Conservatories represent a reminder of a time long passed, when ladies wore tightly fastened corsets under plumes of fabric, dressed to the nines for balls and tea parties; the era of Queen Victoria I and the famous writer, Voltaire. All this to say that nowadays, most people don’t think of this structural addition when building. You may find quite a few millennials who may not even know what they’re called but simply adore the little sunning room as they pass by.
It phased from becoming extremely popular in the 1700s for its charm and quaintness to all but forgotten not long thereafter because of some conditional shortcomings. But houses built in these times still exist today and proudly sport this special attachment. People who love timepieces and reminders of a different time still to this day fit a conservatory into their drawing plans. You’re most likely reading this post because you have one in your home. How amazing!
Here are some tips to spruce up this little area to make it more useful and beautiful.
1) A Fix for a Major Flaw
Classically, conservatories are built with wonderfully majestic glass windows that allow a lot of sunlight into the room. While imagining this may seem heavenly, it can become a bit too much for the homeowners. Too much sunlight can transform the room into a sauna and sweat room, not an area where you can relax enjoyably.
Equally, as too much light and heat can be let in during summertime when wintertime comes around, too much light and heat are let out. There is no balance between hot and cold and no one appreciates these two extremes.
But, not all hope is lost. Consider the installation of blinds to remedy this problem. No, not just ordinary window blinds, but high-quality pleated or pinoleum/wood weave roof and side blinds.
With over thirty years of experience, the team of specialists over at Oakhurstblinds.com is ready to revamp your conservatory into a space you can enjoy all twelve months out of the year without worry of an over-abundance of heat or cold. Express your interest, send in photos, and take measurements to the best of your ability and a free estimate will be given. These blind ranges are made specifically to order and can be installed to be open and shut manually or electronically. Choose from a wide array of fabrics and colors. The perfect solution awaits you.
2) Take A Good Look at the Windows
It is a little scary to think that glass panes that may be as old as the house are still in use all these years later. Much advancement has been made, especially with plastics, which now offer great benefits with less of the danger attributed to glass. Ponder on a switch to shatterproof, UV rays protective, and easy clean polycarbonate sheets that will last you a long time and be safe from the random stray ball. In addition, built-in insulation can help further with heat regulation.
3) Choose Furniture and Items With Purpose
Turn this room into an eye-catching piece with the right furniture. Consider a swing seat or loveseat, and throw in some colorful cushions. Choose a theme that matches the style of the rest of your home or make it a niche that transports you to somewhere else completely. Your home may not be French styled, but your conservatory can be! Add touches of home, and proudly display sentimental items. Feel free to let your desires be expressed in this area.
4) Revitalize With a New Paint Job
A new coat of paint can work wonders for many things. Opt for a bold paint job or a more classic all-white finish. Browse through some wallpaper options and see if anything stands out. These can really bring out the uniqueness of the space. Dress your windows with lightweight curtains in the hotter months to suit your taste. Swap them out for heavier ones come winter. You may find that more and more people stop and approach you for permission to snap photos of this spot.
5) Add a Touch of Green
Add plants! This will bring a whole new dimension and beauty to the place. Shrubs, ferns, creeping plants, and flowering plants can be used as different focal points, to fill empty patches and to integrate more life into the room. Enjoy the clean crisp, deeply earthy, and light and flowery scents they release. These natural air purifiers will bring such an element of calm to you. This could also double as an unconventional greenhouse, just be sure to water them sufficiently so that you continue reaping the benefits they give.
6) Modernize the Door
After you’ve spent time remodeling the interior and it begins to look like a room you can get excited about again, you’ll realize that any old door just won’t do. Everything needs to tie in, from the roof to the inside and the doorway to the outside. Upgrade your conservatory’s door to folding or sliding doors. These come in various materials from wood to glass and the folded option can be opened preferentially to swing in or out. Based on the size and design of the space, you can make this choice. Sliding doors, because they don’t need to swing in or out by default, conserve space.
This is a smart way to bring the illusion of more space to the room. When folded in on themselves or slid open, the doors expose you fully to your immediate environment be it your manicured backyard, a wooded or forested area, or maybe even the beach. Wherever your location, it will feel like you have now become one with the nature around you without having to step outside. How amazing!
When you’re done making these changes, you will not have only outdone yourself but your creation will stun anyone who passes by. No need to attempt all the changes at once. Take your time with each, really think about the direction you want to take this room, and then work it into reality.