Orangery Ideas UK: Before & After Conservatory Renovations

Replacing your old and tired conservatory extension with a timber orangery or garden room? See our most popular ‘Before and After’ projects…

Design has a direct impact on how we live our lives and how we feel at home. If you have a part of your house that is poorly conceived, underused, and unsightly, there’s no doubt that this will affect the way that you use your home. If you’ve ever owned a uPVC conservatory, then you’ll know exactly what we’re referring to.

These days, old conservatories look outdated and no longer meet the demands of a modern family home. With excessive glazing, they can become uncomfortably hot in summer and cold in winter, so families usually spend extraordinarily little time there. Often, homeowners struggle to know what to do with the space, as it will usually feel very separate from the rest of the house, like an afterthought add-on. It’s a big part of your home to be completely wasted and underutilised.

A glazed extension should be an additional room that continues your main home, so if you are making do with a uPVC conservatory in all its 1980s glory, you’re missing out on an opportunity to make the most of your space. When interiors flow well, they allow you to enjoy a sense of calm in a living area that is bright, spacious and perfectly catered to your needs. Above all, the orangery design should reflect the homeowner’s tastes and sense of style.

You might not think that transforming one part of your home could have so much impact, but never underestimate the difference a new open-plan garden room can make. The thing about a well-designed garden room is that it makes your house ideal for entertaining year-round, not just in the summer months when everyone gathers in the garden. It gives the family a place to spend time together, create memories and share meals. Providing the layout is kept in mind, and the flow of the interiors is maintained, a modern orangery or garden room extension can bring everything together.

If you’re searching for orangery ideas to inspire your own project, the six renovations below showcase the breadth of what’s possible, from compact conservatory replacements to full architectural transformations.

The Most Impressive Space in Which to Host Friends

When we first met with the owners of this townhouse in Oxford, they explained that, while they were big entertainers, the condition of their home wasn’t up to the standard they hoped for when they first purchased it. The existing conservatory was in desperate need of replacement, and the layout needed changing.

Now, they enjoy having people over with a well-designed space that’s ideal for hosting larger groups. You only need to see the pictures to understand the difference the modern orangery has made. Guests now wonder if they are even visiting the same house. It’s a home the owners can genuinely take pride in and look forward to sharing with friends and family. While they weren’t able to host drinks and suppers that much in 2020, the multi-functional orangery proved a welcome space for the family during lockdown.

Creating an additional, open-plan room for family living

Instead of removing the original walls completely, cleverly placed door apertures in this Edwardian home were used to bring in plenty of natural light and encourage a sociable living space. Initially, the layout wasn’t working for the family, and an old, damp, leaking conservatory was attached to the lounge and never used. This is one of the most common conservatory renovation before and after scenarios the team encounters.

The conservatory was replaced with an L-shaped orangery that wraps around the kitchen, which used to be the lounge. The multi-functional element of an open-plan room is a big attraction to families in particular, who want a lively hub where everyone can gather together.

Showcasing the very best architectural features

This garden room in Essex one of the most striking modern orangery designs in the portfolio, completely transformed the family home as part of an extensive renovation project. The extension has dramatically altered the house’s architectural structure, with high vaulted ceilings and a glazed gable. Expansive windows and wide-opening French doors open out onto a manicured garden. The timber joinery adds symmetrical lines for a classic aesthetic, and these vertical lines help to draw the eye up, making the ceilings appear even higher.

A welcoming orangery filled with natural light

A conservatory renovation before and after that speaks for itself; this Georgian home in the suburbs of Surrey has been entirely transformed. Initially, the smaller rooms were fragmented and made the family feel separated, but now they have an ideal space that caters to the homeowners and their young family.

The triple roof lantern is a focal point that brings in an exceptional amount of natural light. The lanterns tie the spaces together and give the room real character. Being able to open the French doors, look out at the view and enjoy the connection with the outdoors is one of the most valued aspects of this orangery design. The extensive footprint means the lanterns also help to define different zones within the open-plan room.

Reconnect with nature and let the outside in

For homeowners looking for orangery ideas that prioritise the connection between inside and out, this project offers real inspiration. This spacious orangery connects the family’s kitchen with their newly-landscaped gardens. With a generous dining table where the kids can also do crafts and homework, and a sizeable sitting area that looks out over the landscape, the homeowners can enjoy the outdoors year-round.

Defined and purposeful living areas

This modern orangery design features a kitchen, dining space, and sitting area. With so many different functions, getting the layout right is essential. Creating focal points in the room that feel meaningful and intentional is vital, and attention to detail helps define the different zones. It’s essential to ensure all areas flow, as they are still part of one ample space. Classic design is all about proportion and symmetry. By positioning a fireplace on one side of the room, it becomes the anchor of a well-balanced, distinct living zone.

Removing your old conservatory and replacing it with a timber extension will open up your home, help you appreciate your garden and bring more natural light and space into your interiors. Whether you have a clear vision or are still exploring orangery ideas and designs, the team is here to help. For more information, feel free to contact us for expert advice.