Conservatory vs Orangery
Conservatory vs Orangery: Which Is Better?When looking to extend your home, the age-old debate is whether to go for an orangery or conservatory. The truth is, today, they are very…
Converting your conservatory into an extension does more than boost your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and value – it also opens up a whole new realm of possibilities. Replacing glass walls with private, insulated solid walls frees you to use the space in all kinds of exciting ways, from the traditional to the totally unique.
At Single Storey Extensions, we’ve helped people bring their vision to life in all sorts of creative ways. Here are 3 inspiring ideas to spark your imagination for your new and improved space!
1. Sunlit home office
Thanks to the rise of hybrid and remote work, having a dedicated home office has gone from a luxury to a must-have for many people. Transforming a conservatory into an office extension is a fantastic solution – it brings in plenty of natural light, which can boost both mood and productivity, but has a solid roof that helps prevent screen glare and overheating. This makes for an inspiring, productive workspace where you can knuckle down and get things done in comfort.
Key design tips:
- Use ergonomic furniture for comfort, and bring in some greenery to add a touch of nature. A calm, neutral colour scheme can also help create a relaxing, distraction-free environment that fits seamlessly with the rest of your home.
- Even with plenty of natural light, adjustable lighting is a must for cloudy days or late nights. Try dimmable desk lamps or wall sconces that you can customise to your needs, as these can help reduce eye strain.
- Since conservatories are often set apart from the main house, the Wi-Fi signal might be weaker. Adding a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh system can help boost the signal, giving you strong, reliable connectivity for video calls and file sharing.
- Use large shelving units to divide work and personal items, and make sure to add extra power outlets for office gadgets!
2. Greenhouse-style kitchen extension
If you love cooking and spending time outdoors, why not blend the two by transforming your conservatory into a kitchen extension? With all that natural light, you can even grow your own herbs and small veggies right there, making fresh ingredients a countertop reach away. You’ll also gain extra space for prepping, dining, and entertaining – all with a beautiful view!
Key design tips:
- Wood accents can create a cosy, rustic feel that connects with the outdoors, but if your home is more modern, sleek finishes can be a great match too.
- Look for high-quality glass with good insulation to keep the space comfortable for cooking year-round, and consider adding blinds or shades for heat and light control on sunny days.
- Bifold or French doors let you open up the space and enjoy a refreshing breeze while you cook. Adding an extractor or ceiling fan for ventilation is also a good idea.
- Choose a durable, easy-to-clean flooring option like tile or engineered wood that can handle the occasional spills and high foot traffic of a kitchen while adding warmth to the space.
- Design the layout to encourage a natural flow from kitchen to garden. A countertop that extends to an outdoor bar or pass-through window can make outdoor dining easier and more fun.
3. Natural children’s playroom
Every parent has been there: dodging a little one zooming down the hall, tumbling over a toy, or – worst of all – feeling the agony of stepping on the dreaded Lego brick barefoot.
Turning your conservatory or extension into a playroom can be a perfect solution for both you and your kids. It creates a bright, cosy indoor space where they can play safely while still feeling close to nature. The natural light does wonders for their happiness and wellbeing, while the solid roof keeps them cool and sunburn-free in summer and warm and snug in winter.
With ample space for toys, arts and crafts, and cosy reading corners, it’s an ideal place for them to explore and let their imaginations run free – while you enjoy a bit of peace!
Key design tips:
- Choose flooring and wall materials that are ready for play. Vinyl floors or washable area rugs are fantastic options, as they’re easy to clean and can handle plenty of fun and activity.
- Add plenty of child-friendly storage like cubbies, bins, or low shelves they can easily reach. Clear storage bins or labelled baskets make it simple for kids to find their favourite toys and help them put things back when they’re done.
- Use bright, playful colours to spark creativity, or go with calming, nature-inspired tones. Add some potted plants or leafy patterns to bring a fresh, outdoor feel indoors and better connect to the space outside.
- Safety first! Anchor big furniture to the walls, cover outlets, and pick pieces with rounded edges. Safety gates can be helpful, and be sure to keep any delicate or potentially harmful items out of little hands’ reach.
- Let kids join in on the design fun. Allowing them to pick colours or a few favourite items helps them feel at home in the space and encourages them to take care of it.
Design your dream space with a conservatory conversion from Single Storey Extensions!
Ready to transform your conservatory into a space you’ll love? Chat with the experts at Single Storey Extensions!
We have years of experience creating beautiful, versatile extensions of all kinds, and we’re here to help bring your vision to life. Whether you’re dreaming of a greenhouse-inspired kitchen, a snug playroom, or anything in between, we offer a wide range of roof types, design options, and customisation possibilities to make it happen.
Let’s start building your dream space. Visit our showroom to experience the quality of our work firsthand, or, if you’re ready to dive in, get a free quote online or give us a call on 0331 630 2550 today!
