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.
Iryna says
Oooh, a projector for the space sounds like a fun idea! But not rent -> I vote permanent installation!
Deb D. says
Hi guys! The sunroom/porch/veranda looks so great and cozy. I know you will enjoy it. One question: is that your ac unit I see right past the deck? Does the noise of it bother you when you’re on the sunroom/trying to talk and it kicks in? We had a similar situation at our old house whereby the loud ac compressor sat right outside our screened in porch and was so annoying. We had it moved to the other side of the house when we put our new patio in — it was fairly inexpensive to do because all the plumbing work could be moved through our unfinished basement. Made a HUGE difference in the enjoyment factor! Anyway, just wondering.
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! The noise sometimes bugs us (it’s just a low hum but it means we have to turn the music louder, can’t hear someone inside yelling for you, etc). Moving it would be awesome!
xo
s
Allison says
Please figure out a projector outdoor movie night setup! I want to get one this summer, and would prefer you to do all my comparison shopping and technology engineering for me. So whatever you pick, I’ll do:)
Olivia says
Love the lights, but OMG. That first picture totally creeped me out! Am I the only person that saw–instead of Clara throwing her hands up in the air–a headless ghost carrying am orange tabby cat?! (In my mind Clara’s hands were the “woman’s” shoulders and she’s wearing a dark tank top–no head) I kept reading thinking you were going to make mention of the blurry figure and when you didn’t I scrolled back up and looked, and looked, and FINALLY I saw the image morph into your adorable little girl catching fireflies. I think I need more coffee… lol.
YoungHouseLove says
So funny!
xo
s
Madison says
Love the new lighting!
You could always rig up a projector using your phone, a shoebox, and a magnifying glass!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha!
xo
s
jennifer says
we do movie nights on the deck with our kids. my husband grabs the tv from our room along with the apple tv and sets it up outside. we grab some popcorn sit on our outside sofa and enjoy a movie. it is a ton of fun!
we started the tradition last summer when we had plans to go see rise of the guardians at movie night at our town park. my daughter came down with a 102 fever and was devistated when we told her we couldn’t go. so we decided to suprise her with watching the movie outside at our house insted.
YoungHouseLove says
So sweet!
xo
s
MelanieL says
I love the lights! I also like how you photographed the space with your family in it! We love our outdoor time as a family, so glad to see you’re enjoying yours:)
Anna says
Looks awesome with the lights! If the ceiling out there is sloped enough, you should project straight onto it and then you can lean back and enjoy the movie on the couch! Or, just project a starry night sky and stretch out on the floor to count the stars.
Kristen @ LoveK Blog says
I love your outdoor space! It seems like such a great spot to hang out during the warmer months. Love that you were able to include pics of your family enjoying it too. :)
Kelly says
I love the pictures of you guys sitting outside as a family! Exactly what summer should be :)
Sharon says
Hi guys – Those evening pix are ALMOST enough to make me miss southern living! Lovely!
I meant to post this little suggestion the other day when y’all mentioned getting fewer clicks since cutting back (as expected.)
Have you considered committing to Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. posts (with Tuesday as the Freebie)? I know I’d check in more if I knew those were your for-sure days and the for-sure time, rather than getting a happy surprise on only the occasional Friday.
Still luv you anyway though!
YoungHouseLove says
I think we’re still trying to settle into a routine, but we’d love to announce/commit to a specific schedule once we’re sure we can deliver on that :)
xo
s
Katie says
We have a similar intercom system in our house that does not work and is a terrible eye sore, but an electrician we hired for an unrelated project recommended keeping the wiring should we ever decide to upgrade the intercom or have a full home sound system. Do you guys have similar plans or are you removing all wiring and evidence of the dreaded intercom as you go?
YoungHouseLove says
We think inside it might be fun to have them (updated) in a few rooms for music but terminated the outdoor one because we use a wifi dock out there (it’s in the pics with us) that we love!
xo
s
Liz || Shopping My Closet says
Love that first picture!
Liz @ http://www.shoppingmycloset.com
Weekly Style Me Wednesday link-up
tara e says
a) Love the lighting! Your veranda looks so cozy!
b) OMG Teddy just gets cuter and cuter!! I definitely see Clara in him. Can we get some side by side weekly photo action??
c) An old sheet + movie projector + your new sofa on the veranda sounds like a fun movie night! My cousin used to do that in their backyard and they neighborhood kids would all float in the pool! So cool!
Shunta says
I absolutely LOVE this space! LOVE!
Stefani says
Love it! Looks so nice and cozy out there!!
Brittany says
Let me know how you keep the beige cushions clean! I have the same color cushions on our back porch and they are filthy and I’ve washed them several times.
We are also live in florida so it might be the humidity and mold that gets on them from the rain.
Looks awesome!
Addie says
The porch looks so inviting, I love it!
Also, RE: Teddy’s Photo project… I chuckle every week when I look at the pictures, notice a new fabric in the background, and scroll up to see that your fabric “rotation” is constantly expanding :) The pictures are fantastic, and he’s getting so big!
YoungHouseLove says
I know! I can’t help myself! Somebody tape my hands down!
xo
s
Evelina says
I also had a little giggle at that. Sherry, I’m so glad you’re allowing new ones in the (already fun) mix. I’m in love with the latest aqua-ish one!! Are you finding yourself buying more or just using random fabrics from around the house?
YoungHouseLove says
I have some plans to use random things (like a blanket with red stars for next week in honor of July 4th) but couldn’t resist ordering those two Spoonflower prints. No more. I hope. Ack, but how can I resist?
xo
s
Tracy Carson says
Oh! You guys, these lights are like the perfect piece of jewelry to an already awesome outfit! Seriously, I am salivating over the evening lounging that can occur. In my dream there would be a nice glass of wine to accompany the situation…but I gotta get this baby outta me before that takes place…I digress, blame it on being almost 40 weeks preggo. But anyhoo, it’s just glorious! I can’t believe what a difference those lights make!
Kismet says
Did you put them on a dimmer switch? What watt bulbs did you use? I would use 40 or even 25 for a nice ambience.
YoungHouseLove says
I think it’s all 60 right now. Would love a dinner to control it even more!
xo
s
Emily @ Life on Food says
We have a screened in porch and haven’t used it yet because of poor lighting. It’s on the list!
Nicola Han says
Adore every part of this. Enjoy enjoy enjoy x
Jessica says
Veranda if you’re nasty. I laughed out loud. And then the first Cher reference…am I the only one picturing Jack from Will & Grace doing his Cher impression? Oh, man. So funny. And the lights are lovely, too! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Best Will & Grace episode ever!!!
xo
s
Carly says
LOVE the new lights! I tried to get my daughter to catch lightening bugs with me, she wasn’t a fan…. I love the veranda. Thinking we need to add a seating area to our deck.
Nancy says
Haven’t read comments, so this may have been mentioned…but if you put yellow bulbs in they should attract fewer flying insects. Just an idea! Lookin’ good!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks!
xo
s
Sarah says
This space is absolutely lovely!! I would so love to do something like this in our more permanent home. Love the updates and seeing your family enjoying the space :). Excited to see the bill breakdown too, electrical work always scares me even though it can make such a dramatic difference to a space.
Susan says
Crazy love for your porch! Quick Question: I adore your new porch lights, but I have concerns about ordering from a company, like Joss and Main, that does not allow customers to return their products, for any reason, within a reasonable time frame. Obviously, stores need to protect their bottom line as well as consumers. Frankly, I think
YoungHouseLove says
I’m not going to lie, I get worried about that too! If anything breaks or arrives in sub-par condition they can be returned (never had that happen but I hear it’s true from a few sources) so that helps. I do try to google around for something from another source to read the ratings if I can (for example finding it on wayfair or overstock).
xo
s
Brittany says
We’re on our first home and working with electricians and plumbers still makes me nervous because I’m scared they’ll rip off the newbie :( I have a ceiling fan that likes to turn off randomly (has a remote, not sure if this is part of the issue) and our pipes upstairs are making interesting noises and possibly one toilet leaks (guest bathroom, doesn’t get much use, but the blue toilet water stained the floor so I’m guessing it leaked?) le sigh.
I love your blog because I feel so much more informed about houses and projects after reading it – and it’s light hearted, funny and amazing images! You guys have great style :)
YoungHouseLove says
You’re so sweet Brittany. Best of luck with everything!
xo
s
Christy Niebaum says
Not weird at all. Would be a perfect spot for some projector movie watchin’!
Susan says
Oops, computer freak out, couldn’t finish comment, but somehow it posted. Take no. 2!
Adorable kids and crazy love for your porch! Quick Question: I adore your new porch lights, but I have concerns about ordering from a company, like Joss and Main, that does not allow customers to return their products. Unless it’s a special sale, all sales final, or the store is going out of business, I feel all stores should allow consumers, within a reasonable time frame, to return items. Obviously, stores need to protect their bottom line as much as consumers.
And I remember your fabulous Joss and Main pink dotted rug that you got for Clara ultimately failed because it wouldn’t stop shedding. It appears from your comment that you were out that money. And yet you ordered from Joss and Main again. You’re nicer than me–I would not use them again. Since you are so ethical, I am curious as to what you think shoppers should expect from a store return policy. Obviously, looking for a bargain is the cornerstone of the DYI life!
Thanks for the reply!
YoungHouseLove says
Good point! I think something that fails should be able to be returned. Wish I got my act together and contacted them about the shedding rug because I like to think they would have allowed me to send it back for a return or credit. We used it a while though, so it’s a fine line (how long can you use something before attempting to return it, etc).
xo
s
Amy E. says
like the lights! wish our outdoor space had some lounge furniture. we don’t get many mosquitos (it’s screened in) but we get lots of pesky “no-see-ums” here in FL. not so fun.
as for bugs in the house, fireflies are tame compared to what i used to do as a kid. my parents had an apple tree in the backyard that we never harvested, we just let the apples fall to the ground underneath. the local bee population LOVED this and i loved CATCHING them in jars! i’d use a nail to make a couple holes in the lid (not big enough for escape) and then bring the jar into my bedroom! i put them at the foot of my bed and could hear buzzing periodically throughout the night and next day. usually i’d set them free outside again before they died, but when my parents noticed, they banned the practice. (it actually took them a while to notice because i occupied the top bunk of a set of bunked beds and for whatever reason they didn’t look carefully at what was at the foot of my bed.)
be glad Clara is fascinated by something that glows instead of something that stings!
Lisa in Seattle says
What a great space! I like it even more than the Home-a-Rama porch rooms because it’s so filled with life and fun. John, do you happen to know the manufacturer/name of the light fixtures? If I can find them in nickel, this may solve my porch light problem…
YoungHouseLove says
So sorry, we don’t! Anyone recognize them? They came in tan cardboard boxes.
xo
s
Marlayna Davie says
You should totally do that! It’s so magical when you watch a movie outside at night! :) Your screen would hang perfectly on one of the ends of the sunroom and you can just project onto the screen while you relax on your new sofa & egg chair!
We just did movie night in our backyard and it was super easy. You can make a screen super quick and easy by tacking the edges of a sheet to make “pockets” so you can slide a long pvc in there and hang it up with a few pieces of rope! Rent a projector (or borrow) and have fun!
https://www.facebook.com/marlayna.davie/media_set?set=a.10100888140296906.1073741839.38506993&type=3
Michelle says
I just LOVE the difference the sconces make. Such a beautiful choice versus the lighting on the fan. Your outdoor space is heavenly – I think that area definitely calls for a movie night :)
Laura says
This might be a little too juvenile for you guys, but I would be tempted to hang some fairy lights too. I’m sure Clara would love them :)
YoungHouseLove says
So cute!
xo
s
Emily says
Beautiful update! Weird question…what kind of bulbs did you use in your lights? The regular lights in my outdoor fixtures seems to get lots of moths/bugs around them but “bug lights” give off a weird yellowish glow. Thanks for any suggestions!
YoungHouseLove says
We just put in regular ones (tried CFLs to make sure they worked but only had three on hand). I bet bugs will like them though. They do tend if flock to light like a moth to a flame ;)
Someone else said yellow bulbs keep them away though!
xo
s
Miranda says
You all should project the world cup games outside and have a party!
Lauren says
A non-project related question, how did you snap those shots of your family on the deck? I assume timer, but everything is so well focused for an action AND night shot. So if it was your Nikon on a timer, how do you focus it so well ahead of time. Aaaand if it was a random person/you have hired a live-in photographer, well then nevermind :)
YoungHouseLove says
We used tripod + remote for these. Just focused on the middle (the table I think) and then clicked the remote a few times to see what we got.
xo
s
Kristine says
So cozy and lovely! I dream of having a back porch like yours! Just curious, what music where you listening to while taking these pictures?
YoungHouseLove says
Let’s see, I think it was Sia (chandelier). Clara loves that!
xo
s
Diana says
Love extra outside time in the summer and those family pictures back there are incredible!
Donna says
Just saw your instagram pics, oh my goodness Teddy is just as adorable as Clara, and getting so big! Can’t really tell, is he blond like his big sister? Hope you’re feeling well, Sherri!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Donna! His hair is getting so much lighter. It’s sort of a mix of blonde and light brown these days.
xo
s
HeidiG. says
This has nothing to do with your DIY and everything to do with some great shots of the family being family. First and last picture are so great. Frame those bad boys because your kids are going to look back and remember those times. I’m inspired to sit outside with my family tonight. Thanks guys!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Heidi!
xo
s
Kingsmom says
We have one of these firefly’s in a jar… Clara can keep one of these in her room!
http://www.batteryoperatedcandles.net/A2619020-p-battery-operated-candle.html?gdftrk=gdfV2875_a_7c73_a_7c1953_a_7cA2619020
YoungHouseLove says
Cute!!
xo
s
Common Sense Mom says
I have been looking for outdoor lights just like this with frosted glass. I want the frosted glass because in the very near future we are all going to be forced to use those hideous CFL light bulbs (I know…I know….they are good for the environment and all but I still hate the garish light from them). If I am going to have to use CFL Can you post a link to these exact lights? THANKS!
YoungHouseLove says
These definitely work with CFLs (we tried them) but I don’t have a link to these lights since they’re not on Joss & Main right now (they’re a flash sale site so inventory changes).
xo
s
Meg says
Love it! The light fixtures look great, and definitely enhance your space. What a cozy, comfortable spot!
I must admit to getting a little spooked by fireflies (I’m a weirdo, I know), which is unfortunate given they are allllll up in the yard at our new house. Ah, well — I’ll get over it. :)
Molly says
Love the lighting choice! There is just something about indirect lighting that makes everything better.
Hannah says
The sunroom looks so cozy!
And I am love, love, loving the Teddy photos. I cannot quite believe how different he can look in the space of a week! Babies must grow a lot at this stage?! He is utterly lovely, what a handsome little guy!
Debbie C says
I am a sconce girl, and will almost always choose them over ceiling lights (in a small space). Love this addition!
bridget b. @623Designs says
I’m going to attempt to rehang patio lights in our back yard in time for the 4th. Our attempt last year didn’t go as planned, so hopefully I’ll have better luck this time.
Anne says
What about the projectors you can buy to go with your iPad? That’s what we’ve done on our living room ceiling and walls. Might work if it’s not too far away outside?
What a fun space! One of my fave transformations on your blog.
YoungHouseLove says
Such a fun idea.
xo
s