Most of us will have experienced some degree of pressure on our living spaces over the past couple of years, whether this was to accommodate home working, home schooling or to entertain friends and family.
Whilst we all try to move on from the pandemic, the aspiration to extend and improve our homes shows no signs of slowing down. One trend that has continued is a desire to connect our inside and outside spaces, one of the many benefits of adding a glazed extension.
With that in mind, we have turned to our friends at David Salisbury, the award-winning manufacturers of luxury orangeries and conservatories, to give their top tips to consider if you’re planning to extend your home.
1. Roof design is what counts
A skilled designer will start any design by considering the architectural features of the existing property, but it is the style of roof that will help define how the room is going to be used.
An open plan kitchen extension will, for example, best suit an orangery, which has a perimeter flat roof and can incorporate more of the necessary technical requirements (such as extraction and lighting).
If your property suffers from a lack of light, which affects many period properties, there is nothing like the addition of a conservatory, with its fully glazed roof, to create a light-filled living room.
The key to any successful design is to ensure an effective combination of form and function – and the style of the roof will be the key to establishing the style of glazed extension.
2. Window design
The windows in a new orangery or conservatory can be designed to emulate the fenestration style of your existing home, to help create a joined-up look and ensure the new extension complements the older parts.
Alternatively, if the location enjoys panoramic views of the garden or surrounding landscape, windows can be designed with minimal framing so as maximise the vistas.
3. Paint colour
Working with a bespoke joinery supplier will usually mean the colour options are limitless but, in most cases, choosing a shade to match the existing property’s windows and doors is another way of helping to connect the new design.
Choosing a timber orangery or conservatory to extend a home with wooden windows and doors will not only be looked on more favourably when it comes to planning permission (due to the matching materials), it will best ensure a colour match.
4. Brickwork
Most styles of orangery or conservatory will be designed to sit on ‘dwarf walls,’ which are low perimeter walls serving as the base for either type of extension.
Typically less than 1m tall, these walls can be specified in a matching brick or construction of that of the existing building. Whether red bricks or a characteristic local stonework, complementary supporting walls are an important part of the overall finished look.
5. Connecting with the outdoors
The final garden and landscaping touches, immediately around and outside the new extension, will help ensure that all-important connection between indoors and out.
Bi-fold doors or French doors are a great way to bring the garden even closer to home and effectively add to your living space. With Spring now here, we can all look forward to more time spent outside and the prospect of some alfresco entertaining with friends and family.
That’s 5 expert design tips to consider when planning a new orangery or conservatory, each of which should be a part of an experienced designer’s brief.
If you’re considering extending your home this year, why not start by requesting David Salisbury’s inspirational brochure or arranging a complimentary design consultation?
