Conservatories aim to provide extra space for your existing home. They can be connected to your home or can be stand-alone. Are you finding it challenging to regulate the temperature in your old conservatory? Do you feel that your conservatory or existing home has lost its character or is outdated?
It’s time you upgrade your conservatory to improve its efficiency or build a modern pavilion to bring back life to your home. This article will give you tips on how you can upgrade your home with a modern conservatory.
Design
The first step is to discover the purpose you want your conservatory to serve. It can be an extension of your living room or garden, an entertainment spot, or a relaxing area. The space’s use will help you choose an appropriate design and theme. There are various conservatory design and build ideas available. You can choose from the designs or use them as a source of inspiration for your desired conservatory outlook.
For your living room, use modern furniture instead of outdoor furniture. Consider comfort as you choose your furniture. Select fabric with neutral colors such as cream-white or light grey. Neutral colors will allow you to add your preferred bright color using cushions, pillows, and throw blankets. Set up a small-sized glass coffee table in the middle of your seating arrangement. A glassed coffee table is minimal and adds a classy modern look to your space. Place a clear vase with a bunch of arranged flowers to be the centerpiece of your table.
For a garden extension, utilize the use of pots that have been designed and have character. Place large and tall potted plants at the corners of the conservatory to fill up these often-abandoned spaces. Install hanging shelves at a considerable height, preferably at your torso level, for easier reach. Place potted plants on the shelves maintaining a substantial distance between the plants to prevent too much competition for nutrients and sunlight. Drape climbing plants at the top, along the walls of your conservatory. Instead of watering your plants and flower daily, incorporate a sprinkler that waters them with minimal human intervention.
Add a swinging sofa with comfortable pillows and padded outdoor furniture for a relaxing spot. Select colored padded foams to brighten up the space. This can be a perfect reading spot for you as you enjoy the sun or quiet nights.
Materials
Use modern materials such as aluminum and glass instead of traditional brick or masonry materials. Suppose you aren’t sure of the material to use. In that case, companies such as Window Factory and others can help you make an informed, unique decision for your conservatory.
There are many materials you can select for your conservatory roof. Select a glass roof if you aim to bring in as much natural lighting as possible. For partial natural lighting, incorporate a tiled roof with glass-roofed sections. Your roof could be pitched or flat based on your preference. Connect gutters to your conservatory roof. Add piping to bring the rainwater into your conservatory if you use it as a garden. Use the rainwater to water your plants.
Use large aluminum windows for your conservatory walling. Besides adding natural lighting, it brightens up the space and gives it a modern look. Instead of sitting outside in the sun to enjoy the sun and nature, a glass-windowed conservatory will provide you with the luxury of doing so without being out in the scorching sun or rain. There are different types of glasses you can choose from. Consider their insulation and durability properties to provide safety and a comfortable environment in your conservatory, no matter the time of the year.
Tempered glass can withstand harsh conditions and resist breaking when subjected to pressure. If living in an area with extreme heat, single Solex glass should be your preferred choice. Single Solex glass offers UV protection and maintains a cool temperature even in hot weather conditions. Double pane glass provides insulation despite the weather condition. Opt for glassed doors, which can be sliding or bi-fold for a modern design.
Lighting
You don’t need artificial lighting for your conservatory during the day since there’s enough streaming of natural lighting. However, you need to add lighting for the evenings. Since a conservatory is meant to blend with nature and provide a comfortable, relaxed space, refrain from installing bright lighting fixtures.
Select fixtures that provide warm lighting to the area. Place lamps or lanterns on your floors at designated clear spots to illuminate the whole room. Consider placing a large pendant light at the center of the room. Alternatively, make use of hanging string lights and LED spotlights for your ceiling or skirting. Add drapes or blinds to a section of your glass walls for privacy at night as you use the conservatory.
Takeaway
Incorporating a modern conservatory can be a DIY project if you already have one, or you might need to seek professional help if it’s a new project. It’s recommended to check if any permits are required to build a conservatory in your area. With the guide given in this article, upgrading your home with a modern conservatory has been made easier.