Once an addition found only in the grandest of homes, orangeries were developed in the 17th century as a way to grow citrus trees and woody plants, as the levels of light and insulation they offered created the perfect conditions for the fruits to continue to thrive throughout the winter. As transportation changed and it became easier to buy the lovely oranges, lemons and limes – rather than grow them – orangeries were embraced as another living space within the home. They also inspired the creation of another well-loved extension option: the conservatory.

Are you thinking about changing your home but not sure how to go about it? Maybe the festive period was a bit squashed and you felt like you could do with a bit more space. Perhaps you would like a new room with some versatility without going all the way to an extension – or maybe the New Year brought about a new enthusiasm for some home improvements. Whatever the reason, conservatories are a great way to not only add a space that can be used all year round, but to add value to your property.

When you were first dreaming of adding extra space to your home, you probably imagined late, balmy evenings watching sunsets out of the window, rather than a place to drink eggnog and pull crackers – but being the multi-functional rooms that they are, conservatories and orangeries can be really useful areas to have at any time of year.

From how you use the space to how you dress it, there are lots of different ways to make the most of your conservatory or orangery over the festive period.