We talk to John Howes, Director of Devon Orangeries, about the best ways to style an orangery.
When you’ve invested in adding a bespoke orangery to your home, styling it to fit in with your taste can be the next challenge. Whilst many prefer to hire the help of expert interior designers it can often feel more rewarding when you’ve created it yourself and added those personal touches that can make your house feel like home. We all love the idea of having a show home orangery that looks good enough to be featured in Homes Magazine, and it’s achievable when you know the tricks of the trade.
Eco Escape
As an orangery has a large amount of glazing it provides a light and airy space that allows a natural connection to the great outdoors. Taking a traditional nod can be a popular choice for those who wish to have a summer living room where they can escape to relax.
Floral fabrics and wallpaper will bring the outside in, whilst a neutral colour palette with refreshing shades of sage green, soft teal or sand beige will offer up the ideal tones for complete tranquillity.
Layered textures are a pivotal design feature with this style, so invest in good rattan or bamboo furniture piled high with calico, muslin and cotton cushions. A variety of plants will also help you to encompass more texture by grouping them in different containers.
Bold & Beautiful
If soft tones are too subtle for your taste, then don’t be afraid to be bold with your styling. Whilst it’s often recommended that you keep the walls a neutral colour due to the constant exposure to sunlight, this doesn’t mean you need to hold back on adding your mark to the furniture or accessories.
Colour can be just as empowering in an orangery as it can create a vibrant room that evokes the sense of positivity and happiness. Clashing tones of fuchsia and sunshine yellow are a popular choice, as it can continue to make the orangery feel warm and welcoming even in the cold winter months.
Add a rainbow of colour blocking in the form of rugs, exotic plants and cushions to really bring the room together. A key note for any orangery that’s going to bold and beautiful is to include plenty of light throughout the room. This can be added during the design phase of the build to give it a glowing warmth at night, but including lamps and candles will increase your desire to sit and enjoy this room throughout the year.
Modern Minimalist
When many people think of an orangery they often envisage a cosy room bathed in as much beige as possible. But it doesn’t have to be this way!
If you prefer chic, clean, organised rooms in your home there’s no reason your orangery cannot be styled in a minimalist way.
Contemporary conservatory designs can work well even for period homes, offering a Parisian style that opens up the room and offers you light and space. Investing in glass, mirrored or white furniture can enable you to make focal points out of other areas of the room rather than it dominating the space.
Orchid white will be the starting point of your colour palette, but build on this with textures to ensure the room doesn’t feel too cold and stark. Fluffy rugs, and cushions should still be included.
