Sumptuous Conservatories

For me, a successful conservatory is one that looks like it’s always been there, and it’s meant to be there. It blends in with the architecture of the house, both in style and proportion. It is thoughtfully situated with regards to both access from within the house, and its place in the garden. It doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb, but its perimeters are softened by shrubs and plants, thus making it the perfect halfway house between indoor and outdoor living.

If you are starting from scratch and planning to add a new conservatory, the first and fundamental point to consider is the function of your new room. Will it be an extension of a family area to provide extra all day space? Will it run off a kitchen to give an al fresco feel to dining? Or will it be a quiet bolt hole away from the hustle and bustle after a demanding day? Of course, you may want it to be all these and more, but be careful not to try to cram a quart into a pint pot. A cluttered and over furnished conservatory is a disaster, not only aesthetically but in practical terms too. As soon as the overall feeling of space and relaxation is lost, so is the desire to use it.