Orangery Wellness: A Guide

Summary

Enhance your well-being with an orangery. This guide provides actionable steps to design a space that promotes health, from maximizing natural light to incorporating plants and creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Follow these tips to transform your orangery into a personal sanctuary.

Visit orangery designs by Elegancia for a peaceful haven for exercise, relaxation and wellbeing.

** Main Story**

Alright, let’s talk about turning your orangery – that amazing hybrid space – into a wellness hub. It’s more than just a sunroom; it’s a chance to really boost your well-being by connecting the indoors with the great outdoors. Let’s break down how you can make this happen.

Let There Be (Natural) Light

First up, light. Seriously, natural light is a game-changer for mood and even vitamin D production. I remember reading this study that showed, and I can’t remember the specifics, but that lack of natural light is bad for your mental health.

• Design is key: Think big windows, lantern roofs, or even skylights. Get that sun streaming in! South-facing is usually best, but consider how the light hits your space throughout the day. You want to get that balance just right.

• Glazing matters: Don’t skimp on the glass. Double or triple glazing isn’t just about saving on energy bills (though that’s a major plus); it keeps the temperature comfortable year-round. No one wants to feel like they’re in a greenhouse during summer or an icebox in winter, right?

• Window Treatments: Think sheer curtains or blinds, something that gently filters the light. You don’t want to block it out entirely. Privacy is good, but sunlight is better. So, avoid those heavy drapes, unless that’s the aesthetic you’re aiming for.

Bridging the Gap: Indoor-Outdoor Flow

Next, it’s about creating a smooth transition between your orangery and the garden. It’s about more than just visually connecting the spaces. I can’t stress that enough.

• Open it up: Bi-fold or French doors are your friends here. They practically erase the boundary between inside and out. Open them wide, and suddenly, your living space doubles.

• Floor it: Use similar flooring inside and out. It makes a huge difference in creating a unified look. Outdoor tiles that mimic your indoor wood flooring? Yes, please. Just, and this is really important, choose something weather-resistant for the outside area.

• Furniture that flows: Select furniture that works in both environments. Comfortable, durable, and stylish – the trifecta! This contributes to that seamless transition. In essence, you’re creating one large, continuous space.

Green is Good: Bring the Outside In

Now for the fun part: plants! It can’t be understated how much adding greenery can do.

• Plant Power: Load up on plants! Air purification, stress reduction, mood enhancement – they’re basically nature’s superheroes. Ferns, peace lilies, spider plants – they all thrive indoors. Just make sure they suit the light and humidity levels in your orangery.

• Living Walls: If you’re feeling ambitious, go for a living wall. It’s a total showstopper and packs a serious botanical punch. Imagine a lush, green backdrop that instantly calms and revitalizes. Now that is what I call fancy.

• Natural Materials: Ditch the plastic and embrace wood, stone, and wicker. These materials evoke a sense of calm and grounding. An orangery that smells of fresh wood and herbs? That’s the good stuff, right there.

Making it Work: A Multi-Functional Space

Your orangery shouldn’t be a one-trick pony. It needs to adapt to your lifestyle, whatever that may be. I’m a bit of a workaholic, I like to find somewhere quiet I can send emails from.

• Zoning Out: Divide the space into zones for dining, relaxing, working, whatever. Use furniture placement, rugs, and lighting to define these areas. This makes the space feel more organized and intentional.

• Flexible Furniture: Choose furniture that’s easy to move around. A coffee table that doubles as a dining table? A sofa that converts into a guest bed? Yes to all of that!

• Tech Integration: Don’t be afraid to bring in technology. A sound system for relaxing music, smart lighting for setting the mood, or even a TV for movie nights. The key is to integrate it seamlessly, not make it feel like an afterthought.

Your Personal Touch: Making it Yours

Finally, it’s time to personalize. After all, it’s your wellness sanctuary, so it should reflect you.

• Color Therapy: Choose a color palette that makes you feel good. Soft greens, blues, and neutrals are always a safe bet, but don’t be afraid to experiment with bolder hues. What colors make you happy?

• Decor Details: Add artwork, accessories, and textiles that bring you joy. Family photos, travel souvenirs, handmade pottery – these are the things that make a space feel like home. Is this looking like your home?

• Sensory Overload (in a good way): Engage all your senses! Calming scents from candles or diffusers, soft music playing in the background, textures that are pleasing to the touch. It’s all about creating an immersive experience that nourishes your mind, body, and soul. It’s important to consider that. What are your favorite scents? What are your favorite colors?

So, there you have it. By taking these steps, you’re not just building an orangery; you’re creating a sanctuary. A place where you can recharge, reconnect with nature, and enhance your overall well-being. Enjoy the process and, most importantly, enjoy the space you create.