A conservatory is usually pegged as a space best suited to summer. But a cleverly designed, well-styled conservatory is the perfect room for relaxing, dining and entertaining in every season.
Whether you already have a conservatory, or are considering having one built, trans-seasonal colour palettes and cutting edge blinds can help you create a year-round space that is light and airy during spring and summer, yet can easily make the transition to warm and cosy during autumn and winter.
As a general rule, a light, bright conservatory, using neutral colours and minimal designs, is the way to go. Contemporary shades with a toning effect, such as duck egg, biscuit, mulberry, camel, mauve and linen, will keep the room dazzling in summer and add a touch of heat in winter. Pale flooring, such as a wool carpet, works perfectly, and you can ensure the space doesn't look twee by adding retro accessories; think rattan furniture with funky cushions (changing the covers to suit the season).
Continuing your conservatory theme and colour scheme outside, with matching garden furniture and accessories, will work brilliantly in summer if you are throwing a party or barbecue. The addition of lanterns or fairy lights immediately outside the conservatory works wonders in the colder months.
Conservatory blinds are one of the most important elements of the design. They have to cope with extreme temperatures and UV rays, as well as offering style, privacy and light control, so you should aim for a bespoke service and a high-quality, precision-engineered product.
Thomas Sanderson offers individually designed blinds, each one handcrafted and installed to precisely fit the window frame. This enables you to control how much light and heat gets in, adding to the energy efficiency of the room. You can choose from more than 1,000 colour and fabric combinations in either a classic pleated design, pinoleum (or wood-weave) or metal venetian, for superb light and glare control.
You can take advantage of Thomas Sanderson's platinum remote control system, allowing you to adjust your blinds from anywhere in the house using advanced infrared and radio frequency technology. There are no free hanging cords or chains attached to the blinds, reducing potential hazards to children and pets.
With your colour scheme, furnishings and blinds in place, you just need to add a touch of personality: colourful cushions or a floral display to set the mood. Whatever you choose, a clever design and the best window blind technology mean you will probably spend more time in this space than any other.