the stone colonial: the soul-filled solarium
After a whirlwind morning in the breakfast nook—coffee sloshing, cereal crunching, and a last-minute search for that rogue water bottle—our story picks up where the day winds down: in a space built for deep breaths, soft lighting, and maybe a Pixar movie or two.
Welcome to the solarium, a cozy, light-soaked retreat in this stone colonial charmer tucked into a picture-perfect corner of Lancaster County. It’s the kind of room that knows how to keep up with family life but then gently reminds you, “Okay, now sit down and relax.”
A Narrow Room with Wide-Open Potential
Designing this room wasn’t exactly a plug-and-play scenario. It’s long, narrow, and wrapped in oversized windows with deep window wells framing a lush backyard; usually, there’s a barefoot kid or two zipping by as well. Could we turn this narrow pass through into a cozy, character filled, sunroom retreat that is sought out instead of dismissed?
Challenge accepted.
If you know me, you might know that I can get stubborn, so there was no way this wasn’t going to be one of the best rooms of the home!
Let’s Talk Furniture: Cozy Meets Character
We centered an Ethan Allen, English arm sofa within the room and decked it out with fluffy pillows—the kind that make you forget you had chores to do. (Oops?!) On either side of the sofa, a pair of glowy lamps perch on charming end tables, ready to light up a good book or your latest Netflix binge. We were intentional with using organic materials such as hand hammered iron and rustic wood to echo the rustic nature of the stone and brick lined room.
Flanking the setup are wood-accented armchairs in a bold cobalt blue pattern, bringing just the right amount of punch to an otherwise earthy palette. A rustic wood coffee table that’s looks like it’s seen some stories, and maybe a few sticky fingers, adds that well-loved charm.
Scratches? I think you mean “personality”.
Beneath it all, a textured area rug cozies up the classic brick basketweave floor. It’s timeless, and elegant, and perfectly approachable.
The Secret Sauce: Function You Don’t See Coming
Let’s be honest, real life doesn’t press pause for pretty. This room needed beauty and function.
Enter the console tables, lined neatly along the wall. They show off the family’s lush jungle of houseplants and collected accents, and sneakily stash ottomans underneath. Perfect for movie nights or impromptu kid forts. Walkways stay clear, energy stays breezy, and the whole room feels like it’s exhaling.
A Retreat at Any Hour
By day, the room glows. Sunlight pours in through the windows, bounces off the stone, and filters through green leaves and soft textures like a living, breathing lullaby.
Come evening, the mood shifts. The lighting softens, the pillows get fluffier (don’t ask how, they just do), and the room becomes a cocoon of calm. Whether it’s story time, cocktail hour, or that rare, blissful moment of quiet, this space delivers serenity in spades.
From Breakfast to Bedtime
Designing this sunroom was about creating a sense of continuity. A soft landing at the end of the day, just like the breakfast nook kicks things off in the morning. Every choice—cozy, practical, and beautiful—was made with family life in mind.
This house, with its traditional bones and warm, modern soul, keeps unfolding in the loveliest ways. And I feel genuinely lucky to be part of its evolving story.
3D renderings…
delivery day…
Up Next in The Stone Colonial…
Next stop: the primary suite, and let me tell you—what a transformation. We stripped away dated wallpaper that had definitely overstayed its welcome, brought in a fresh neutral palette, and layered in a textured grasscloth that instantly elevated the whole vibe.
Oh, and the ceiling? Painted it black. Yes, black! Talk about drama!
The result is a space that feels sophisticated, serene, and just a little bit daring. Soft neutrals meet bold choices, and the balance is pure magic. And yes, there’s a set of doors that opens up onto a private balcony overlooking the backyard. YES, please!
If you’re ready to get started on your own dream project, let’s chat!
And as always, thank you for inviting me into your home, and inbox!
