Conservatories Add Space and Light

A conservatory - whether it be of traditional Victorian design or simpler contemporary construction - can add a bright airy space to almost any home. You may for example wish to choose an ornate gable fronted conservatory with a steeply pitched roof as an additional living, or dining space, or if contemporary straight lines are more your style a modern, lean-to conservatory - a.k.a. a "Mediterranean" conservatory - to house your home office, for example.

In either case when it comes to soft furnishings in a conservatory mixing striped and floral fabrics from the same palette in blinds, curtains, etc. helps to create a feeling of
freshness in the space. Combined with botanically themed wall covering this can also help to create a link between the interior and exterior of your home. When it comes to lighting and heating a conservatory you may find that a screen provides protection against bright sunlight, as well as creating a more intimate atmosphere at night, whilst recessed spotlights, floor lamps, and, of course, underfloor heating - warm water or electric - are other possibilities.

Whatever purpose you wish to use your conservatory for on a regular basis, storage is likely to be an issue whether it's needed for tableware, cutlery, paperwork or whatever else. A sideboard can provide unobtrusive storage as can a dresser and if you choose a large table, rather than a desk per se, you can create a space in which to relax, as well as work. The addition of an armchair, or a compact sofa, can provide you with somewhere to read a book, or listen to music, when your work or entertaining is done.

The good news for anyone considering a conservatory, nowadays is that - provided that the construction does not extend above the height of your existing roof or cover more than 50% of your garden - it is likely to be considered permitted development for which no planning permission is required.