As the fine spell of spring weather continues, it’s a golden opportunity to refresh the design of your hardwood orangery and enhance that precious connection between the indoors and outdoors.
Even if the promising start to the season fizzles out into yet another disappointing summer, you will still have a beautiful environment to relax in and enjoy views of your garden. Here are some inspirational design ideas to bring the outdoors in and ensure that your orangery evolves with the seasons, whatever the coming months may bring.
Harmonise indoor and outdoor planting
The open views and abundant natural light of orangeries are ideal for connecting with nature and nurturing plants; in fact, that’s what they were first designed to do. Biophilic design is one of the most popular trends of the past few years, and it’s all about the art of curating plants and greenery, light flow and good air circulation.
This is not just to create a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing space, but also to enhance overall sense of wellbeing. Being around vegetation improves air quality and helps us to mentally and physically relax: this reaction is hardwired into human physiology, because thriving greenery is a sign of clean water and fertile ground that are essential to survival.
This reassurance of readily available sustenance triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, telling the body that it is OK to rest, relax, or channel energy into more interesting pursuits other than merely food and survival, such as socialising or creativity. Therefore, indoor plants are not merely decoration, but also play a role in our energy levels and mood.
For a thoughtful arrangement of plants, consider placing foliage at varying heights, so there’s always something green for the eye to rest on wherever you look. For example, include small trees in containers, such as olive, citrus or palm trees. Contrast with table and floor level plants, or even hanging baskets suspended from the ceiling frames.
Echo some of the leaf shapes, colours, or species with the closest garden vegetation to create visual connection and sense of flow with the outside.
Refresh the colour palette
Spring and summer call for fresh light colour palettes that work in harmony with natural tones, such as sky blue, soft greens, cheerful yellows and pretty pinks. Updating accessories is a simple and cost effective way to do this, rather than replacing heavier and more expensive items such as rugs and window dressings.
Store any cushions, throws, and ornaments in rich autumnal shades and replace them with more summery choices in linen or cotton fabrics. Even if you are not particularly green fingered, a couple of vases of fresh flowers or some potted herbs dotted about will really help to set the scene.
Create an outdoor living space
Aim to create a seamless blend between the outdoor and indoor living spaces with complementary colours, designs, and textures. For example, if your orangery has bifold doors that lead directly to a patio or decking area, consider upgrading the flooring to a consistent material throughout, such as natural stone, porcelain tiles or wood.
You may want to consider creating a veranda or canopy covered sitting area directly outside your orangery doors if you do not currently have one. Invest in some outdoor furniture that complements the style of the interior, such as rattan or teak sofas or dining sets with weather resistant cushions.
Position your indoor furniture to maximise views of the garden, so even on cooler wetter days, you do not feel enclosed and cut off. If you have a busy family life or you frequently entertain outdoors in the summer, an indoor/outdoor rug will help to protect your flooring from muddy footprints and wear and tear.
Create a quiet haven
Whatever the position and size of your orangery, there will always be a certain time of day during the summer when the light falls most beautifully, such as first thing in the morning, early afternoon or just as the sun begins to set. Carve out a comfortable corner when you can treasure these special moments with a coffee or a good book.