After seven years of delays, frustration, and DIY determination, one homeowner finally turned a leaky 7’x14’ addition on their 1888 Victorian into a fully finished sunroom—with a barbershop twist. What began as a Covid-interrupted project eventually became a testament to persistence, creativity, and hands-on craftsmanship.
A Project Stalled by Setbacks and Leaks
The journey started with a sunroom kit and great expectations, but it was ruined by a poorly executed contractor installation, pandemic shutdowns, and a persistent problem with water intrusion. The interior remained unaltered until the leak was fixed. A seven-year tale was created out of what should have been a straightforward addition. However, the homeowner finally saw the light—literally—after spending $32,000 on the kit and hiring a contractor.
Barbershop Vibes Meet Modern Function
The room’s personality comes from a surprising source: a vintage cabinet originally meant to hold shaving mugs in a barbershop. It turned out the cubbyholes fit CDs perfectly—leftovers from an earlier era—so the quirky piece stayed, inspiring the entire design. From there, the homeowner built a space that blends nostalgia with utility, even repurposing a free Craigslist file cabinet to cleverly conceal a subwoofer.
Stylish on a Budget with Daltile Floors
Despite the vintage flair, the sunroom’s black-and-white floor tile keeps things grounded—both visually and financially. The pattern, Petal Black by Daltile, was snagged on sale for just $2.50 per square foot. It mimics the look of encaustic tile at a fraction of the cost, and it’s durable and easy to clean. “We love it,” the homeowner shared. “It looks like high-end tile without the price tag.”
DIY Finish Brings the Room to Life
Every inch of the sunroom’s finish work was completed by the homeowner. From hanging drywall and tiling the floor to installing wainscoting, painting, wallpapering, and building the A/V cabinet, it was all a labor of love.
Even after setbacks, they didn’t give up. Instead, they poured hours of effort into creating a space that felt authentic, functional, and deeply personal.
