are Fermob 1900 Chairs in Forest Green from Design Nation.
- Maine marble-top coffee table from Canvas + Sasson.
- Rug from Miss Amara.
- Outdoor Stool by Ivy + Piper.
Thinking behind the arrangement of furniture
Successful entertaining needs to allow a blend of relaxing and dining, and the generous size of the deck allowed for both. The proportion of the room is square, so we chose to devote a side to each and create a thoroughfare down the centre to access the patio.
The wall of French doors and bi-fold windows was designed to maximise the view to the garden, without compromising on the options to leave the space open in warmer months, closed off in bad weather, or to anchor furniture such as the console table.
Successful entertaining needs to allow a blend of relaxing and dining, and the generous size of the deck allowed for both. The proportion of the room is square, so we chose to devote a side to each and create a thoroughfare down the centre to access the patio.
The wall of French doors and bi-fold windows was designed to maximise the view to the garden, without compromising on the options to leave the space open in warmer months, closed off in bad weather, or to anchor furniture such as the console table.
The mix of smaller tables offers ample serving and resting spots for drinks or food. It’s really the perfect room for hosting guests or indulging in some alone time.
Browse more inspirational patio photos here
Browse more inspirational patio photos here
Challenges you worked around
Although the vision was for this space was to feel like a living room, it was essential that it’s able to endure the elements as well as the rigours of entertaining. We deliberately chose a mix of furniture styles to achieve an eclectic indoor feel, but then pared them with durable materials such as steel, teak and acrylic fabrics that are outdoor-rated.
Although the vision was for this space was to feel like a living room, it was essential that it’s able to endure the elements as well as the rigours of entertaining. We deliberately chose a mix of furniture styles to achieve an eclectic indoor feel, but then pared them with durable materials such as steel, teak and acrylic fabrics that are outdoor-rated.
Why do you think this room works?
The indoor-outdoor nature of this area has resulted in a fun, fresh and versatile room. It’s such a great illustration of how, with enough careful thought, our living spaces can be both beautiful and practical.
The indoor-outdoor nature of this area has resulted in a fun, fresh and versatile room. It’s such a great illustration of how, with enough careful thought, our living spaces can be both beautiful and practical.
Your turn
Which ideas would you steal from this space? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images for inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Catch up on more great transformations here with this Room of the Week: A Terrazzo-Inspired Bathroom in Fremantle
Which ideas would you steal from this space? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images for inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Catch up on more great transformations here with this Room of the Week: A Terrazzo-Inspired Bathroom in Fremantle
Sponsored
Answers by Elizabeth Flekser, director and principal designer at Ivy + Piper.
Who lives here: The owner is an avid entertainer of family and friends
Location: Auchenflower, Queensland
Room purpose and size: Sunroom/deck of 5.45 x 5.4 metres
Approximate budget: AU$50,000