There’s something illuminating going on in our sunroom. And I’m not talking about the fireflies Clara is constantly trying to catch and befriend (she told me the other day that she wants one to live in her room FOREVER). Befriend? Imprison? Potato, potahto.
Yep, our sunroom – er, veranda if you’re nasty fancy – is finally sporting some lighting, courtesy of the new fixtures that we added to the posts in the four corners of the room.
Our original plan last summer had been to install light kits on the two fans in the room, but we never found fan lights we liked… and then we slowly warmed up to the idea of sconces around the perimeter of the space instead of two overhead fan lights (we thought they’d add more in the charm/ambiance department). Until now the room’s usefulness had been setting with the sun every day…. but thankfully our go-to electricians (S.J. Ryan for any locals) changed that by coming out to help us add the new fixture boxes we needed. For anyone wondering about costs, they work on a per hour basis, and we’ll dive into the benjamins a little later for you.
To get all the sconces on the same switch, they tapped into an existing outlet in the space (the one pulled out in the right photo above) that was operated by a switch in the house right by the sunroom door. Then they ran conduit under the deck to each of the other three posts. It was definitely more on the “complicated” end of things since there’s a slab foundation under the sunroom itself (so nothing could be run/drilled under there), which meant that most of the wiring had to be within the posts or run under the deck. If we had realized we wanted sconces on the posts instead of fan lights back when we had the room torn apart (after raising the ceiling and before planking it) this process would have been much easier. Picture Sherry channeling Cher and singing “If I could tuuuuurn back toooooowwwwwwm.”
Now instead we have these small conduit things on the outside of each of the four posts, but we think once we paint them the color of the house they should blend in better. Sherry has big plans to drop some planters in front of them if they still bug her after that. Big plans, people. Huge.
But back to the fun stuff. The lights were Joss & Main finds, which caught our eyes because (A) they were similar to our other outdoor lights, (B) they were the right size, (C) we could get four matching ones (not so easy on craigslist or at our favorite lighting outlet), and (D) they were within our budget ($51 each with free shipping).
They’re not so big that we – well, mainly me – have to worry about walking into them, and the dark bronze finish brings some nice contrast to the room along with the fans.
While we had the pros here, we also got their help removing the old intercom from the wall and terminating the wires properly. Sherry and I were just grateful it didn’t leave any major marks in the wall. Just a small dot where the wires came out (see arrow below) and a couple of subtle holes in the mortar where it was screwed in. We were picturing a giant hole lurking under it with a missing brick or something, so this was a much better outcome. Picture Sherry channeling Cher and singing “Do you belieeeeeeeeeve in life after intercom?”
The sunroom was just one of several rooms that got some electrical attention (here’s a peek at the office before getting a ceiling fixture box and floor outlet under the floating desk).
We’ve been keeping a running list of wiring/lighting to-dos and decided to finally pull the trigger on them all at once for efficiency’s sake. We’ve still got some fixtures to add and drywall to patch, so we’ll dive into those other updates when a few are a little more finished looking, but bulking all the wiring work saved us a good amount of money, so we’ll break that down for you in that update too (still waiting on the itemized bill).
Although a bunch of other indoor spaces got some work done, the new lights outside are the highlight of our electrical punch list. Just as we hoped, they illuminate enough without feeling like giant search lights, they make things feel a lot cozier, and we love that they extend the amount of time that we can use this space. Some nights it means a later bedtime (and maybe a popsicle or two). Other nights it just means not having to sit in the dark while Burger takes his last potty break of the night. Either way, we’ll take it.
How are you guys enjoying your summer nights? Is it weird that I’m tempted to rent a projector or something and watch a movie out here? Not that that requires lighting, so I’m not sure why I’m just having this idea now…
Psst- Teddy’s weekly picture is up, and I’m pretty sure he’s the man.
Bethany @ Dwellings by DeVore says
Looks great! There’s just something about the glow of a summer night!
prue says
Lovely lights, lovely family pics, and will never ever say tomato, tomahto again when I can say potato, potahto. Teehee :-)
heyruthie says
I’ve been a blog reader for at least 5 years, and the first picture in this post (of the 4 of you) is possibly my favorite YHL picture of all time. There’s something heartwarming about seeing you *enjoy* your space as a family that is really wonderful. Thanks for sharing that snippet, even if it’s posed :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much!
xo
s
Stephanie says
I LOVE your lighting update and the entire veranda altogether! I had to laugh the other day when you referred to it as your veranda (in a long drawn out way) because we say the same thing (the same way) about our patio :) AND, Clara and the lightning bugs reminded me of some super cute (and very whimsical) LED firefly lanterns that I had for my kids when they were little. They are vintage-y (think mason jar w/a small vine inside and a couple of little lit fireflies) and they are in my yard sale box (my kids are ‘too old’ for them now). I would love to send one your way if you’d like one? If so, send me a message (sporusta at me dot com) and I’ll put one in the mail to you! One last thing (I’m long-winded, sorry) on the topic of fireflies – Faith Hill has a great song called ‘Fireflies’ that is pretty heartwarming. Ok then, carry on ;)
YoungHouseLove says
You’re so sweet Stephanie!
xo
s
Cari says
As the owner of a projector we use indoors, I can say with confidence that you just need to go ahead and buy one. You can have it installed outside (I assume) and also install a projector screen. It will change your life.
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds awesome!
xo
s
Rosi says
I have known Sean for years and I would definitely recommend him any time. I’m trying to save up so I can get him to completely re-do the entire system here because it is older than Benjamin Franklin.
Sandra says
Like the lights. But those thighs should be illegal, Teddy! Gorgeous! My boys are 3 and nearly 1, so I miss those super-chubster thighs!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha!
xo
s
Lily says
Loving your porch!
x Lily
http://whilemyboyfriendsaway.blogspot.com/
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
Very nice and some planters would totally hide those boxes Sherry isn’t fond of.
I think you could easily get a white roll up shade to mount between the lights that you could roll down and get a projector to movie summer movie nights outside! I think we looked at getting one but it was around $200 and I’m cheap but I’m sure you could find a used one that someone else had big ideas for and never executed. ;)
Alyssa says
You mentioned painting those little grey electrical boxes the colour of the house. I’m curious why you wouldn’t paint them the colour of the veranda instead? Wouldn’t they blend in better?
Thanks :)
YoungHouseLove says
Sorry for the confusion, that’s what we’d use – that white paint to match the column color :)
xo
s
Addy says
Love the lights, love the vibe but more importantly loooove Teddy’s chubiness! Look at the rolls on his little legs. So bloody damn cute. X
Alison says
Hahah new regular reader to your blog – and I am hooked now due to the incredible Cher references.
If I could turn back towwwwwwwwwm will be in my head all day :)
YoungHouseLove says
I don’t know whether to be proud or apologize. Haha!
xo
s
Erin says
It’s official–this is my favorite space since I began reading your blog. I’m a sucker for outdoor living spaces, but you have totally classed that place up! Love the furniture, accessories, cozy glow from the lights…it looks great!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Erin!
xo
s
Vanessa says
That looks fantastic, you guys! It’s amazing what the right lighting will do. I’m working on our outdoor space right now, and while much tinier than yours (JEALOUS), it’s got a very similar cozy vibe going on! (And I’m still DYING over your egg chair. DYING.)
Sandy says
Two words: Dimmer switch! You can get one yourself and easily swap that out on your indoor light switch and have your lights at whatever brightness you want. I swear by mine – we have one in the bedroom for the wall sconces and one in the living room for the high hats.
YoungHouseLove says
Love that idea.
xo
s
Emily Boyle says
I don’t comment very often but I was compelled to tonight – I absolutely LOVE the way the sunroom looks at dusk! It gives such a different view of the space and makes it seem so much more cozy where I think sometimes all of the white in your home can come off as more stark and cold. (Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge fan of white on white on white – ask my husband). Of course, now I think you should do a post of all the different ways your home looks in different light. Does the morning light stream through the office? Does the evening sun amaze you in the kitchen? I have to know! :p
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Emily! That would be a fun post!
xo
s
Jannean says
Friends of ours starting showing movies in their backyard using a hanging sheet as the backdrop. Over the years they graduated to a real screen and have since turned their occasional outdoor movie into a weekly themed film festival complete with website & blog. You get a whole new perspective on a movie when you’re watching it outside under the stars.
YoungHouseLove says
So cool!
xo
s
Anna says
Recently, we switched all of our outdoor lights to led bulbs…the minus is that the light doesn’t spill out as far, but the plus has been that moths really don’t seem to be attracted to led lights. We looked it up and somehow a lot of bugs are unable to see the led wavelength. Also, there is an energy savings and extended life of led. Bulbs are expensive though. Just wanted to pass along! Everything looks great, glad new blog schedule is working well for y’all!
YoungHouseLove says
Love that tip!!
xo
s
Monnaie Ernakulam says
Nice interior designing and interior furnishing!
Julianne says
Looks really great! I love the lights & everything you’ve chosen and pulled together has created a wonderfully cozy atmosphere. Really inviting!
We’re now on the search for a new home after selling ours, and a cozy backyard is high on our wish list, so I’m quite jelly of your space. ;O) I know you will enjoy many, beautiful summer memories out there with your sweet family!
Sally says
The sunroom looks so inviting, and the lights are such a nice touch…I can definitely see you guys getting a lot of use out of it!
Right now I’m not getting as much use out of mine. I put my existing outdoor furniture out on my new deck and it’s pretty squishy. It looked like a decent sized deck when I bought the place in March, but it’s kind of small for the loveseat, 2 chairs and ottoman I have. I’m tempted to sell my current set (I’m not really attached to it) and buy a small bistro set. In the future I’d either like to extend the deck, or have a step down to a ground level patio area. Right now there is grass and a deck back there..and lots of ideas floating around in my head:) I definitely need to get a shed back there before summer is over – that will help me figure out how I want to arrange the rest of the space and where I want to put gardens! For now, I’ll drool over your outdoor area;)
Good job as always!
Tiffany says
We own a home that was completed in 2009. Our front porch is concrete banded in brick. During our year warranty inspection, the builder’s liaison noticed a slight difference (1/4″ or 1/2″?) lip between the top step of the front porch and the section nearest our front door. It was not evident at the time of the initial home inspection, so I’m guessing it was due to settling or an error in how it was poured. Anyway, they insisted on breaking up the concrete in that section and repouring it. This was considered a tripping liability and not something the builder wished to be held accountable for so they fixed it immediately. I noticed on the side of your sunroom, it’s kind of the same thing. Are you considering putting some sort of transition there?
YoungHouseLove says
I’d love that idea if it was all the same depth! In most areas where you walk it’s actually almost lined up but it bows up around the edges to be more of a lip. So weird! There’s a good shot of it at the very bottom of this post with my foot on it: https://www.younghouselove.com/2013/10/tiling-vs-the-elements/
xo
s
Stacy says
The lights look great but I really wanted to tell you that I miss your more frequent posts. Of course I appreciate your choice, but I don’t like it! Enjoy those lovely summer evenings as a family.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Stacy!
xo
s
Joseph@littlehouseblue says
They look really good. I think they work better than overhead lights even if you had found some you liked.
And no, it’s not weird that you want to get a projector. I want to get one for our back yard and we don’t even have a deck much less a veranda. Something just sounds nice about watching a movie outside at dusk.
Suzanne says
What do you guys do for bugs when you are outside on summer evenings? Do you use any bug repellant products, or natural alternatives, for Clara in the summer time? Thanks for any advice you can give~
YoungHouseLove says
Those two fans keep bugs out of the veranda for the most part (they hate flying into the current) and John is allergic to certain bug sprays (not sure if Clara will be as well, since we generally avoid them) but we hear Honest has a good one that just came out and is more natural so we might try that. There have been some other recommendations in these comments too, so maybe try scrolling back to see what people like? Good luck!
xo
s
Elizabeth says
I love all the potted plants I’m seeing around the deck! When did you add those?
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Elizabeth! We added the red one with the fern recently but the brown woven ones are from Target last year. I think they sell them this year too!
xo
s
Reenie says
Love it!! :)
kathyg says
Gah I hate the no Friday post. I get your choice, but most people not going to work doesn’t affect me! lol
Love the lights!
YoungHouseLove says
So funny! Thanks Kathy!
xo
s
Lisa says
I just wanted to tell you that your link to Dash and Albert seems to be broken. I assume you get paid for traffic and would like to know.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Lisa! That ad is filled automatically by an ad service, so we’ll let them know :)
xo
s
Jen @ The Decor Scene says
First…Teddy is just so cute and looks so much like Clara. What little cuties they both are.
Second…I have a question about your sunroom, well a few. How do you keep it clean? Or should I ask, how dirty does it get under there? The reason I ask is that I feel like our outdoor area is always dirty and buggy. Do you guys have problems with bugs making their homes in your furniture? Do you find you are always sweeping up? I would love to find a way to keep up better with our outdoor patio and the furniture. I really do hate bugs. YUCK! Thanks!!!
YoungHouseLove says
We sweep or blow the floor occasionally just like the deck, so I’d say it’s sort of the same as deck maintenance (sometimes leaves get there, or pollen in the spring – but a good leaf blowing session or sweeping pass seems to do the trick for the most part). We also like using outdoor furniture since it’s made for the moisture, etc.
xo
s
Mrs. LIAYF says
What great porch lights! One of my favorite parts of summer is hanging out and enjoying the late evening on the deck.
We live in Seattle – beautiful evening light. It also means we have hardly any mosquitos. But, the bad thing is no fireflies! I miss fireflies! :(
Unrelated, but I thought of you guys when I saw a post on Apartment Therapy that included BICYCLE bookends – too cool!
http://littletinkers.bigcartel.com/product/bicycle-bookend
YoungHouseLove says
Love those!
xo
s
Kim says
I am so jealous of this room – I love it! We have a deck and a few years back my hubby added a cablejack to the wall near the sliding glass door. We periodically bring a small TV out so we can have a beer and watch the ball game outside.
AS for the mosquitos we have had some luck using things like the mosquito deleto machine and planting marigolds and citronella plants and herbs in planters around our deck. Does not help with Flys though.
YoungHouseLove says
Good to know! I love marigolds and have been wondering if those citronella plants help!
xo
s
Kate says
My 8 yr old daughter came in. “What are you looking at?” Me: “This is a blog I read.” Daugher: “Oh! I really like that chair. I really like that fan! I REALLY like how finished that all looks! That would be nice to have because water wouldn’t be dripping all over (the covered aspect).” So, there you go. ‘Nuff said. Put a fork in it. The 8 year old approves!! The 41 year old mom also approves!!!
xo K
YoungHouseLove says
Ha! I love it.
xo
s
Abby Meade says
Beautiful! I love those lights!
Abby
thepreppycoxswain.blogspot.com
Vanessa says
Love this house! Even your outside living space is cozy!
barb says
I don’t even know how to say this without sounding, I dunno, creepy but I had a dream about y’all last night! EEEKK – I’m chalking it up to the fact I was reading your blog about the concrete kitchen counters before I fell asleep. Anyhoo, I was walking my dog (disclaimer* we do not EVEN live in the same state, your safe)past your home and noticed it was actually a front for a candy shop. Past your front door were mounds of candy and cardboard cut-outs of your DIY projects and John had a wooden leg and walked like Tucker in the movie “Something About Mary”…what the heck, right!?! And oh, babies everywhere crawling around on mounds of candy.
I simply had to share this with you – my mind is clear now. Have a good day. :)
YoungHouseLove says
That. Is. Hilarious! Sometimes it does feel like we have a dozen or so babies instead of one. Haha! And mountains of candy would definitely help. Candy always helps.
xo
s
Jess says
This is so inspirational it hurts. No really. I’m working with a giant awful cracked, heaved concrete eyesore as my ‘outdoor space.’ No roof, no lighting, nothing but a slab in bad shape. Hubs and I are back and forth about what to do to make it more usable and enjoyable out there, and your pics are going in the ‘Let’s do this’ folder :)
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo, go Jess! We’re rooting for you!
xo
s
Laura says
I love your sunroom and wanted to know how you all are enjoying being outside with all the mosquitos! We get eaten alive and wanted to see what you might do about that.
YoungHouseLove says
Two ceiling fans on high make a nice current that bugs seem to hate flying into, so they’re out on the deck, but don’t come under here for the most part.
xo
s
Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork says
Looks amazing! I’ve pinned this to my “dream house” board. I would love something like that some day.
How are the mosquitos in your neck of the woods? Between the annoyingness and dangerousness (EEE and West Nile are often around here in Massachusetts), sometimes summer nights aren’t as magical as they should be! Do you use something to keep them away? I’m not a fan of the chemicals and try to use the natural stuff, but it just doesn’t seem to work!
Thanks for sharing!
YoungHouseLove says
Two ceiling fans on high make a nice current that bugs seem to hate flying into, so they don’t come under here for the most part. I also hear Honest makes a good eco bug spray, and some other commenters shared what worked for them if that helps :)
xo
s
sally says
Looks inviting, embracing, easy to maintain/clean and aesthetically pleasing to the eye and soul. Lots of space for Teddy to crawl too!
Vicki says
Maybe other suggested this but didn’t read all the comments–
I always get your posts the day after everyone else it seems–
but I would suggest using either yellow or pink bulbs in those lamps and see who you like that “mood” effect–
yellow is supposed to not draw bugs as badly as well
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Vicki!
xo
s
Kelly says
This outdoor living space is just so lovely! We’ve been talking for years about a deck, a covered space, etc. It’s such a big project to start from scratch, especially on a budget. Seeing yours gives me a bit more motivation.
Gabi M. says
I just realized that the window in your sunroom goes to the living room. How is the natural light in your living room? We are in the process of buying a house with addition possibilities and one of them could be a sunroom. However, I am reluctant to block the natural light to our living room. Any tips?
YoungHouseLove says
It got so much better when we removed the sliding doors and screens (that seemed to let more light in, although the living room still isn’t as bright as the kitchen, which doesn’t have the awning so it gets more direct light. For the most part we’re glad it’s the living room that’s slightly more shaded though, since a bright kitchen is nice but a moodier and cozy living room is ok if it’s not super bright :)
xo
s
Stacey says
I <3 your porch and you guys are the cutest family! Definitely find a way to project a movie outdoors!
Gabi M. says
Thanks! I see what you mean about the ambiance of a kitchen versus a living room. I will keep that in mind. :)
Andrea says
Thanks for the electrician recommendation, do you also have a plumber that you recommend?
YoungHouseLove says
I wish! Anyone know one they’d recommend?
xo
s
Allison says
I’ve been looking for new outdoor lights for my garage – square shape. These are perfect, except I need black to match my shutters and front door. I’m considering buying these and spray painting black. Can you tell me if the glass in each slot/side is removable?
YoungHouseLove says
I’m not 100% sure it can be removed but I think you could tape off the glass and spray them that way. Good luck!
xo
s
Lynn @ Safebeauty says
Okay so if this works I have alot of words to catch up on. Congrats on Teddy, I hope you are loving the Highlander, I love the new outside couches, I went “eeeekk!” when you put the 2nd book Instagram pic up, aaaand I think that’s about it.
My best, Lynn
*oh! Maybe you can hit up Tampa, FL this time around on the book tour? It has an Ikea….eh, eh?
YoungHouseLove says
Would love to!
xo
s
Ann Merry says
I think it would be cool to put LIFX bulbs in those fixtures. They are kind of an extravagance but supposedly last 27 years. They are wifi-enabled, and allow you to change the ambience of your space using your Smartphone and choosing from millions of colors…. You wouldn’t need dimmers as everything is controlled thru the bulb with your Smartphone!
YoungHouseLove says
Wow, that sounds awesome!
xo
s
kathleen says
Love ur blog. I wonder how is breastfeeding going for u this time? I remember in ur bf clara post u said u were alone feeding 40 mins several times a day. Wondering how clara is handling u being occupied all the time like that? Because im nursing our 3mo old son and my 3yr old daughter hates it and throws fits and has started just being terrible to me and the baby and im just curious how is clara and it all going this time? Tia
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Kathleen! Teddy is a faster nurser (maybe 20 mins total, and he has already doubled in size!) so that seems to help. He’s also cool with being covered when we’re in public (so I don’t have to go hide, I can do it in the room with everyone with a cover on). That helps too! Clara is around a lot when I nurse (I don’t cover up at home if it’s just us) so I try to involve her by chatting with her next to us or telling her stories about when I was a little girl (she loves those). Hope it helps!
xo
s