Homeowners are feathering their nests, and the one area of home improvement that continues to grow is sunrooms. As interest grows, so does the variety and style of sunrooms and conservatories. Whether you want to use a sunroom as a dining area, a playroom, an office space, or simply a room in which to relax and let the outdoors in, you need a plan. This book includes exactly what every homeowner is seeking; hands-on, practical information; inspirational images; and templates for each style, ranging from Victorian to Edwardian and from regency to modern-in short, all the information you need to choose a style and design your own sunroom. The book also includes a CD ROM to help design your sunroom, discussion of interior furnishings, sourcing materials, and much more.

Perfect reference tool for anyone considering adding or remodeling a porch, sunroom, or conservatory. More than 290 color photos and 60 color illustrations.

Born out of the heritage of structures first imagined by and constructed for the British aristocracy, the contemporary conservatory represents the ultimate in traditional elegance married to informal comfort. With or without plants and flowers, they come in every conceivable size and shape-square, oblong, octagonal, or whatever your pleasure. The conservatory adds a treasured space to any home and makes a strong statement of individual style. The conservatories surveyed here play a rich architectural role through the use of classic detailing or sophisticated modern materials. Some are based on graceful Victorian antecedents while others are modernist sculptures of glass and steel. The evocative photographs in the book survey the spectrum of styles and interior design-everything from a Zen-inspired glass perch where the landscape outside becomes the room to a casual lounging area enclosed by a virtual jungle canopy. Specific chapters focus on decorating and accessorizing and demystify difficult decisions (color schemes, floor materials, and controlling natural light). Recent advances in weatherproofing, glass engineering, flooring, lighting, and zoned heating and cooling are covered. Also included is an A-to-Z glossary of recommended plants plus a directory of manufacturers and suppliers.

Porches not only provide a practical function by extending living and entertaining space, but they also fulfill aesthetic and social needs by exuding a sense of welcome and creating an appealing transition from indoor to outdoor. In Dream Porches and Sunrooms, homeowners are invited to discover the simple pleasures these additions can bring to their life by envisioning the various design possibilities available as well as gaining an overview of the porch creation process. This highly-visual resource book overflows with vibrant color photography showcasing diverse outdoor additions in a variety of exterior styles arranged by purpose (dining, entertaining, relaxing, etc.) and location (city, suburbs, small town, waterfront), demonstrating how homeowners can select a design to suit their particular living space and needs. Sketched plan diagrams are included with many of the photos, and an in-depth chapter on the elements of "porch style" encompasses a wealth of decorative options for further inspiration. Dream Porches and Sunrooms also highlights the important practical considerations to take into account before embarking on a porch project and selecting a suitable design. It concludes with a final chapter outlining the key choices and elements involved in the porch construction process, rendering them in a clear, concise manner using a mix of text and pictorial examples along with helpful checklists and sidebars.

Looks at a variety of conservatories, greenhouses, and sun rooms, describes suitable plants and furnishings, and discusses the practical aspects of greenhouse gardening