John Howes, Director of Devon Orangeries, looks at the best ways to style a beautiful orangery.
Choosing to adapt or renovate your home is a big step for anyone, so when deciding to increase your square footage getting it absolutely perfect is imperative. Turning a house into a home is one of the most exciting parts of owning your own property, and an orangery can really turn your home into the a-list palace you’ve always dreamt of.
Versatile, stylish and adaptable, an orangery allows you to release your creative flair and turn your interior dreams into a reality. With so many designer options to choose from and ways to use your orangery, we’ve put together some interior inspiration to help you plan your dream extension.
Open Plan Living
Opening plan living is the latest interior style of the moment, with everything under one roof it’s the perfect excuse to get everyone together in one big open and most importantly sociable space. With living, dining and eating in one area, you’re able to entertain dinner guests, keep an eye on the little ones and relax without having to move a step.
When it comes to decorating, look to use a colour palette that will work across all areas of living, creams and greys work best to keep it muted. Then add in pops of personality with detailed accessories which will also help to define the respective spaces.
Bring the Outside In
We may not be quite so blessed with the weather here in the UK, but when the sun does shine it’s always nice to be able to make the most the Great British summer has to offer us. Bi-folding doors allow you bring the outside in, and create a space that flows from inside and out.
If your orangery is extended onto a small space then bi-folding doors can help to create the illusion of more space. With a better view into the outside world from the inside, your space will not only appear larger but feel it too, thanks to the light flooding in and non-existent bulky doors.
Light up Your Home
Lighter, brighter spaces are what we all wish to achieve when we extend our home and as orangeries are traditionally a window based design they allow natural light to flood the home. These days’ orangeries are much more versatile in their design concepts, and with a unique build you can incorporate as many or as little windows as you like.
Roof lanterns have become one popular option for those looking to increase the window space in their homes, in particular in spaces which don’t offer much life. Pair your roof lantern with an ultra-modern look, combined with sleek accessories you’ll be in minimalist heaven.
Make it Personal
We’d all like our homes to look as though they’ve stepped straight from the pages of the interior equivalent of Vogue, but it’s essential to inject a little of your own personality into your interior design. No one wants a home that lacks that homely feeling, or looks so good that you’re afraid to actually live in it.
If you prefer the show home look then using an orangery as a family room will allow you to relax in the knowledge that everything is out of sight in one room, and come work or play you can full relax and enjoy the space with all of its personal little touches.
Garden Room, Kitchen, or Swimming Pool
It’s likely we all have ideas of just how we are going to use the extra space inside when we add an extension, and sometimes you’re chosen use can dictate how the outside looks too. If what’s on the outside counts as well for you then choosing an orangery will allow you to live in something which looks good inside and out.
One of the best parts is that they are so versatile with how you use them, so whether you want a bigger kitchen, family room, garden room or even a swimming pool, the only decision you’ll actually be stuck with is what to use it for.
However you choose to use your newly renovated home, you’ll certainly find it’s a space you enjoy all year round whatever its use.
