You’ve heard the term “Florida room” by now, haven’t you?
It’s become a popular phrase with homeowners across the nation when referring to an outdoor living area. There’s no reason for us to make a fuss about it. In fact, it’s a bit of an honor, right? It goes to show that the rest of the nation is thinking about us down here—basking in the subtropical sunshine. We can’t blame anyone for being a little wistful when they daydream about living here. Walking out the door into paradise every day is the ultimate perk in their mind’s eye.
We often refer to an outdoor living area as a lanai, but the words sunroom, patio, and back porch are other descriptions that apply. If you haven’t sectioned off an area of your property to create a Florida room, you might decide it’s time to get on it after we share the benefits adding one affords you and your family.
They became popular back in the 1950s and ’60s when homeowners wanted a place to escape outdoors—without actually being outdoors.
Are they an add-on?
If you’re going for the sunroom effect, then building a full-scale addition is probably your best option. Sunrooms are generally completely surrounded by large windows creating a light-filled environment that draws people into the room. At the same time, being completely enclosed, you escape some of the less attractive features of living in the sub-tropics. Namely, the insects and excessive heat and humidity that can be in play all day every day during the summer months.
Adding a sunroom to your existing home is going to give you the best return on your investment too. Even if you aren’t planning to sell your home in the near future, it’s bound to be on the market someday.
Many homeowners opt for enclosing their existing outdoor area, usually the lanai or patio area. When it comes to a glass or screen enclosure, mesh screen enclosures are the most economical choice. You’ll get all the advantages of adding a full-on framed-up room to your home but at a fraction of the cost.
Advantages of creating your own Florida room
The number one reason that homeowners decide to create an enclosed living area outdoors is the sense of privacy that it affords. Unlike glass enclosures, the darkened privacy screen allows for an illusion of privacy to envelop you and your family. You may not realize what a difference it makes until you’re experiencing it for yourself!
Moreover, some companies, like ours, for instance, offer their customers a customization feature using any digital image they choose. The results are nothing short of amazing! It gives you the ability to completely transform your space. And, just like a great vacation, you may never want to leave!
In addition to the privacy factor, enclosing your Florida room offers several other advantages.
A bit of shade
Who hasn’t scrambled to grab the little patch of shade when you’re hanging outside in the heat of the day? Privacy screens offer some protection from the sun’s harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays. That means you won’t have to apply sunscreen as often—on you or the kids! And, your stuff won’t start to suffer sun fade nearly as quickly either.
This might be a good place to mention that for those homeowners considering a customized screen design, only the most sun-resistant inks are used. We want your image to last for years.
Bugs can’t bite
Well, they could—and, most certainly would—if they could get to you, that is.
When you enclose your Florida room using mesh screen privacy panels, bugs and mosquitoes won’t be crashing the party—ever. The mesh weaving allows for every whisper of a breeze to pass through, but insects are blocked for good.
You’ll never again have to risk sucking all the air out of the surrounding area dousing everyone with repellant!
Safety features too
One of the luxuries of having a Florida room is to lounge in it. That can be hard to do if you have small children, can’t it? They disappear from sight in a heartbeat it seems!
When you enclose your outdoor living space, you won’t have to worry about getting involved in your novel or lost in catching up with your social media and getting distracted. You won’t have to worry about your puppy taking off without a moment’s notice any longer either.
Creating your get-away
Depending on your decorating tastes, there are a number of ways you can add to the ambiance of your new Florida room.
Using giant urns loaded with greenery is one option or does a single potted plant placed on an end table suit you better.
There are many options to be considered in the lighting department. It helps set the mood that you want to create in the space. Will you hardwire your lighting or rely on solar power? It’s found in abundance here, you know. You might as well take advantage of it!
Water features are growing in popularity too. There’s just something about the sound of running water that makes us feel relaxed. Is it something that you’re considering? In today’s chaotic world, every moment that we can find to let a sigh of contentment escape our lips is one that we should take!
Your Florida room is likely to become the favorite gathering place for your family and your friends. A place to hang out when you’re spending time together on game night or for someone to wander outdoors alone when they need a moment to gather their thoughts. Whichever way things are going down, heart-to-hearts are always in the making.