With a new year upon us, some people’s resolution will be to do something new to improve their home – and a conservatory could be a central part of the project.
However, that doesn’t mean just taking a quick look at a few images of conservatories from a brochure and picking one. The fact is that when it comes to bespoke conservatories, there is a wide array of styles, materials and designs – not to mention some pretty funky ideas if you want to do something different and truly novel.
The first thing to do is consider the materials. Your own home may be made from brick, stone, or wood, and this means you will have the option of either harmoniously incorporating this into your conservatory structure, or bringing in something deliberately different as a contrast. But don’t bring in something that obviously grates with it.
Every conservatory will have lots of glass, providing plenty of natural light, but there are always a few novel options, like using tinted or stained glass in some parts as a focal point.
Your internal design is also important, and this may depend on one particular factor: which way the conservatory faces. Anything facing southwards will get the best of the sunshine, so it will be very warm in summer and avoid the worst of the cold in winter.
A north-facing conservatory will, by contrast, offer direct sunlight only on summer mornings and evenings, and will be cooler. That could make it a nice shaded place to be when it is very hot, but it will need cosy furnishings and extras like curtains to keep the heat in for the rest of the year.
You can also vary the way you use the space. Some will like clear overhead space to maximise light, while others who enjoy a lot of foliage can create a great environment with hanging plants.
These are just a few of the elements of choice you have, so when thinking of a new conservatory, be sure to take the time and effort to examine all the options and possibilities ahead of you.