Garden Room

PROJECT: Transforming an undistinguished porch into a cozy garden room. 
DESIGNER: Kate Regan, interior designer and owner of The Sitting Room. 
WHY WE LOVE IT: Rich colors, comfortable furniture, and glorious views of lush gardens. 

When Kate Regan first saw “the porch,” as her clients called it, the room was painted mint green, filled with mismatched furniture, and accented by a large burgundy area rug. 

The interior designer loved the room for its exposed brick wall and windows on three sides, overlooking acres of lush, beautiful gardens. But, as the 1940s house in the quiet community of Woodland required extensive renovation, the porch sat quietly until the clients were ready to finish it. 

Regan removed the furniture and the area rug, revealing exquisite limestone floors. She lightened the walls, changing the entire look and feel of the room. A palette of rich red and soft cream now makes the room feel cozy and inviting all year round, while a dash of spring green connects the room with the outdoors. Simple, unfussy furniture and a mix of rustic and primitive accessories, including a wooden bench, a horse statue, and an ivory reading lamp, make the room feel comfortably modern. 

Now that the garden room is finally finished, it has become one of the family’s favorite rooms. No longer just a porch, it’s a treasured place for doing homework, playing board games, and relaxing with the family’s beloved dogs. “This room is all about relaxation,” Regan says. “In any season, you feel as though you’re outside, enjoying nature.”

Ideas to Steal... 

Verdant Colors
An accent pillow in deep pine green velvet echoes the colors of the trees outside. Pillow ($125), from The Sitting Room, 17516 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, 952-473-4440

Small Pleasures
This tiny vase is perfect for a fresh flower picked from the garden. Bird bud vase ($18.50), from Garden Gate, 5023 France Ave. S., Mpls., 612-929-8030

Vintage Artwork
An antique lithograph of a bird's nest and egg adds charm to a wall or bookshelf. Egg and nest print ($250), from Gather, 4999 France Ave. S., Edina, 612-920-1400, gatheronfrance.com

Thoughtful Details
Lighting a favorite candle is a pleasure with these lovely matches. Matches ($3.99), from Nola Home, 404 Penn Ave. S., Mpls., 612-374-4066