It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy our outside space, with long light evenings and pleasant warm weather. There’s no better time to make the most of a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor space that a bespoke orangery can bring, whether you love to host weekend gatherings or simply enjoy a relaxing sunny place for morning coffee.
However, there are various different styles of orangery, and it can be difficult to know which one would suit your property and lifestyle the best. Here’s a look at some of the most popular styles that can transform your home this summer.
Victorian style orangeries
A Victorian orangery extension is the perfect choice for period homes, or for anyone who has a beautiful big garden that they want to make the most of. The expansive windows are ideal for summer living as they flood the orangery with natural light. Often the design also includes a roof lantern, allowing for even more sunlight to filter through.
When combined with clever modern features such as thermally efficient glazing, shading and ventilation, this creates a beautiful year-round living space. It’s ideal for an art or craft studio as you will always have interesting light effects to inspire your best work, as well as inspirational views of the garden.
This style of orangery typically has an elegant bay-fronted layout with curved rooflines and ornate detailing such as decorative finials and cornicing. It will blend well with older brick or stone properties, and can also provide an interesting contrast with modern architecture.
Edwardian orangeries
If you prefer a more understated style, then an Edwardian orangery could be ideal for you. They suit larger homes with plenty of outside space, and will usually have a square or rectangular layout with symmetrical proportions.
It’s a natural choice for homes built in or around the Edwardian or Georgian era, and is also popular for more recently built country houses with spacious formal gardens. Tall sash windows ensure that there is plenty of natural light from all angles, with the option for a roof lantern if required.
The symmetrical layout creates a multi-functional space that is ideal for dining, garden lounges, and entertaining. It’s the perfect balance between style and functionality.
Contemporary orangeries
Modern orangeries are a natural choice for newer builds, but they can also provide a deliberate contrast to period properties. They create the maximum sense of space and openness, and can be combined with hardwood or aluminium frames.
The extensive glazing and minimalist frames can actually create a more subtle visual impact overall. If you already love the proportions and style of your home but also want that versatile indoor-outdoor space, this could be the solution as it won’t so obviously alter the character of the original building.
A sleek modern orangery is ideal for urban homes with gardens where you really treasure that connection between the house and garden. In summer, it naturally flows into an extension of the garden as you can leave the bifold doors open while you entertain or enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon with the family.
Gable fronted orangeries
If you want to go the other way and really create an impactful visual statement, a gable fronted orangery is the perfect choice! It references the Italian Renaissance origins of orangery design, when they were first introduced to cultivate citrus fruit during the winter.
This practical purpose was combined with deliberately ornate designs to showcase the wealth and status of the property owner: orangeries were once the preserve of the rich landed classes only. Today, a gable fronted orangery will suit a larger detached home or anyone who is in need of a large spacious extension.
The pitched roof and symmetrical proportions will make a real visual impact, and the full-height glazing creates a stunning light filled space. It’s a popular choice for big families who want large kitchen extensions with plenty of space for informal everyday dining and relaxing.