The kitchen is often the most frequently used room in the house, serving as a central hub for cooking, dining, and socializing. It is also the perfect space to take advantage of natural sunlight, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Many modern homes incorporate a dining or breakfast area, providing a convenient spot for informal meals, quick weekday snacks, or leisurely weekend brunches. Expanding your kitchen with an orangery extension can enhance both functionality and aesthetics, offering additional space for these activities.
An orangery extension is an excellent solution for those looking to increase natural light while maintaining better insulation and temperature control compared to a traditional conservatory. Unlike a standard home extension, an orangery seamlessly blends glass and solid structures, creating a bright yet comfortable environment that can be enjoyed all year round.
Each home and homeowner has unique needs—some may choose to integrate the extension with a full kitchen remodel, installing new cabinets, countertops, and state-of-the-art appliances, while others may prefer to maintain their existing setup. Regardless of the approach, ensuring that kitchen appliances remain operational throughout the construction process is essential for minimizing disruption.
Investing in an orangery kitchen extension not only enhances your home’s practicality but also adds value and a touch of luxury, making it a worthwhile addition to any modern household.
Kitchen Conservatory Extensions – Orangery Kitchen Extensions by Kingsholme.
The process of designing and building an orangery kitchen extension will vary from site to site, but a brief outline of how it often works is set out below.
In most situations the vast majority of the work can be done before touching the existing kitchen at all. Typically we would lay the foundations and build the shell of the structure before breaking through into the main house.
Designing and ordering a new kitchen extension and the kitchen itself can be a daunting task, there are ultimately a lot of decisions to make. It is normally useful to have at least a rough plan before designing and starting work on the orangery, but it’s not always essential to have every detail finalised.
Some clients prefer to get the shell of the orangery kitchen extension built, in order to get a feel for the layout before signing off on the the kitchen design. However it is best if the positions of any drains are know as any new drainage generally needs to be installed at the groundwork stage.
Depending on the how the opening between new and old is to be created, we can generally get the new orangery watertight and secure before breaking into the main house. This might require new steelwork to be inserted into the house before the orangery roof is built, but we would typically not need to do the full knock through until later.
The old kitchen will be left functioning for as long as possible. Generally we are able to organise matters so we complete our works then hand over to the kitchen company to remove the old kitchen and install the new one.
The final decorating and flooring can either be done before or after the kitchen install, or potentially a bit before and then some after.
Over the years we’ve worked with many kitchen installers and encountered differing views on whether the flooring should be done before or after the kitchen units are fitted. There are arguments for both which should be assessed on a case by case basis.
The article below offers some advice for designing a conservatory kitchen extension
In the realm of home design, the kitchen is often considered the heart of the house, where culinary creativity mingles with family gatherings and everyday conversations. When contemplating an extension, integrating a conservatory with your kitchen can elevate the space, bringing in natural light, lush greenery, and an airy ambiance. Designing a kitchen conservatory extension requires a thoughtful approach that balances functionality with aesthetic appeal. Here are some key considerations to guide you through the process:
1. Assess Your Space and Needs:
Before delving into the design process, take stock of your existing kitchen layout and assess your needs. Consider the available space for extension, the orientation of your house, and how you envision utilizing the new space. Are you aiming for additional dining space, a cozy breakfast nook, or simply a bright area to cultivate plants and herbs?
2. Maximizing Natural Light:
One of the primary advantages of a conservatory extension is the influx of natural light it offers. Orient the conservatory to capture the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day, taking into account factors like the position of the sun and potential shading from nearby structures or trees. Opt for large windows, skylights, or even glass ceilings to amplify the brightness and create a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
3. Seamless Integration:
Harmonizing the new conservatory extension with the existing kitchen structure is crucial for a cohesive design. Choose materials, colors, and architectural elements that complement the aesthetics of your home while adding a touch of contemporary flair. Consider integrating bi-fold or sliding doors to merge the indoor and outdoor areas, facilitating easy access and enhancing the sense of openness.
4. Functional Layout:
Efficient space utilization is key to a well-designed kitchen conservatory extension. Plan the layout carefully, ensuring adequate space for food preparation, cooking, dining, and relaxation. Incorporate versatile storage solutions such as built-in cabinets, pantry units, and shelving to keep clutter at bay and maintain a clean, organized environment.
5. Climate Control and Ventilation:
Given the abundant sunlight in a conservatory, proper climate control and ventilation are essential to ensure year-round comfort. Install ceiling fans or vents to circulate air and prevent overheating during the summer months. Consider incorporating underfloor heating or radiators to regulate temperature during colder seasons, allowing you to enjoy the space regardless of the weather outside.
6. Embrace Greenery:
A kitchen conservatory extension provides an ideal setting for introducing greenery and botanical elements into your home. Create a verdant oasis by incorporating potted plants, hanging baskets, or even a small indoor garden. Not only do plants enhance the visual appeal of the space, but they also contribute to improved air quality and overall well-being.
7. Reflect Your Lifestyle:
Ultimately, the design of your kitchen conservatory extension should reflect your lifestyle, preferences, and personal taste. Whether you envision it as a tranquil retreat for morning coffee, a vibrant entertaining hub, or a multifunctional space for culinary pursuits, tailor the design to align with your unique needs and aspirations.
In conclusion, designing a kitchen conservatory extension offers a captivating opportunity to blend functionality with aesthetic charm, seamlessly merging indoor living with the beauty of the outdoors. By carefully considering factors such as natural light, integration with existing structures, functional layout, climate control, and personal style, you can create a captivating space that enhances your daily living experience and adds enduring value to your home.
The initial contact with Kingsholme and the professionalism of the product presentation singled Kingsholme out above other companies considered.
In short, we unreservedly recommend Kingsholme Conservatories as a highly competent company, offering excellent service and value for money, with whom it has been a pleasure to deal.
Colin has helped us throughout the process, and we were very pleased when he suggested another house in Harpenden that we could visit to see the quality of work before placing an order. We also thought your workmen on site were efficient, polite and customer focused.
We appreciated the low-key sales approach, and particularly valued the maturity and attitude of the people who worked on the conservatory.
The workmen were a pleasure to have, always polite and helpful. Mark, your no-pressure sales approach was a welcome change from the so called bigger companies.
My conservatory is much admired by all who see it and they comment on the high quality of the result. For me it is a daily joy. My thanks to you and I shall certainly recommend your company.
Now that the conservatory is finished Sarah and I would like to express our appreciation of the work that has been done. Back in the summer when we decided we would like to build, we had no idea who to go to and no local friends to make recommendations. We looked on the internet using words such as “bespoke, quality and individual” By chance we came across Kingsholme and then of course met with you.
We said that we did not wish to be involved with any sub contractors but that the entire job should be project managed by you. We also made it clear that we wanted a firm price for the job which would not change unless we altered the brief. You delivered on both counts.
From day one of the ground works until the final finishing touches were made recently all the people representing Kingsholme have been excellent. Skilled tidy workers, always polite and a pleasure to have around. Whilst the job was not always straightforward, i.e. the guttering which had to be specially made, there was no question of you cutting corners or compromising your quality standards.
We are delighted with the final result and especially pleased that we selected your company. Many thanks to all the team and particularly you Mark.
The whole process from our initial meeting with you through to works on site through to completion was undertaken in an extremely professional manner, resulting in an excellent conservatory design, a standard of work that is first class and undertaken by friendly/helpful operatives. The attention to detail was evident at all time.
The co-ordination of the different work disciplines was particularly impressive with the general disruption during construction kept to an absolute minimum and the site being keep clean and tidy throughout the course of the works.
Michelle and I wish to express our appreciation for the service provided by you/your company and cannot recommend you highly enough.
The whole experience from start to finish was very pleasant and professional. There was no pressure or haggling on prices, this was in total contrast to other propective suppliers. Mark gave us some excellent design suggestions. The overall quality of workmanship was also first rate.
We have been very happy with the service provided, please keep up the good work!
Very pleased with general workmanship and helpful construction staff. Would be pleased to recommend your company to other people. Greatly appreciated Mark’s design of conservatory, blends in well with rear of house.
Thank you for making it a relatively easy experience for us! As mentioned to you previously, we are very pleased with the results.
We are really pleased with the conservatory and we will certainly recommend you.
We are very pleased with the final product, which looks excellent. Mark’s approach throughout was honest and helpful, in direct contrast to the many other sales people from other companies who were clearly only interested in securing the sale.
The fantastic reviews I see here reflect the experience we have had with Kingsholme. It has been faultless from the first contact through to completion of our orangery. The technical information on the website gave me confidence that the product is outstanding, based on years of experience. All of the team were outstanding, highly experienced tradesmen. The final product is of the highest quality in terms of design, materials and construction. There was absolutely no ‘sales’ involved and during my first call, I was given a ballpark figure based on the size of the space; the final cost was only higher because we increased the size and there were no hidden surprises. The first design we received was exactly what we wanted (they ‘got it’) and the only tweak we made was around the size of a side window. Mark agreed to take on some additional work inside the house, opening up a supporting wall between our kitchen and old dining room. I had struggled to get anyone to take this on, so was greatful to him for doing it. This proved to be quite a challenge for the team based on how the original wall was constructed and took a few more days that expected, however they worked constantly in horrible conditions until it was done. We didn’t have a lot of time to get involved in the project and that wasn’t an issue in the end as everything was taken care for us. It’s rare to say this of a company – we have not had a single issue with Kingsholme. Thank you to everyone involved.
We would wholeheartedly recommend this company. Every member of the team were polite and helpful, from our initial site meeting through to completion of the project. We feel that they offered a very high standard of work at a fair price. The design is top end and certainly comparable with the companies that advertise in House and Garden Magazine and buildings that we have seen exhibited at The RHS Chelsea Flower Show. From the groundwork team through to the decorator, every member of the team were highly experienced and meticulous with every detail of the work that they did to create a stunning orangery for us.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for all your help, assistance and understanding. It has been a pleasure dealing with you and we are delighted with the end result. If you wish to use us as a reference we would be more than happy to recommend you/ Kingsholme to prospective clients.
Excellent throughout; friendly, courteous employees. Good to your word regarding all aspects of the build.
Thanks for a good job – we are very happy with the end result.
I’m very happy with the quality of work and materials, the finished conservatory is exactly what I wanted. I would be happy to recommend Kingsholme or provide a reference site.
All the workmen were helpful, efficient and trustworthy. The standard of work was excellent and we are very satisfied with the end result. We would have no hesitation in recommending your firm to friends and neighbours.
The attitude of everyone connected with the selling and building of the conservatory was very good, both to their jobs and to the customer. I would recommend Kingsholme to anyone I knew who were considering having a conservatory.
Many thanks for the support and advice during the problems with the neighbours and development company. I appreciated very much the care and effort given during my major stress-out times! Your calm and matter of fact approach was very reassuring.
I am very pleased with the result, thank you.
We are delighted with our orangery, thank you for all your hard work.
Thanks again to you and all the team for your efforts, we are exceptionally happy with the end result, it has truly made a big improvement to our living space and we look forward to spending some quality time in the new garden room for many years to come.
We would like to thank you [Mark] and Kingsholme for installing us a wonderful conservatory and paying great attention to detail.
Many thanks to Mark for his professional and courteous attention to all matters from planning permission, to the final successful outcome.
Many thanks for a super job that has been well done.
We are very pleased with our conservatory and would like to thank you and your team for the good workmanship, attention to detail, care and consideration that has been shown to our property and us and would be happy to recommend your company. We would be grateful if you could pass these sentiments on to those involved.
Thanks to you, [Mark] Dave and Ian for a great job, the conservatory is all I had hoped for.
We were very pleased with your service, and we are delighted with the result. Thank you for all that you have done.
Thanks for your help in everything, you have given us a very good service!.
A very workable solution to a difficult situation. Mark has been very diligent and has delivered what was proposed. A good job, many thanks.
Would not hesitate to recommend Kingsholme to anybody.
The job was very much to our satisfaction. Dave (fitter) is a good asset to Kingsholme.
Friendly and professional approach adopted by all staff, Dave and Ian demonstrated a particular pride in their work. Very happy with our new conservatory, we would recommend you to others.
Builders and glaziers were very professional and tidy, excellent job.
We were extremely pleased with the team that constructed the conservatory, they were especially polite and considerate to our needs regarding our dogs, and carried out their work in a very professional way. Your company is lucky to have them. All in all, we are very pleased with the end result.
All aspects of the total job seemed exceedingly well done. In particular I would mention the friendliness and extreme helpfulness of all those involved.
Fitters, workmen were all professional, polite and easy to communicate with. They took care to do a good job. We are very pleased with the conservatory and it is how we imagined it would be.
Our requirements have been met and we are very satisfied with the end product. Good supervision and communication with Mark throughout.
Excellent quality of work and people, many thanks!
Your staff were all excellent workers and very helpful. I am delighted with my new conservatory, which though small, does greatly enhance our living space.
We are very pleased with the conservatory and will have no hesitation in recommending you to all who admire it.
We have already recommended you to two other people, both of whom are having conservatories built by you. All the workmen were pleasant and polite, and got on well with the job. We are really pleased with the end result, and would have no hesitation in recommending you to anymore of our friends who are thinking of having a conservatory.
We are very pleased with our conservatory and patio, and would recommend Kingsholme to others
I am delighted with my conservatory and had my fist Sunday afternoon tea in it this weekend.
We have had lots of compliments on the standard of build, and so far are very pleased with conservatory.
We are very pleased with the final result. We would recommend Kingsholme to friends and would use your services again. The workmen were excellent.
We have been very impressed by the design and build overall. Seeing the design develop into a finished conservatory has been very satisfying.
All involved have been helpful, polite and tidy. Nothing was too much trouble and the level of service was very good.
Very good team of builders and installers; always helpful and courteous.
We wish to thank you and your team for carrying out a very good job, we are pleased with the result.
Overall the work was done to a very professional standard, particularly groundworks, foundations and finish (plastering, flooring, electrics and heating) Care was taken to keep things tidy and to clean up afterwards. Very satisfactory!
John Ladbury https://www.johnladbury.co.uk/
Build My Kitchen https://buildmykitchen.co.uk/
G Worktops https://www.gworktops.co.uk/
