skip to main content

Porches & Decks Remodeling Design Dilemma

What can be done with this 1980s enclosed porch?

last year

Renovating a small home with a 1980s, glass and vinyl enclosed porch. What can be done with this very narrow space to update it and make it useful? The room is very narrow and long. It sits very close (2-3’) to the neighbors driveway.
Also what could be done to the exterior front for more curb appeal?
There are two single French glass doors on an all brick exterior wall leading right into a small living room.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

Jilly
last year
last modified: last year
I’m envious, would love to have that room. :)

I’ve seen lots of sunrooms with brick I’d paint white, but this definitely isn’t one of them. The brick is really nice, I would leave it. It adds so much warmth, interest, character, and texture.

My main priority would be changing the floor to tile. I’d bring in lots of plants, have a lamp or two, comfy seating, outdoor rugs.

Search sunroom ideas for lots of inspiration pictures. I’m not sure what your styles are, what you want the room for, if you entertain often/have kids/paint/etc, your budget, and so on. Lots of uses for a room like this.

Most of these are larger, but might give some ideas anyway:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/sunroom-ideas-phbr0-bp~t_12300

We’re empty nesters, so for us it would be a reading den, grow plants, do some crafts, wine and coffee time, maybe have meals out there on a cute little vintage bistro table.

Are you wanting to change the landscaping outside of it? If so, you’ll need to post more detailed pics of it, and say where you’re located.
emgovi
Original Author
last year
Jinx all great ideas thank you!
Related Discussions
Starting Over 1930s - 1980s kitchen
Q
Comments (23)
I'll be contrary and say I'm against keeping that cabinet. The "old" cabinet is a hybrid from the (I'd say 50's-60's) previous renovation and the original cabinet. The bottom is original and the top has clutzy replacement doors instead of the (probably) of inset doors, the new doors were probably an attempt to blend the new cabinets with the old. The kitchen probably had one of those long wall sinks with integral drainboards in that area and the photos show the newly improved arrangement with only one small full depth base cabinet - the sink base. If you keep it, I think you can't place the dishwasher where you've drawn it - I don't think you have even 18" for a dw between where a farm sink cabinet would be and the edge of the antique base cabinet. You already know that its height from the countertop prevents you from using that counter space for anything but storage. If you keep it, you might look for new doors for it and a better companion cabinet for the other side of the sink window. The wall cabinet there looks like a replacement ir later addition anyway. Doing the return (making the little "L" on the dining room side) doesn't actually get you much - you lose more of the easy storage in the corner, the upper becomes more difficult to use and you don't really gain USEFUL counterspace because you can't use the counter in the corner. A lot of this will have different charateristics than it does now because you're much further away from that upper when you use standard size cabinets. The "L" prevents changing the dw to the left side of the sink - again I think that's necessary if you want to save the antique cabinet. In what I drew, You can have the ref where drawn free standing or with a small pantry that opens towards the bathroom. If you choose to do a range in that location, the suggestion above for an antique range is a good one - craig's list sometimes has chambers and others listed for baltimore that work and are reasonable. The issue with an unrestored antique range is SAFTEY. They sometimes have problems with gas leaks, rust or ovens that don't work right. You could also maybe do the 40" Frigidaire for something that feels more like an older style. Lots more cash than that gets you a restored antique range. Some more cash gets you something really stylish like this bert. At about that level of pricing, you can just reach a pro style range like an american or blue star. In any event, What you can't do is keep that partly old cabinet and "recounter" it deeper, put a counter in front of the window and expect to be able to reach inside it on either the uppers or the lowers (without crawling). By increasing the depth of the counter, you're increasing your distance from the upper and you won't be able to reach as well as you could before. You also won't be able to use either of the drawers because of the extended depth of the counter. I had to laugh about the wall fan (I have one). Isn't your kitchen greasy? Don't you spend time cleaning the grease off those pipes and the exhaust fan itself? Don't you find kinda gory dust on the ceiling fan - dust that clumps up because of the grease? Little flecks of greasy stuff on the walls and cabinets that are nearly impossible to clean off? Here is a link that might be useful: Frigidaire range
...See More
1980's kitchen has sage countertops. Can't renovate now, so.....
Q
Comments (26)
The flooring curls up because that's how it was done. It gives a nice cornerless, cleanable edge. Probably has a metal strip along the top. It might leave cabinets a bit messed up if it's removed. I really love how the sink and cooktop have recessed cabinets under them to make them even more accessible. This kitchen was nice. It's still nice. Looks like it's in great shape and has a decent layout. I'd like a new faucet and MAYbe add some nice knobs. Remove the wallpaper and paint it something nice. Maybe the cream from the floor? You can replace the light fixture with something great, and reuse it when/if you remodel.
...See More
How can I update my 1980s cream brick villa-unit without rendering?
Q
Comments (5)
I move in, in a fortnight and so these were just taken with my phone and I can't get more photos until I move in unfortunately. This photo is an old pic of another villa in the complex (which has since been renovated) it shows the front veranda (such as it is) in better detail. I can actually get the paving around my villa replaced. I plan on re-paving the entire rear courtyard and so it would be ideal to do it all at the same time. But again, unsure of colors. I may also enclose the carport with a garage door.
...See More
1980's contemporary exterior - landscape, front porch and roof advice
Q
Comments (9)
It looks like some regrading may be needed with the new steps. A concrete walkway from the sidewalk, along the driveway, then a right turn and a short run of 3 or 4 steps with a black iron railing would work. It will need a safe transition from the sloping driveway to the new level walkway. Since this redo is going to cost a bundle, you may want to hire a professional landscape designer who can present options within your budget. If your plans are to start next year, in the meantime you can plant a bag of 50 or 100 bright daffodils where you took out the shrubs. Move them when you install the new landscaping.
...See More
littlebug zone 5 Missouri
last year
last modified: last year
It’s beautiful! I love it.

Update the landscaping in front, not the room. First thing I would do is rip out that ball shrub growing front-and-center. See how it wants to grow taller than the window ledges?

Find a good landscaper and get some perennial low-care flowers in there instead. Some of the other shrubs look way too close to the house. Maybe they need to go too. I can’t tell what they are but as-is they are underwhelming.

Is that storm door necessary? Is it the only door to the screen porch or is there a solid door too? Why is it bright white? The rug at the door looks sad and dull.
lkloes
last year
Ooh what a great space! I actually would paint the brick white and while you’re doing that repaint the ceiling so it’s not shiny. If budget allows, I would replace your fan with a less noticeable white one. A tile floor with a jute or sisal area rug would look great. Consider removing the living roomish drapes and replacing them with bamboo shades. I like Jinx’s idea of a small bistro table too. Some rattan furniture (smaller scale than what you have now) and lots of large green plants will complete the look. What a great project-have fun!
PRO
Norwood Architects
last year
As others have said - it's a gorgeous room with lots of natural light. Also, as others have posted you might consider installing a tile flooring although the current flooring you have softens the texture of the room. So, perhaps a wall to wall textured grass rug might keep that softened quality. Yes to lots of plants. This is an ideal place to grow them since there room is flooded with light. Someone posted painting the brick. As much as I love the brick here painting might make the room feel more intentionally composed instead of more an addition. You house is quite handsome in general, too. Good luck!
JT7abcz
last year
I love the room too! It's an extra layer of privacy and security for the side doors and provides a cozy space. You can see your BBQ grill from the front yard, tuck it off to the side. Hopefully you have another door to the back where you access the BBQ deck/patio, otherwise, it looks like you have to make a big loop to the french door on the left because the door on the right is blocked by the TV. While your living room is lovely, it looks like you may have layout issues due to the two french doors? If that's the case and you'll be renovating anyway, consider whether removing one of the french doors and the sliding doors to the deck will give you more usable space in the porch and in the living room.
la_la Girl
last year
last modified: last year
What a great room! We have something similiar and it was wallpapered in mauve, carpeted in dark green, and then had a long black and mauve brick wall (not all brick is beautiful lol) when we moved in - we put a wood floor down as part of another renovation and painted the brick white - its a great extra room to have, it has been a homework room for highschoolers and then a WFH office for me - I joke that i am going to tuck a twin bed in there when i am too old to go up the stairs 😅

you have a MUCH prettier view than we do -so love the idea of a comfy spot for coffee time, evening drinks etc - some bird feeders outside those windows would be fabulous entertainment. I agree that getting the carpet out will totally change the feel of the room for the better - and your brick is lovely so i would leave it alone - enjoy!
Sherry8aNorthAL
last year
last modified: last year
I wish I had that room on my house. I would take it back to the enclosed porch, sunroom/greenhouse is was meant to be. Remove the sheers and carpet. It should have either a concrete floor or wood porch floor. Refinish the floor. Remove the sheers and rods. Add shades or blinds for privacy at night. Do not paint the brick that is a large part of the charm.

I would fill with plants and herbs.

Remove any indoor only furniture. Furnish with comfortable outdoor furniture.

Related Stories

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD Houzz Tour: 1980s Home Updated for a Family’s Modern Lifestyle

By Amanda Pollard

An architect helps his sister and her sons make a fresh start in an English row house

HOLIDAYS Porch Decorating Ideas From Thanksgiving to New Year’s

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

Long-lasting wreaths, potted plants and more can cheer up your entryway from fall through winter

ROOTS OF STYLE Design Through the Decades: The 1980s

By Victoria Villeneuve

Postmodernism and other forms of maximalism are found in the period’s architecture and interiors

PORCHES Porch of the Week: Underused Space Gets Enclosed and Screened

A designer optimizes a Minnesota deck for multiseason enjoyment with screens, a roof and comfy new furniture

HOUSEKEEPING It’s Time to Clean Your Gutters — Here’s How

By Bonnie McCarthy

Follow these steps to care for your gutters so they can continue to protect your house

LIFE Data Watch: What’s Great, and What’s Not, About a Smaller Home

By Erin Carlyle

Houzz asked more than 200 U.S. homeowners about life in 1,000 square feet or less. Here’s what they said

BATHROOM DESIGN Room of the Day: Renovation Retains a 1920s Bath’s Vintage Charm

By Becky Harris

A ceiling leak spurs this family to stop patching and go for the gut

TRANSITIONAL HOMES Houzz Tour: An 1800s Sea Captain’s House Sails Into Modern Times

By Kelly LaPlante LLC

A California designer and his wife lovingly restore their throwback gem while carefully adding some modern-day style

MOST POPULAR See the Difference a New Back Deck Can Make

By Becky Harris

A dramatic 2-story porch becomes the centerpiece of this Ohio family’s renovated landscape

HOUSEKEEPING 10 Chores You Can Whip Through During Commercials

By Becky Harris

Use ad time for getting tasks done, and it’s like fast-forwarding your house into cleanliness

Sponsored

More Discussions

Soffit and Deck Colour Advice

3

Stamped concrete

0

Patio to deck combo - how to furnish etc.

8

Take it to the next level of CUTENESS

7

Should entry doors match?

6