Do I have room for an Orangery or Conservatory on my home?

As we say farewell to the lovely summer weather and start to spend more time indoors, many of us will be thinking about ways to make our homes feel bigger and brighter. A high-quality, well-designed conservatory will enhance the appearance and value of your home: however, it’s worth taking time at the planning stage to decide how big your conservatory should be. Consider what the extra space will be used for, as a conservatory that is too small to be used much will end up being a false economy while a large orangery may take up too much of your garden and give your house an unbalanced appearance.

If you have a smaller or awkwardly shaped area, one of our bespoke conservatories or orangeries could well provide you with the extra light and living space you crave. However, there are plenty of other ways to give your house a roomier feel. 

Ideas to make the most of Smaller Spaces

Side Extensions –

Not all extensions have to be at the back of the house: if your garden is on the small side you probably won’t want to reduce its size any further. However, many older properties have a long, narrow space at the side, sometimes referred to as the side return. Often in shadow and used just to store bins and bikes, this little-used area can make a dramatic difference to your living space when transformed by a carefully planned extension. Side extensions will need planning permission so check with your local council for advice on any restrictions that may apply.

Dormer Windows –

A dormer window is a small extension that will provide extra light and head height in lofts which have a high enough ceiling: a single dormer is a good solution if you are looking to install a bath in an awkward space or need more height above a bed or desk. In houses with a sloping roof, a full-width dormer usually provides enough extra space for a bedroom with en-suite bathroom, extra storage areas tucked beneath the eaves and a staircase. You will need to apply for planning permission, although dormers are usually classified as lawful development and are unlikely to be turned down. If a dormer is not feasible, Velux windows are another way of flooding your room with light.

Juliette Balconies –

If you don’t want to construct a dormer window, a Juliette balcony is a great way to get a light, airy feel into your room and making the most of a lovely garden view. With the latest developments in high tech double glazing, it’s also possible to really open up your space with a glass balustrade and floor to ceiling glass folding doors, allowing unobstructed views and maximum light.

 There are plenty of ways to make your home feel bigger without physically extending it:

Play with colour –

Using pale colours will help to make your home feel light and airy, giving the illusion of spaciousness. Opting for shades on the cooler side of the spectrum, such as white, lilac, and grey will also make rooms feel bigger: powder blue and light green give a bright and breezy feel, perfect for a house by the coast. Warmer shades of ivory and cream also give a calming, spacious feel, especially when highlighted with accessories in natural textures. Choose a unifying theme throughout and add vibrant accent colours to bring the scheme to life. A smaller kitchen in a neutral shade looks streamlined and modern with an eye-catching feature such as a glass splashback in a standout colour.

Open Plan Living – 

Removing a non-weight bearing wall to create a beautiful kitchen diner or inviting open-plan living area is one of today’s top home improvements, fitting in well with modern family life and perfect for entertaining. You can create a sense of order by using features such as a central island or breakfast bar to divide the space into separate zones. Place the dining table under a glazed roof or next to patio windows to make the most of the light and create a tranquil corner with a cosy sofa. Create a partial room divider with a wall of shelving: this streamlines your storage while retaining the open plan feel. Using the same flooring material throughout creates a sense of continuity: lay tiles or planks in a perspective that draws the eye into the room, creating the feeling of a larger space.