What’s more important – the design of the conservatory, or the design of the interiors within the conservatory?

This is a tricky question as custom conservatories are one of the most unique forms of architecture. From their exposed structural elements to expansive panes of glass, they evoke a sense of transparency and connection to the outdoors making the structure itself an interior design element! After deciding how you intend to use the space, you can begin planning the design. Playing with various styles, textures, and materials, perhaps just as important as the design of the structure itself is the design of the interior as they go hand-in-hand!

As you consider designing a custom conservatory for your home, take a look at these tips or chat with a member of our team!

1| Selecting An Architectural Style For Your Custom Conservatory

WE BELIEVE THAT A BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM CONSERVATORY BEGINS WITH YOUR VISION — AND YOUR PASSIONS. HOWEVER, YOU WILL USE YOUR CONSERVATORY, WHATEVER THE STYLE THAT BEST REFLECTS YOUR HOME, WHATEVER THE MATERIALS YOU CHOOSE, IT WILL BE A ROOM LIKE NO OTHER.

When it comes to the design of your conservatory, there are a number of ways to create a unique space that reflects your style. As the possibilities can be overwhelming, we recommend taking a visual inventory of your home’s existing architecture to understand what you like and dislike about its design! 

What elements about your home stand out?

What features do you love most?

Are there specific materials, shapes, or colors that stand out to you?

If you find you are drawn more to clean lines, geometric shapes, more natural or earthy tones, and prefer less ornamentation/detailing in a structure then a more modern approach with an open concept would be a great direction to start in!  If you are drawn to those more traditional styles from the 19th or 20th centuries with decorative ornamentation,  rich warm tones reminiscent of wood, and curved/rounded contours, consider exploring using a combination of materials like wood and steel, playing with curved muntins in the windows, and adding large columns reminiscent of  Victorian architecture.

For most, it is usually some combination of both these styles! With the help of additional elements such as floor design, textured accents, furniture, and color selection, the whole room will come together!

2 | Mixing Textures Within Your Custom Conservatory

How many textures can you find in these images?

Oddly enough this is the same conservatory just photographs taken from different angles of the room! Look at how this one conservatory is able to incorporate multiple textures in many areas within the room. If we look at the left image, notice the textures within the accent stone wall. This fun bar addition makes it a feature in this orangery and breaks up the natural stained wood elements. The stone wall mixed with the subtle stone floor and beautifully crafted wood elements create such visual interest.

Now, if we look at the image on the right, notice the small wood slats that make up the wooden beam along the ceiling. This was intentionally done to add additional texture in breaking up the more solid wood beams. Beautiful wood accent chairs, various types of plants and floral furniture patterns all come together to set the tone of the beautiful traditional orangery.

Texture is all about letting the pieces within the space add more interest and a unique twist from other conservatories. Get creative!

3 | Getting Creative With Your Decor Pieces in Your Conservatory

The design of a custom conservatory is highly personal. Considering how you are going to integrate some of your own pieces and personality into the space is one of the most special parts! Whether your conservatory will be used as an office space, a relaxing retreat, or a place of gathering, adding the right accent piece can really bring the overall design together.

Here are a few ideas from families who added their own personal touch!

The possibilities are truly endless!

4 | Adding Greenery to Your Custom Conservatory

If you have been following us for a while you may have seen us talk about the benefits of biophilic design. Aside from pushing out fresh oxygen and moisture to the room, there’s nothing like the serenity of a perfectly manicured, yet effortlessly tousled plant display with verdant leaves, spindly vines and soft sunlight streaming through tall conservatory windows. A great way to add visual interest to a display such as this is with vibrant, colorful plants. With contrasting colors to the typical greens of houseplants, these eye-catching tropical plants will add depth and interest to indoor glasshouses large and small. Below are just a few we recommend!

• Alocasia ‘Black Velvet’
• Maranta Leuconeura – or better known as the Prayer Plant
• Bougainvilleas
• Lemon trees
• Spathiphyllums

Give us a call today at  410. 479.4700 or fill out our form to discuss how your design dreams can turn into a reality! For more design tips and steps on how to get started, check out these articles:

• Custom Design a Conservatory: What makes a great conservatory design?
• How To Start Planning and Designing Custom Conservatories
• Article 3
• Article 4