Not only are orangeries beautiful to look at, but they can very versatile and offer a functional and stylish extension to your home. Orangeries tend to have more wall space, so feel more like a traditional extension. The addition of large windows and either a lantern roof or skylight windows creates a light and airy space that is pleasurable to enjoy. The great thing about an orangery is that it can be attached to your home to serve as an extension, or you can have it designed and built as a completely standalone building in your garden. An orangery can be a much faster and less expensive way of adding space rather than a traditional extension.
What is an orangery extension?
An orangery is a type of room added to extend your home and can be used in the same way as a conservatory; to relax, dine and entertain. Orangeries can be attached to your property or built stand alone. They often have very large windows, glass doors, as well as a solid roof with a large glass lantern in the centre, creating a light and airy space. An orangery is a stylish, yet functional way of creating more living space and is increasingly popular with homeowners across the UK. A conservatory or orangery allows you to spend more time closer to the outdoors and your garden throughout the year while still being under cover and in a comfortable environment, despite the changeable British weather.
Here is a round-up of some of the great ways an orangery can be used to add to your home and lifestyle:
1. Dining and entertaining space
One of the most popular reasons to add an orangery is to create a dedicated dining and entertaining space which effortlessly connects with the garden. An orangery adds the wow factor for an evening dinner party or makes the perfect easy-access base for drinks and food at a summer BBQ.
2. Lounge area
There is nothing better than relaxing in a light-filled orangery with the patio doors open, an ice-cold drink in hand, taking in the sounds of the birds in the garden. Or curling up on the sofa with a cup of tea and reading a magazine in the cooler months. The orangery design lends itself perfectly to creating a tranquil and relaxing haven of calm to be enjoyed throughout all seasons.
3. Kitchen diner extension
Open plan living is extremely popular, and many homeowners are striving to create a large open plan kitchen and dining area on the back of the house that opens out onto the garden. This style of living really fits in with family life, bringing the kitchen back to the heart of the home, where all the family can be together to cook, relax, eat and catch up on each other’s day. Using an orangery to extend your kitchen creates a stunning space that is light and spacious with great views of the garden, perfect to watch the kids playing or to be able to chat with guests even when cooking. You can even open the main house up to the new orangery extension to create a larger open space.
4. Home office
Over the years working from home has risen in popularity as people try to find that balance between career and home life. Now even more so with the Covid-19 pandemic. Craving out a space to work is important so that you can create some separation from home and work life and ensure that you’re able to focus when working. An orangery lends itself perfectly to creating a professional space that will enhance your productivity and be enjoyable to work in. You could choose to join your home office orangery onto your property or create it as a standalone structure so that you have a daily commute down the garden path.
5. Music or creative room
If you are a creative person, adding a space specific to your creative passions could be bliss. Whether you are a budding musician, an accomplished pianist, watercolour artist, sculptor or even an enthusiastic crafter, adding an orangery could give you a great artistic retreat, allowing you to shut out the world and focus on your talents.
6. Playroom
We all know that where there are children there are also lots of toys! Creating a room for your children or grandchildren to play in could be the answer to your space and storage troubles. A dedicated playroom would mean somewhere to store their toys and that the little ones can enjoy themselves with all their favourite toys and activities at their fingertips. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the mess taking over every room in the house.
7. Studio or gym space
If you are into your fitness and exercise or perhaps you even teach a yoga or exercise class, an orangery fitness studio or gym could be a great addition. More and more, people are installing home gyms to make finding the time to exercise even easier, but the key thing is finding space in your home. An orangery extension would give you the space required to keep up with your fitness routine without having to leave the house.
8. Pool house
With the unpredictable British weather, if you are lucky enough to have a pool, without a pool house you are unlikely to be able to maximise your time enjoying a dip all year round. Adding a pool house to enclose your pool would mean you can use it year-round, plus it gives privacy, and you could also add in a shower and changing area too, so no more trekking through the house to get showered and changed after a swim.
9. Annexe or guest accommodation
If you have guests to stay regularly or perhaps a teenager or family member living with you, creating an annexe or guest space could be a good solution to create a self-contained area for them to stay in. A large orangery could house a small kitchen, lounge, sleeping area and possibly a bathroom too. An orangery extension or standalone garden room is a great way to make your guests feel welcome and give them space to enjoy their stay.
10. Cinema and games room
If you are looking to add more fun to your home, you may have been considering creating a cinema and/or games room. An orangery will suit a games room set up perfectly and with the addition of some appropriate window treatments or blinds, it could work well as a cinema room too.
An orangery can be a truly versatile extension of your home, offering function and enhancing your home life. All of our orangeries are completely bespoke to you, so we will work with you to understand your requirements and help design a glass extension that will work for you and that fits with your budget, style preferences and the aesthetics of your home.
