In the heart of the city, where the relentless rhythm of life often drowns out the whispers of peace, finding your own personal sanctuary can feel like an impossible quest. Space, that precious commodity, is often spoken for, leaving us yearning for a place to simply breathe. But what if I told you that even the tiniest room, the most overlooked corner, could be transformed into a haven of calm, a slice of the countryside nestled within your urban dwelling?
This is the story of how I transformed- or rather are in the process of transforming- the smallest room in my home into a cottage-style sunroom – a soft pause button in the city’s relentless fast-forward. Where others saw a cramped space, I envisioned a cozy nook, feathered in soft light, and filled with the gentle rhythm of slower moments. It’s a testament to the belief that serenity can be styled, that even within the confines of city living, we can carve out spaces that nurture our souls.
Starting Sunroom from sketch
The key to unlocking the potential of this small space was maximizing the natural light. This space used to be my study and home office and was painted in a beautiful shade of green. But the problem was, because it faces west, the evenings used to get incredibly hot. And the room somehow looked a cheap olive. These are things that tell you that the room and its potential are not aligned. Haha.
So I did what I must.
I chose a creamy white paint for the walls, a conscious decision to reflect the ample sunlight streaming in from the tiny sundeck. This simple act instantly transformed the room, creating a bright and airy feel, a stark contrast to the often-grey cityscape outside. And, of course, the heart of any sunroom is the embrace of nature. Bringing the garden in was paramount. Here’s a video of the process.
The outdoor section became home to my larger plants, a thriving mini-jungle. With the window open, the line between indoors and outdoors happily blurs, creating one big, green, breathing space. (Yes, photographs due. I will update this space)
The selection of furniture played a crucial role in creating the desired atmosphere too.
If you see from the sketch, I wanted a large table in there and I found a perfect one, for half the price in Facebook marketplace. I added a veneer on top, gave it a coat of white wax and painted the legs. A few garden-style chairs provide a spot for both work and relaxation, surrounded by the calming presence of greenery. Each planter sits on a plate to catch any excess water, and a watering every other day keeps the soil just right – a simple routine that connects me to the life within the room.
You can take a look at the process here
Meanwhile, take a look at the space, side by side
This sun-drenched corner gets about 4-5 hours of afternoon light – enough to keep my plants happy and thriving, a testament to the fact that even in the city, we can cultivate our own little ecosystems.
Hats and happy places: A touch of personal style, adding character to my sunroom retreat
But beyond the practical elements, it’s the personal touches that truly make this space my own. A collection of hats, a favorite book, a textured throw – these are the details that infuse the room with character and warmth. They tell a story, my story, within the walls of this little sanctuary.
And what I was least expecting was how deeply the room was being a part of my morning routine. Effortlessly.
Coastal dreams: Cushions that whisper of seaside escapes, bringing a touch of the coast to the city.
Almost instinctively, I wake up now and take my coffee in the sunroom because that’s also when I mist my plants. Then I sit down a while, quietly, before Sabiya comes, and think of my day. And somehow being among plants and new leaves and new flowers make it all so very joyful. Like, “yeah, okay, very busy day but thank God I have this tiny spot to come back to“
Ofcourse, there are a few more things that are yet to be added, and yet, even as is, this little sunroom is more than just a room; it’s a feeling, a state of mind. It’s proof that even in the squeeze of city living, serenity can be styled. It’s a reminder that with a little intention and a lot of heart, we can carve out our own happy places, even in the most unexpected corners. And I hope, by sharing this, it inspires you to create your own cozy escape, wherever you may be. Your turn!
Love
Rukmini
