It's official we have started the property search for what will hopefully be our long-term home and a place we can feel settled. What we are looking for in the next property we buy is potential, the potential to add value, space and to be able to make our own.
The last two properties have both needed work so that is not an issue, as long as we can adjust the layout to suit our needs then it's worth all the hard work and sweat to make it something special. There are a few things on our checklist such as outdoor space, two receptions rooms and preferable a family room that can bring the outside in and a conservatory would be perfect for that.
Conservatories can sometimes get a bad wrap, some people may perceive them as outdated or limited in it's use but this could not be more untrue, if done properly they can be really stylish spaces that add value to your property as well as creating a somewhere you want to spend time in all year round. Sometimes all a conservatory needs is a revamp or a new roof which can lead to a huge transformation without you having to take the whole thing down or spend a lot of money - accordingly, websites such as https://projects4roofing.co.uk/ offer this service and are worth checking out.
1. Bring the outdoors in - if there is one room that is perfect for bringing nature into the home a conservatory is it. Plants are a great way to inject a little bit of colour into a space as well as creating a smooth flow from outside in with matching earthy tones being pleasing to the eye. You can also get creative with how you display different plants and flowers such as using some glass hanging baskets also allowing the natural light to pass through them.
2. Dress up your windows - windows really are the main focus of a conservatory and should not be overlooked, as they are what make this room special and different from the rest of the house. You should always invest in good quality blinds such as specialist ones from Thomas Sanderson. The main benefit for going with a company that specialises in conservatory blinds is that they are made to fit as well as having over 1000 options in different colours and being energy efficient they help regulate the temperature in the room.
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| Laura Ashley designer blinds |
3. Use a natural palette - Conservatories are naturally very light and airy and you don't want to detract from that with anything too loud or overbearing so stick to more neutral shades such as Duck Egg or French Grey. These work well with the outdoor tones of your garden creating a a calm and tranquil space. Personally I would recommend looking at the Laura Ashley paint collection which I have used many times in my own home, this can be paired up perfectly with the Laura Ashley conservatory blinds such as the beautiful ones in the image above.
4. Creating an All-season space - as I have mentioned earlier in this post some people may be under the impression that conservatories are only really used for a limited time of the year, such as spring and autumn when it is not too hot or too cold. It's true that some lower quality conservatories can get very cold in winter and unbearably hot in summer which is why it's firstly important to invest in a conservatory that is well made from a reputable company as well as temperature controlling blinds which can make a huge difference. The Duette® energy saving blinds really do make your conservatory an all year round room fit for any purpose with it's double-layered cellular function that not only reduces heart but also has high sound absorbing qualities making your room as place of peace and relaxation.
5. Style with natural textures and furniture - a Conservatory really is a special place and somewhere you can break the rules a little bit more and style it in a way thats different to the rest of the house. Keeping in with the natural flowing theme of the outside in I would recommend looking at hard-wearing wicker or rattan furniture that is not only stylish but also perfect for a family home as it's robust and the platted feature also works well with pleated blinds. When it comes to carpet and flooring the same can apply with options such as coir or sisal which will also match the earthy tones of the outdoors.
As with any room in the house a conservatory should be given as much time and effort into it styling and furnishing as any other space. This will create a natural flow from the rest of the house and not only add value to your property but a room that you can really enjoy any time of the year.
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