It seems as if the summer has only just got into full swing, but autumn is already beginning to whisper in the breeze, and soon we will be noticing the gentle fading of the garden foliage and the shortening of the evenings. However, this does not mean that you can’t continue to enjoy the full benefits of your hardwood orangery or conservatory.
Indeed, these transitional indoor-outdoor spaces are ideal for making the most of the changing seasons, allowing you to observe the gradual onset of rich autumnal hues in your garden even as temperatures fall away. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your orangery or conservatory at this time of the year.
Carry out some simple maintenance checks
Check over the frames and seals for any sign of gaps or leaks, and give the exterior a wash with warm soapy water. Clear out leaves and debris from the gutters, and remove any moss that has built up on the roof. This will not only help to keep the structure in tip top condition, but also help to maximise the amount of natural light infiltrating the inside.
Have a spring clean
OK, so it’s not the traditional season for a spring clean, but your glazed extension is likely to have been well-used during the summer months so it’s a good time to have a spruce up. Clean the inside of the windows, polishing them up with a mixture of distilled vinegar and water, or a commercial glass cleaner for that extra brightness and clarity.
Sweep and wash the floor, and dust off any ornaments and surfaces. If you have indoor plants, check if any need repotting after a spurt of summer growth and carry out pruning and watering if needed. Bring any sensitive outdoor plants inside as the autumnal chills set in more earnestly.
As you begin to notice a slight crispness in the air, you will appreciate all your hard work as you sit and enjoy the beauty of the changing trees through spotless crystal clear glazing.
Plump up your furnishings
It’s the nesting season, so it’s the perfect excuse to stock up on some soft furnishings to ensure that your conservatory is a welcoming and comfortable place to be as the season begins to turn. Cosy fabrics such as knitted blankets and cushion covers in warm colours will help to create the perfect autumn sanctuary for enjoying the changing garden.
Ambient lighting is also important as the days get shorter. Create different levels of lighting with a selection of floor lamps and table lamps with warm temperatures and colours. You could even supplement it with some decorative string lights or lanterns suspended from the ceiling or twined around taller items of furniture.
Consider other uses for your conservatory
As the autumn wears on, you may want to consider using your conservatory or orangery in different ways. For example, instead of an evening sitting room, it might become the perfect space for practising yoga or pilates in the mornings. The excellent natural light also makes it ideal for use as an arts and crafts studio, or even an office if you work from home.
Prepare for colder weather
Inevitably, the seasons move on, and no sooner than we have celebrated the harvest festival and halloween, the first frosts of the year will be setting in. There is naturally a tendency to spend less time outdoors, but the beauty of an orangery or conservatory is that you appreciate the glories of nature all year round from the comfort of your indoor space.
If you have underfloor heating, you will appreciate the benefits of the even and consistent warmth it provides. If you do not have a heat source, portable radiators will ensure that the space is comfortable to sit in even on colder days. The addition of curtains or blinds and rugs will also help to retain the heat.
You may wish to consider investing in a set of blinds for year round use, because they will provide protection from glare and intense heat during the summer months, and extra insulation in autumn and winter. You can supplement them with heavier drapes in the winter.