The spring has been beautiful and sunny so far, and let’s hope it’s the promise of a fine summer ahead. If you have an orangery or conservatory extension to your family home, or you love to have the grandchildren over in the school holidays, then you have an ideal space to keep them entertained, whatever the weather might throw at us.
Here’s a look at how to turn your hardwood orangery into the perfect hub for family entertainment.
Create a family brunch area
If your glazed extension has beautiful morning light, make the most of it with an attractive brunch area; ideal for bringing the whole family together at the weekends. Position a dining table or breakfast bar so that everyone is facing the outdoor view, and you can keep an eye on any younger children playing on the lawn.
Add a few decorative touches such as herb planters of vases of freshly cut flowers to help bring the outdoors in. If Sunday lunch with a full roast and all the trimmings is more your style, it is an ideal spot as you enjoy outdoor scenes as you dine, and have the doors open wide during the warm summer days.
Create a hub for games and film nights
Install a large high-definition TV screen that can be folded away during the day time, or even consider a home-cinema system with surround sound. Comfortable seating areas are a must, so add a luxurious lounging sofa and a couple of deep arm chairs. For the best viewing experience, invest in some blackout blinds.
If your family loves to gather for games, create a hub with a games table for playing board games or cards, and add some bespoke storage solutions such as built-in drawers or shelves. A drinks station with a fridge or mini-bar for older family members can help to create the perfect fun and social atmosphere.
Keeping it comfortable all year round
One of the biggest challenges of a glazed extension is ensuring that it feels comfortable all year round. For warm summers, consider adding a coating of solar control film to the glass, which helps to reflect away the sun’s rays and prevents solar gain.
Blinds or drapes can also be a useful addition to reduce glare, particularly Venetian or vertical blinds that allow you to adjust the angle of the slats to control the light levels. Choose automated blind controls so that you can operate roof blinds and extensive vertical coverings with ease.
During the winter, it will be necessary to heat the space to keep it usable. Underfloor heating is considered to be the ideal heating solution for glazed extensions, as it is discreet, energy efficient, and distributes the heat evenly throughout the space. It also pairs well with stone or hardwood flooring that is often used in conservatories or orangeries.
Get the lighting right
To ensure that the space is functional and enjoyable to use even after the sun sets, spend some time designing the lighting scheme. Aim to have soft layers of lighting that you can control with dimmer switches, rather than just one or two harsh overhead lights. Smart lighting systems will allow you to adjust the tone with one touch.
Include a mixture of table and floor lamps, and attach statement pendant lights from the ceiling or roof frames. If you have a traditional style orangery with a roof lantern, highlight this feature with some subtle uplighting. This will create a warm and inviting space for family and friends even after dark.
The indoor-outdoor connection
Above all, a glazed extension enhances the usability and enjoyment of the whole home and your garden. Make the most of this indoor-outdoor connection in summer, with wide bi-fold doors that flow seamlessly onto a patio area and the garden beyond. Children will naturally be drawn to play areas such as sand pits, paddling pools and swings.
You will be able to join in the fun, or simply sit and keep an eye on them as you enjoy morning coffee from your orangery or patio.