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Revamp conservatory (read glorified green house)

8 years ago

We currently have a tiny old sunroom attached to the back of the house which we're hoping to replace with an extension in the future. However, it's being used as a toy room type place for now n it's looking very tired. It's also ridiculously cold in winter and like a sauna in the summer. Fabrics fade in the sunlight. Please can I have suggestions for revamping it with a tight budget? I'm thinking of themes for soft furnishings and ideas for storage as well as ideas for drapes or voiles to obscure some of the view of the neighbours fence. Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated. The toys will stay but hopefully I can store them discreetly.

Thanks in advance

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PRO

wink design*

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Hello Tash, first off you need to get rid of the jumble of existing storage items you have for the toys and only keep what toys are being used by the children. It's distracting and an eyesore. I would keep the piece of furniture however you need to give the pink a modern feel. It looks like it needs to be covered so that is also an option. Overload with inexpensive complimentary contrasting cushions of different sizes. The sun may fade them over time but pick soft colours where this is less noticeable. I suggest putting in a separate inexpensive storage unit for the toys. A white unit that is neutral and matches the existing white blinds. Pink up a white wicker chair and a statement pot and large plant. Non poisonous for the kids and add some green to this room. Also add a faux fur throw for the winter and a little table to make use of this room as a place to enjoy a break while looking out to the garden. An inexpensive drape or blind could be added also to compliment cushions and rugs. Colours I would use are white, green, pink. You must add a rug to this room!

See attached!

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Comments (10)

PRO
Mellow Duck
8 years ago
Hi Tash, looks like you have your work cut out there! I would start with a good old clear out and decide exactly what the room needs to be used for (playroom? family room? entertaining space?) - then be very ruthless and decide what you have to have in there from a furniture perspective. In terms of design & decor, find the curtains you like first and work back from there ... it's relatively easy to match paint colours. Once you get to anything upholstered, take care as most fabrics are not that robust - contract quality fabrics are resistant to sunlight as well as stain resistant and potentially water proof too. Good luck!
Tash H thanked Mellow Duck
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cpdu
8 years ago
Hi Tash, we have had the same problem with trying to regulate temp in our conseratory. Our solution was to insulate the roof and hide the insulation with a timber ceiling. It looks great and has made the room far more functional. Not sure how much your budget will allow for ? Alternatively drape fabric from the ceiling silmiarly to what you might see at a wedding reception . This should take the glare out of the room when the sun is shining. A soft rug for the kids to play on and some IKEA storage units for the toys will have the place looking great in no time. Never worry about buying items that can be relocated when it come you building your extension . If you buy nice ones they will work in any room in the house at a later stage.
Tash H thanked cpdu
Tash H
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you all that have commented so far. It turns out there is a white vertical blind that I have managed to utilise along the right wall (behind the sofa) and that has cleaned and brightened up the area already. The unit at the end of the sofa is an Ikea Expedit with some worn felt storage boxes - I am aiming to replace them with something nicer from Ikea in seagrass or wicker. I have brought a new throw to cover the sofa but in a similar colour and will look into cushions and a rug soon. So am slowly making progress. The problem is the larger toys - kitchen, doggy, pram - which unfortunately don't hide away and are regularly used by the kids. Thanks for the advice...am loving the ideas :)
embzop
8 years ago
If the children's toys are going to stay, how about hiding them behind a screen. You'll then be able to use the sofa without feeling like you're in the playroom. Trying to find some photos, how about this half level screen or the one with pictures on. You could get a plain screen and decorate it with family photos.

Brad Ford ID · More Info

Traditional Living Room · More Info
Tash H thanked embzop
winterfloods
8 years ago
If you're going to put a rug in there beware what happens to the cheaper polyprolene-based ones. They start to break down quite rapidly in the sun light and fill up the vacuum cleaner very quickly. Otherwise buy an inexpensive wool one (it is possible) but be prepared for it to fade.
Tash H thanked winterfloods
Bella Tanner
8 years ago
Depends on the look you want to achieve but if you go natural you can use hessian curtains with lace tie backs in summer and use ceiling draping in natural linen as well (like weddings as already said) Green cushions and hessian cushions and a large thick rug will keep things warm plus throws and a little heater! Plus some green plans to add brightness
Tash H thanked Bella Tanner
Tash H
Original Author
8 years ago
Hi, just a little update. I've pulled the intact white blind across so no more bleak grey fence view behind the sofa - brightens it up all already! Have a new throw for the sofa and awaiting some cushions for delivery. Brought a little potted plant with a variety of succulents which will suit the temperature in there just fine and adds a bit of life, and there is a little white heater by the sofa to warm things up, so one side is looking better. The other side still has all the toys which I can't get rid of or I'll have a riot of my hands, but I have decluttered and passed on the large black computer chair to my folks. A screen would be nice but I think it'll take up too much room, as the conservatory itself is rather small, but thanks for the suggestion. I'll be looking into a rug as well. Any more thoughts or suggestions please?
Sharon Farrow
3 years ago
@cpdu I know this thread is quite old now, but could I ask if you used a company to insulate the conservatory ceiling?
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