A modern orangery offers a stylish, functional space that enhances the home and provides various uses. Once designed to shelter exotic plants, today’s orangeries blend traditional architectural elements with contemporary features. They deliver a bright, elegant extension that homeowners can customise for different purposes.
In this article, we will explore the many ways you can use a modern orangery to enhance your living space and lifestyle.
Expanding Your Living Space
One of the most common uses for a modern orangery involves expanding your living space. Whether you need a new family room or a quiet retreat, the orangery provides a bright, open area that feels both inviting and practical. Large windows and glass roofs let in natural light, making the space feel airy and comfortable.
– Lounge Area: You can transform your orangery into a cosy sitting room where family and friends gather to relax. With comfortable furniture and soft lighting, this space becomes a serene area to unwind, read, or watch TV.
– Entertaining Space: If you enjoy hosting guests, a modern orangery offers the perfect setting. Its open, light-filled design creates a welcoming atmosphere for parties, dinners, or casual get-togethers.
Creating a Stylish Dining Room
Many homeowners use modern orangeries as dining rooms. The combination of natural light and garden views makes every meal more enjoyable. This is especially appealing for those who love to entertain or dine with family in a bright, scenic space.
– Formal Dining Area: You can design the orangery to serve as a more formal dining space for special occasions. A large dining table, elegant décor, and ambient lighting create a perfect environment for hosting dinners or celebrations.
– Casual Dining Spot: For everyday use, the orangery can become a casual dining area where you enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner in a relaxed setting. The abundance of light creates a fresh and cheerful atmosphere for daily meals.
Extending Your Kitchen
A popular modern use for orangeries involves, in particular, extending the kitchen. In fact, homeowners often choose to expand their kitchens into the orangery to create an open-plan living space. As a result, this combination adds natural light and additional space to one of the most-used rooms in the home.
– Open-Plan Kitchen and Dining: You can merge the orangery with the kitchen to create an open-plan layout, making it easier to cook, dine, and socialize in one seamless space. Bi-fold doors or sliding glass panels also allow easy access to outdoor areas.
– Kitchen Island or Breakfast Bar: Adding a kitchen island or breakfast bar within the orangery provides extra workspace and a spot for casual dining. This setup encourages a relaxed flow between food preparation and entertaining guests.
Designing a Home Office
With the rise of remote work, many homeowners increasingly use their modern orangeries as home offices. Moreover, the light-filled environment of an orangery offers a peaceful and productive workspace, ideal for long hours of focused work.
– Quiet Workspace: Away from the distractions of the main house, the orangery provides a quiet, dedicated area for work. You can furnish it with ergonomic office furniture and organise the layout for maximum productivity.
– Inspiring Environment: The connection to nature through large windows and skylights creates a calming and inspiring environment, which can boost creativity and reduce stress during work hours.
Crafting a Relaxing Garden Room
You can also use a modern orangery as a garden room, creating a tranquil space that connects you with the outdoors. Its large windows and open design allow you to enjoy the surrounding nature while staying sheltered from the elements.
– Indoor Garden Space: You can fill the orangery with plants, flowers, and greenery to create a lush, indoor garden. With plenty of sunlight coming through the windows and roof lanterns, plants thrive in this environment.
– Relaxation or Meditation Room: If you need a peaceful retreat, an orangery can function as a relaxation or meditation room. Comfortable seating, soft lighting, and a minimalist design help create a serene atmosphere where you can relax, meditate, or practice yoga.
Using the Orangery as a Playroom
For families with young children, the orangery naturally makes an ideal playroom. In addition, its spacious, open layout allows kids to move around freely, and the natural light further creates a cheerful environment for playtime.
– Safe and Fun Environment: You can childproof the orangery and furnish it with soft, safe materials to create a kid-friendly space. Large windows let you supervise children easily while they play.
– Flexible Space: The orangery offers a versatile area for various activities, from arts and crafts to indoor games. You can easily convert it from a playroom during the day to a family relaxation area in the evening.
Adding a Luxurious Home Gym or Spa
Some homeowners also use their modern orangeries as home gyms or wellness spaces. Thanks to their bright, open design and connection to the outdoors, orangeries provide a perfect setting for exercise and relaxation.
– Home Gym: You can set up exercise equipment in the orangery and enjoy workouts in a fresh, naturally lit environment. Large windows provide views of the garden, making your fitness routine more enjoyable.
– Spa or Hot Tub Area: For a luxurious touch, you can install a hot tub, sauna, or spa equipment in the orangery. This turns the space into a private wellness retreat where you can relax and unwind.
Versatile Space for Any Purpose
Modern orangeries offer unmatched versatility. Whether you need a space for entertaining, working, or relaxing, an orangery can serve your specific needs. The flexible design allows you to tailor the room to your lifestyle, making it a valuable addition to any home.
Conclusion
A modern orangery provides more than just a home extension it offers a multifunctional space that can adapt to various purposes. Whether you want a stylish dining room, a bright home office, or a tranquil garden room, an orangery can enhance your home’s comfort and functionality. With the right design and customisation, your modern orangery will serve as a beautiful and practical space for years to come.