Most people build an orangery to add extra space or create a larger open-plan area for the family. However, to really make this extension feel like part of your home, you need to add personality to it when decorating.
Here are some tips on how to design your orangery so it gives you more than just a bit of extra space.
Make it a cosy family room
Instead of having the orangery as a room for guests, really make it part of the house by placing a TV, couches and comfy chairs in there. It could make a lovely family room with some throws, indoor plants, a coffee table, and bookshelves, allowing everyone to have somewhere they can spend time together as well as enjoy looking out at the garden.
It would be a shame to save the orangery for ‘best’, as it could end up staying vacant for several weeks at a time.
Dining space for big dinners
Encourage grown-up children to come back for dinners every so often by setting up an elegant dining space in your extension. Instead of hopping on a bar stool for your lunch, why not put a big spread on for your family and enjoy the extra space in the new dining area?
Living Etc. says: “You can fashion a fabulous socialising space in an orangery extension, perfect for entertaining guests or simply for family dinners.”
Add a modern twist
You might adore your period property, but you may also love contemporary designs. Well, with an orangery, you could combine the two by adding a modern extension on to your historic home.
This enables you to express your personality completely, allowing guests to appreciate your love for both things old and modern.
Brighten it up with lots of colours
Orangeries have large windows, allowing homeowners to enjoy views of the garden. However, this also means there is not as much room on the walls to paint and personalise the space.
Despite this, it is worth brightening up an orangery or conservatory with colours, whether by introducing lots of bold accessories, fixtures, or fittings, or painting whatever wall space is available.
This will inject life and soul into the extension and really complement the backdrop of the garden, particularly when the flowers begin to bloom in the springtime.
Choose statement lighting
Accentuate your glass roof by fitting statement lighting. Hanging an oversized light fitting will show off the impressive structure, as well as provide lots of light so you can enjoy being in there after the sun goes down.
“Hanging over the stunning dining space, a glass-blown geometric statement pendant light creates a talking-point focal piece and injects a creative, contemporary slant to the upscale décor,” the news provider states.
Your choice of statement lighting will also go a long way to creating the overall design of the room, so it is important in setting the tone for the rest of the décor.
If you’re looking to put your stamp on traditional orangeries, take a look at our selection here.