Orangery Design
Inviting the outdoors in
After the planners rejected our clients application for a roof terrace, a proposal for a rooftop orangery with a large lantern skylight was agreed an alternative. This orangery residential interior design project created an opulent indoor garden infused with elements of faded classicism: ‘the Orangery meets the Soane Museum.’
The client saw themselves using it daily as a place to begin their day with tea or the papers, or as a retreat in the afternoons. It was important that felt relaxed, comfortable and informal.
We took inspiration from beautiful green houses and looked at these alongside spaces by cast and statuary collectors.
Transforming such ambitious concepts within a confined, elongated area proved to be a creative endeavor, particularly due to the eaves and sloping walls defining the space.
In our arrangement, a compact kitchenette at one end ensured functionality and also made entering the garden room feel expansive, having passed through a partially enclosed space. Plants were used to interrupt the length of the room, preventing a view of the full space other than by glimpses. This also created a meandering path, the end of which was a secluded seating area surrounding by a mix of antique sculptures, plaster casts and a favourite bronze of the clients.
A soft colour palette grounded in warm natural tones was chosen. Reclaimed Shropshire bricks in three varieties were used for flooring, set in a rectangular pattern reflecting the shape of the roof lantern above. Comfortable antique furnishings and a modern sofa offered the right balance while a joyful red hammock that could be clipped on and off delighted the clients need for a splash of bright colour and an outdoorsy vibe.
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From an initial relaxed discussion developing our thoughts and ideas, Gemma came up with a cohesive design utilising some of the items we already owned, to transform both the look and the feel of the bedroom in our georgian flat in Bath.
The whole process gave us the confidence to go bolder than we perhaps otherwise would have, particularly with colour, and Gemma also assisted with sourcing some excellent tradespeople to execute the work required, thus ensuring a smooth ‘journey’ along the way.
I would have no hesitation in recommending her services.
We were feeling very overwhelmed with decisions. Gemma was able to help us compartmentalize our ideas and give us the confidence to make brave decisions. We learnt alot along the way and Gemma's contacts and recommendations were all super useful!
We would definitely use Gemma again and highly recommend!
We chose to use Gemma as she clearly understood the result that we wanted to achieve and we seemed to be on the same page when it came to design. She took what was quite a broad brief and narrowed it down to a coherent overarching vision. She then supported us throughout the decision-making process, providing a sensible number of options for us to choose from in each instance. The completed project provides everything we wanted, both from a functional and a design perspective.
Gemma liaised really well with our builders, ensuring that nothing slipped through the gap in the construction phase. She provided detailed design drawings to the builders, sourced and procured furniture and fittings and picked up on details we wouldn’t even have considered, which added a huge amount of value. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Gemma; she was great to work with.
Gemma has been professionally trained which I specifically wanted, as I had already interior design experience but needed some extra expert guidance.
There were several space planning issues and her spatial planning was brilliant, so I had the confidence to buy furniture items that I knew would fit.
Gemma sourced some AMAZING PIECES that I would never have found on my own. One of these was a rug that brought my whole scheme together brilliantly. I think that is a special talent to find something that integrates with all of someone’s personal items . The living space just looked fantastic after she added the rug!
Gemma was good at giving honest opinions on my choices. She wasn’t afraid of saying things wouldn't work and instead gave some good alternatives . She was especially good at suggesting decorative lighting. She also introduced some contemporary items that blended seamlessly with the Georgian features, so creating a really gorgeous, eclectic space.
Gemma was super friendly and approachable and it was a real joy to work with her. She maintains a professional manner though in her work, maintains deadlines and you can tell she really cares about getting an excellent result.
I’m looking forward to working with Gemma on future home projects and would highly recommend her to anyone!
Thanks so much Gemma!
Would definitely recommend.
