Conservatory Design and Styles
The
reason for making the addition of a conservatory to your home is to compliment
your house and extend the usable living space out into your garden. It
is important to keep this basic goal in mind when planning your conservatory
as well as when you design it after construction is completed. While utilizing
the services of a professional design expert - particularly one that is
well-versed in conservatory design – is helpful, the final product
will be much more comfortable for you and will accomplish your goals while
suiting your tastes if you familiarize yourself with the important aspects
of the conservatory and consider the primary and secondary uses of the
space. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Before you even begin the conservatory ordering process, consider the
space that you want the conservatory to include. Consider the types of
furnishings that you want included in that space as well. It may help
to use string and stakes to mark out a rough area where you want it to
be so that you can get a more accurate visual representation of how large
the external and internal areas will be. You can also use this tactic
to see what sizes of furniture you will be able to fit in the conservatory
after it is completed.
Always make the entrance to your conservatory from an area of your home
that you use most often. This is usually the kitchen or a room adjacent
to the kitchen. This will allow easy access to and from the oft-used portions
of your home without confusing your guest traffic by diverting them through
other areas. Additionally, it makes carrying things to and from the kitchen
much easier when you are dining in your new conservatory.
If you can, try not to place the door that goes out into the garden directly
across from the door that leads into the home from the conservatory. This
will create a corridor effect and will make placing furniture less simple.
You want your conservatory to be a place for comfortable gatherings, not
a hallway to the outdoors.
Don’t build a smaller conservatory that you believe that you will
use. If you are able to afford it and the area in your garden permits
it, you may want to consider actually constructing your conservatory at
least a few square feet larger than you originally intended. This way
you will not be caught with a much smaller conservatory than you planned
and will save you the potential trouble of building additional room later
on.
Do your best to select materials that will compliment your home. If at
all possible, match the exterior materials of your home with the exterior
materials of the conservatory. This way, the conservatory will look much
more like a natural extension of the house than an afterthought. Additionally,
ensure that the shape of the conservatory doesn’t disrupt the exterior
aesthetics of the home. Your home was designed in a particular manner
and you want to compliment that design rather than hinder it.
Conservatory Styles
As you look around it may seem that there are many conservatory
styles to choose from. But the majority are based on Victorian,
Edwardian, or a modern lean-to style. There are some exceptions
with companies offering Georgian or Regency conservatories
for example.
Many bespoke conservatories are made up from the basic
styles, using the lean-to to link units or adding several
Victorian or Edwardian bays to give a conservatory its
own unique look. Don’t be surprised that what one
company calls a Victorian style, for example, is referred
to as something else by another firm.
If you aren’t sure what you want - get brochures
from several companies, surf the internet, and visit sales
rooms to look at the variations of styles offered.
Make a sketch of what you would like and see how different
designs best fit this. Ask a salesman to come up with a
design, sketch or a computer drawn image so that you have
a better idea of what you are buying.
Don’t be put off by sales talk. If one company talks
about bays and another splays, ask what they mean. You
won’t look silly, you will just be ensuring that
you know what you are paying for.
The same applies when it comes to the number of walls
- would you believe they can even be counted differently
- that’s where a sketch or design is so valuable.
If a salesperson isn’t prepared to ensure you know
what you are buying, then it is probably a sign that the
service given by the company won’t be very good either.
If you are bowled over by the look and style of something
in a brochure, take the time to look at the materials used
and if they suit the style of the conservatory and how
they will suit your home.
And just remember that you are the customer. You need
good service, sound explanations and to be absolutely convinced
that you are making the right choice for you and your home.
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