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Embracing Warmth: 25 Mediterranean-Inspired Sunrooms for a Cozy Staycation

Depending on where you live, winter can vary between being a pleasantly cold time to a harsh, bone-chilling affair that forces you to spend most of your time indoors. But one thing we all have in common during these colder months is the desire to soak in that little hint of sunshine and warmth as we dig deep into the festive season. Sunrooms offer a great setting for a fun holiday at home that involves family and friends. Instead of splurging on an expensive chalet or exotic holiday, maybe this Christmas it is time for a smart staycation thanks to the versatile sunroom.

Textured walls are perfect for the Mediterranean sunroom [Design: Woide Angle Photography]

While beautiful contemporary sunrooms offer plenty both in terms of flair and functionality, they pale in comparison to the cozy elegance and timeless allure of the Mediterranean-inspired sunroom. With exquisite textural beauty, plenty of pattern, and the charm of the warm Mediterranean, they offer an ideal retreat that allows you to escape the winter gloom. And all this comfort sits just a few steps away from your living room!

Going Down the Classic Route

Classic Mediterranean style is a blend of design influences brought in by many cultures and diverse ethnic backdrops in the region. For some, it is all about Spanish Revival, while others feel that the true charm of the Mediterranean lies on the coasts of Greece and Italy. While some prefer rich textures and intricate patterns that epitomize Moroccan style, others tend to gravitate towards the pristine white and light blue shades of the breezy Athenian theme. Irrespective of which path you go down, the Mediterranean sunroom has a few distinct elements that are instantly recognizable.

Exposed wooden beams, textured walls and arched windows shape a stylish sunroom [From: Bowman Group Architectural Photography]
Fabulous sunroom of luxurious Mediterranean Villa in Miami [Design: Sater Design Collection]

Rich texture is an important part of the style, and textured walls in earthen hues offer a great starting point. Then you have arched doorways and windows that usher in the authentic Mediterranean vibe, even as plush seating completes the setting. A few lovely, white sheer curtains are a great aesthetic and functional addition that keep out the sun on really hot days while allowing you to easily open up the sunroom completely in colder months.

Cozy sunroom with fireplace, plush couch, innovative ceiling design and TV [Design: Starr Homes]
Mediterranean sunroom with black ceiling, exposed wooden beams and a lovely chandelier [Design: William Caswell Architect]
Modern LA home with Mediterranean-inspired sunroom [Design: Marco Gualtieri]
Charming sunroom of Gulfport home with curved glass wall [Design: Owen & Co. Real Estate]

Embracing the Outdoors

A beautiful sunroom that serves as a basecamp for your staycation definitely needs to connect with the landscape outside. This could mean opening up the sunroom towards the spectacular mountain or ocean view outside or just letting the garden landscape connect with the interior visually. Work with the view on offer, and if you are stuck in the urban jungle, then use indoor plants to spruce up the setting. Never underestimate the value of greenery while planning for a lovely sunroom with Mediterranean influences. The best sunroom is one that acts as a transitional zone between your home and the outdoors, bringing together the best of both worlds!

Ceiling, greenery and classy decor shape the exquisite sunroom [Design: O’Guin Decorative Finishes]
Open sunroom design is perfect for those who love outdoor living [Design: Living Interiors]
Exquisite Mediterranean sunroom with a dash of rose and green [Photography: David M Ward]
Small sunroom with Mediterranean flair and soothing ambiance [Design: Jean-Philippe Chevreau]
Turn the sunroom into a relaxing family hangout [Design: Island Architects]
Orangery and sunroom rolled into one beautifully [Design: David Salisbury]

Clever Use of Space

Space is obviously the biggest issue when most homeowners start to think about a sunroom. There are several different ways of getting around this constraint, and all you need is a hint of imagination and the right architect to execute the audacious plan. Turning the modern hallway into a lovely, Mediterranean-style solarium is increasingly becoming a popular choice in smaller urban homes. A simple remodel along with a few gorgeous glass windows and doors can get the job done with ease, and you suddenly have an additional living space!

Beautiful solarium with classy Mediterranean charm [Design: Lorenzo Castillo]
Spanish Colonial influences dominate this breezy sunroom [Design: Charmean Neithart Interiors]

An isolated nook or odd corner in the living room can also be turned into a small and cozy sunroom by simply opening it up to the view outside using corner windows and some temporary partitions. Bright rugs and patterned tiles that are such a staple in the Mediterranean decorating landscape allow you to easily delineate this space and give it an air of exclusivity.

Small and cozy sunroom with minimal decor and a lovely view [Design: Hood Branco / Photography: Jim Williams]
Original wooden beams of the house and custom decor steal the show in the small sunroom [Design: Margaux Interiors]
Mediterranean-inspired sunroom designed by Emily Henderson [From: Target]
Sunroom need not be about all glass, all the time! [Design: Paul Moon Design]

A Stylish Blend!

Anyone familiar with Mediterranean style will instantly recognize that its cheerful elegance and earthen hues give you a great opportunity to blend it with a wide range of secondary styles. On one end of the spectrum is coastal and beach style, while on the other end you have rustic and farmhouse influences that seem to melt away effortlessly in a beautiful Mediterranean sunroom. Throw in a modern dining table, fireplace, TV nook and couch, and you can use this cheerful sunroom as a secondary living room.

Gorgeous sunroom in white with a hint of blue [Design: Danka Interiors]
A touch of rustic beauty inside the Mediterranean interior [Design: Torre Construction & Development]
A fusion of Mediterranean sunroom and rooftop deck [Design: Architetto Manuela Zecca]
Drapes control the flood of sunlight as terracotta tiles bring Mediterranean elegance to the sunroom [Design: Ken Linsteadt Architects]
Arched dooorways, heated marble floor and cozy seating for the opulent sunroom [Design: Designs By Jennifer Owen]
Screened outdoor living for those who love an expansive sunroom! [Design: Taylor & Taylor]

Sherry Nothingam

Sherry is a blogger who loves to live her life to the fullest. She enjoys everything associated with design, décor and stylish modern trends. Born in California, Sherry has grown up on open ranches and in a wild setting, which has defined her taste for design and developed her interest in examining how structures and homes interact with the beauti[...]

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