This is a collaborative post: Conservatories have been part of houses in the UK from the 16th century, appearing most commonly in the houses of wealthy aristocrats and the scientific community. What was then used as a space to grow exotic plants in harsh weather conditions has diversified as a multipurpose extension of modern houses. Built as the perfect space to be close to nature while soaking in the sun during the day and lounging comfortably during the night, conservatories are a great addition to any house and add significant value to a property.
If you want to install a conservatory to your home, you should plan ahead before making the investment. Based on the overall look of your property, there are several design options you can consider while keeping in mind the purpose this extension will serve for you and your family.
Are you confused about where to start? Do you need help getting those creative juices flowing? Here is a complete guide on how to design the perfect home conservatory.
Essential Things To Consider Before You Begin
Before you roll your sleeves and dive into it, take a moment to consider how much space is available on your property for you to build on. Is there enough garden space, or do you only have limited space to make the extension? Next, think about why your house needs a conservatory? Knowing the purpose of the extension will serve as the first step to narrowing down design ideas.
You also need to understand the cost of a conservatory so that you can set aside an adequate budget for it. Going in without figuring out the pricing could lead to trouble if you have not planned ahead. Think about what material you want to use, the cost of those materials, and labor and a cushion amount in case of emergencies.
You should also check with your local authorities if you need to acquire a building permit before you begin construction. In most cases, if you follow the protocol of not exceeding the set height limit, you will not need to get a permit, but we suggest you check in any case.
Let’s Talk About Style And Design
Once you take care of the formalities, here comes the fun part, designing your conservatory. Because everybody has their taste and preferences, there are several artistic directions you can take from the point where you know what purpose the extension will serve.
The key is to design it so that it blends seamlessly with the rest of the house, creating a natural-looking extension. You should focus on the aesthetics and practicality of your space when designing the overall look. Here is some design and layout inspiration that could help you get one step closer to building your dream conservatory.
Victorian
While the name might throw you off if you’re looking to install a conservatory in your modern home, a Victorian conservatory is a timeless and versatile style that can suit any type of property. Dating as far back to the Victorian era, this style is characterized by steep roofs, detailed ridges, and a wide bay facade. They are usually built a three of five Facet style, which you can decide upon based on the space available. If you are looking to bring a touch of elegance to your home, this style is for you.
Lean-to
A Lean-to or more popularly known as a Mediterranean conservatory is one of the most common styles that you will typically find built in modern homes. The layout of the model includes a rectangular space attached to the property on one long side and covered with a single sloped roof. Because such a conservatory allows maximum sunlight to fall in, you will see plenty of them in Mediterranean houses being used as sunrooms or greenhouses. This simple layout is affordable to build and easy to incorporate, even if you have a small space. If you are on a tight budget and space, go for a lean-to and bring the Mediterranean paradise to your homes.
P-Shaped
This style of conservatory merges the Victorian and Lean-to style for a practical yet classy look. The P-shape of this conservatory means that you can create ample extended space for any purpose that you are looking to service. You could use the broader section as a lounge for guests and the narrow section as a dining area or to put plants in. Even though this is a spacious style, it can also be incorporated into smaller houses to create more room.
Moving On To Furnishings
Deciding on the layout is one part of the journey, and the next step is bringing the structure to life. When it comes to decorating a modern conservatory, the golden rule of thumb is that less is more. No matter what you plan on using the space for, start with keeping the space minimalistic, bright and airy for a naturally enhanced look. Try keeping a neutral theme using earthy colours to keep the space clean and open, especially if you have a smaller conservatory. You can then build on with coloured and patterned furnishings.
For the flooring, we recommend you opt for tiles to keep it easy to clean, especially if you have an entrance from your garden and anticipate muddy shoes. The furnishing and the fabric you use should keep maintenance and durability in mind. Pick pieces that can survive all types of temperature and moisture levels to avoid repairing and replacing the items. Install light and airy curtains that can be left open in the day but install blinds so that the sunlight can be adjusted according to how hot it gets. You should have enough lighting and heating to adjust the room for nighttime use, especially for home offices.
Because conservatories combine the outdoors with the indoors, it is a great idea to make the space more lively by placing plenty of indoor plants. Because you will be getting enough sunlight, they will do well in the space and make it more lively.
Parting Thoughts
Conservatories can add a great deal of personality to your homes while creating the space you may need. No matter what style or design you go for, be sure to infuse your taste into the creative process, and you will build the perfect space for you and your family.