The Best Room in the House (that hardly exists anymore)

Last week, we stayed in an old Arts & Crafts home in the tiny rural town of Wonewoc, Wisconsin - just a humble house, and also magical.

The host had done an excellent job stewarding it, decorating authentically and eclectically. It reminded me of what airbnb used to be, and what made it so great a decade ago.

The house was quaint - only 1,100 sq ft total with double beds - and everything felt handmade, cared for, human. It’s amazing how much a space that’s been cared for can in turn care for those who stay in it.

The home had a soul - not the manufactured kind so often faked these days to squeeze a little more money out of the modern short-term rental culture.

It reinforced my belief that smaller is better. Not just more economical, but more beautiful and impactful, cozy and homey.

the best part

My favorite part of the house was the tiny sunroom jutting off the dining room. It was just heavenly. Golden, with sunlight streaming in from every window. Full of life from the bunches of plants in every corner. This little spot was where I wanted to be the whole time.

As I sat there, I realized the concept of a good sunroom checks all the boxes for me - the things I can’t stop talking about:

• a small, manageable space to make beautiful
• walls of windows meaning natural light & views - the perfect environment for growing plants, which in turn help grow healthy, happy humans

And yet, this was the first time I could remember spending time in a home with one.

what we forgot

Sunrooms aren’t honored nearly enough. They have a rich history across many cultures, places, and architectural periods. But somewhere along the way, we forgot the plot.

Even the names we call them are pure gold: orangery, solarium, conservatory, sun parlor, patio room, or just… garden room.

The ancient Romans built south-facing enclosed courtyards to capture winter sunlight. In the 17th century, European aristocrats popularized orangeries - grand stone structures with tall windows built to shelter citrus trees & exotics.

Industrial Revolution breakthroughs in steel & glass, and finally post-WWII mass-production, made sunrooms accessible to middle-class homeowners.

But at some point we traded these little sun-drenched corners for bigger TVs, bonus rooms (that collect junk), three-car garages, and extra bathrooms.

time for revival

Sunrooms satisfy the timeless human desire to dwell in light - while sheltered - as close to nature as possible. They embody coziness, rest, health, and beauty in one luminous space.

And it’s high time we bring them back.

That funky little gem in Wonewoc reminded me of what we’re really craving, and it isn’t more space, more stuff, or more luxury finishes. It’s those little corners and moments that pull us in like magnets and feed our souls.

Besides - is there any better place to daydream?