The summer is just getting into full swing, and at this time of the year an orangery extension really comes into its own. It’s a beautiful and elegant space for relaxing with a book on quiet afternoons, hosting friends for brunch or afternoon tea, or enjoying a glass of wine as the sun sets.
Here are some favourite styling ideas to help you make the most of your orangery this summer.
Bring in the power of plants
Orangeries are so-called because they were originally designed to cultivate citrus fruits in cooler climates. The abundance of natural light and warmth in the summer means that they are still ideal for this purpose. Citrus trees will instantly bring a Mediterranean vibe to your extension, and in the summer they produce attractive flowers and fresh tangy fruits.
Most citrus trees are less than 5ft tall and will grow easily in containers, so they are ideal for indoor spaces. The RHS advises that lemon trees are generally the easiest to grow, as are some varieties of kumquats, limes, and calamondin oranges. They thrive in warm humid spaces away from draughts with plenty of sunlight and regular watering.
Use furniture with natural materials
If you are updating your orangery furniture this year, consider natural materials such as rattan, wicker, and light oak. The organic textures and colours suit the mood of summer, particularly when combined with neutral linen fabrics for understated elegance. If you use the space for dining, opt for a rustic wooden dining table and woven chairs.
Ensure there is a good mixture of furniture so there’s plenty of comfortable seating options, such as a cosy nook for quiet afternoon reading, and a sunny spot to enjoy morning coffee. However, arrange pieces thoughtfully so that the space flows and is easy to move around. Choose accessories in light colours to increase the feeling of space and keep it cool.
Soften the space with botanical inspired decor
Choose artwork that leans into the connection between the outdoors and indoors, such as botanical illustrations, loose watercolour florals, or framed pressed flowers and leaves. You could also consider augmenting floor standing plants with hanging baskets or wall planters with trailing greenery.
Use woven rugs in natural fibres such as jute to soften hard flooring, and even consider textured wall hangings to add interest in larger spaces. Swap heavy dark accessories for glass or reclaimed driftwood inspired sculptures, and scatter vases around for fresh flowers from the garden or dried grasses.
For summer evenings, add LED lanterns or solar-powered lamps and string lighting for a gentle ambience as twilight falls.
Manage the temperature
During hot spells, glazed extensions will accumulate and conserve heat. To ensure that the space remains a pleasant and comfortable temperature, consider adding window treatments such as thermal blinds. These can be angled to allow daylight to filter through, while helping to prevent solar gain.
Other options to manage heat include installing canopies or awnings around the outside of the orangery to provide shade, or covering the exterior glazing with heat rejection film. If you are designing the space from scratch, consider using high performance glazing that is designed to be thermally efficient.
You can also install a combined heat and air conditioning system for year round comfort. Ensure that the space is well ventilated and use fans to create a good circulation of air.
Create a seamless flow with the outside space
Part of the charm of an orangery is the blurring of boundaries between the outdoors and indoor space. Many people choose to install a patio or veranda around their orangery so they can move easily between the two spaces when the weather is pleasant and warm.
Choose weather-resistant patio furniture that can be left out all summer, and complements the style of your indoor furniture. Continuous flooring, such as natural sandstone or porcelain tiles for both the orangery and patio flooring, also help to emphasise the sense of continuity and style.