Conservatory Extension Ideas

Conservatory extension ideas

If you’re looking for conservatory extension ideas, then you’ve come to the right place.

In this blog we will take a look at all your available options, hopefully giving you inspiration for the best conservatory extension ideas.

A conservatory extension is a fantastic way of adding value to your home.

Not only will it increase your home’s monetary value but it will also improve home living, allowing you to enjoy the outside in comfort all year round.

By the time you have finished reading this, you’ll have all the information you need to know, to help decide on what conservatory extension is right for you.

Although we will discuss the differences between an extension and a conservatory, it is important to note that there was a change in planning regulations in 2008, meaning that single storey solid roof extensions, orangeries and conservatories are treated exactly the same.

Do you approach a conservatory specialist or an architect?

This will depend on your overall conservatory design. A conservatory kitchen may require an architect however many conservatory companies will be more than happy to utilise their design skills to create beautiful open-plan structures.

Kitchen Extensions

Open Plan- The kitchen is the room that is often describe as a house focal point. How about making it more communal? By knocking down your kitchen wall and opening your kitchen out into the conservatory. This can be effective if they blend seamlessly into each other.

Don’t want to knock down any walls? With a Veranda conservatory, you can have a standard kitchen with extra space. Another bonus is that most Verandas came with a roof meaning you don’t have to battle the elements.

Roof vents- These are key if you plan to attach your conservatory to your kitchen, as hot air will build up rapidly.

Bespoke conservatory designs

Bespoke conservatories are a great way to personalise your conservatories. You could choose to replicate unique features from your house and also think about original locations, views, or storage systems.

• Classic country conservatory’s

A new trend is a country-style conservatory, using upcycled furniture and natural light.

• Garden view dining area

Many people use their conservatories as a dining area with great views of their garden.

• Colourful accents

Adding a pop of colour can work wonders for your conservatory, to add contrast to warm leafy tones from the garden.

• Conservatory of the Seasons

Plants are also a great addition to a conservatory, ones with unusual shapes draw attention, whilst tall plants will fill up corner space.

• French-style conservatory

French style conservatories are great for people who like a more clean or polished look. Popular features include white painted brick walls, providing an outdoor feel, indoors. Furniture is often similarly white, with added blue accents.

• Apropos conservatory

A reverse lean conservatory shape is suitable for low buildings such as cottages. It also is a cost-effective way of creating a dramatic structure, and often makes small spaces a lot larger.

• Frameless glass conservatory

If you are interested in a modern conservatory then this may be the conservatory for you. Boasting completely frameless glass with aluminium framed sliding doors.

Other conservatory features

• Blinds – Is there anything more frustrating than glaring sunshine ruin your view when you’re trying to watch television? Bespoke blinds can be designed to fit your windows and roof so that you can control how much light enters your conservatory.
• Decoration and Furnishings- Choosing furniture and decoration is important to add your personal touch, however if you don’t choose quality glass, material may be faded by sunlight. It is also worth trying to decorate your conservatory in a similar style to your adjoining room.
• Underfloor heating – If your conservatory is likely to be adjoined to the house, it will need to be suitable to use year-round, even during Winter times. Heating engineers will be able to calculate a comfortable heat for you. Most people opt for thermostatically controlled underfloor heating.
• Windows and doors- These can be used to let natural light in, without comprising space. For example, floor to ceiling windows, will maximise both space and light and will make it feel as if you are outside when you’re nice and cosy indoors.Another option is bi-folding doors, which are great for connecting your home and your garden, perfect for hosting family gatherings.

Modern conservatory vs home extension

This is a great starting point, by defining the terms ‘extension’ and ‘conservatory’ separately, we can help you to understand the benefits of each.

Conservatories are typically made from a mixture of glass and frames, there may be brick but not a substantial amount. Style wise, modern conservatories are made to look very different to the building they adjoin and there is normally clear separation in the form of a door, which usually leads to the kitchen (or the closest room).

Home extensions differ from conservatories, as you are attempting to link together two separate areas, to create one larger space.

In most cases, house extensions will be intended to be stylistically the same as the rest of your house. Similar building materials will often be used such as bricks and windows, to help the extension look as if it’s always been there.

Planning permission is often needed to build an extension, so make sure you discuss you plan with your local authority.

How much will it cost me to build a conservatory extension?

Price is an important factor to consider when choosing between an extension or conservatory. And there is a big difference in price.Conservatory prices can vary between £6000 and £20000, whereas home extensions can be as high as £30000.

Conservatory or extension?

Going back to the point we made earlier, extensions, conservatories and orangeries are all treated to the same way coming from a planning perspective. So, why spend thousands of pounds to build a similar construction that could be less expensive.

What can I use my conservatory extension for?

Conservatories can be used in lots of interesting ways, so you can link your new conservatory space without having to break the bank, all whilst adding value to your property.