Extending your home with a conser vatory or sunroom will add vital living space and allow you to enjoy the garden no matter the weather. With good design, these rooms can add real value, providing multifunctional zones filled with natural light, often without need for complicated planning applications. Lucy Keech shares some inspirational examples
EXPERT VIEW MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR NEW SPACE
LISA MORTON director of Vale Garden Houses, offers some top tips for your lightfilled extension project
What can a conservatory or sunroom extension bring to a property?
A coner vatory or sun room is a completely unique structure. Nothing compares to the atmosphere of a conser vatory in providing a bright, calming and relaxing place in which to spend time. A little sunshine, whatever the season, will flood the room with light and warmth, providing what for many people will be the most used space in their house. The garden will be enjoyed in all weathers, at all times of the year from the comfort and seclusion of the additional room.
What’s the best way to connect the extension to the garden?
We all want to make more of our outdoor space. Whether your conser vatory is designed with full length glazed panels and doors or a combination of glazing and masonry, you will certainly feel more connected to the outside than in any other room in the home. Folding doors will help open the home onto the garden or terrace for alfresco entertaining. Opting for a glazed roof rather than solid construction will allow you to feel at one with the outdoors.
Do you have any lighting tips?
Clever lighting can create dramatic effects and give the room different moods at different times. Consider unwanted reflections, as without blinds any light will be mirrored back into the room. A combination of lighting can encourage the right ambience throughout the days and seasons. Chandeliers create a wow factor and low-level lighting adds atmosphere.
How can homeowners make the most of a small conservatory?
Finding the happy balance between what suits your lifestyle and the needs of the property can be tricky. This is particularly important in towns and cities where many houses have limited living space and every square metre is valuable. A conser vatory will offer precious extra living accommodation and make the most of small areas without blocking light into existing rooms. Keep the spce light and fresh, don’t over clutter and, if you can, build in good storage.