12 modern conservatory ideas for extending your home

If your design style leans towards the contemporary rather than the traditional, you may have dismissed conservatory ideas as a means of providing extra space. 

The good news is, conservatory companies have long recognised the need to improve the visual appearances of their products and there are now a wide variety of choices and options for the more design conscious consumer.

But don't assume modern conservatory ideas are just about glass boxes and minimalistic design. There's more to them than just framework.

Modern conservatory ideas can still be elegant

Although there is an abundance of glass box designs available, these still tend to fall within the category of house extension ideas. Instead, modern conservatory ideas are more about combining some of the traditional, framed elements of a conservatory with more modern external finishes such as render, a darker frame colour and adding sleeker glazing ideas such as bi-fold doors.

"The appeal of modern conservatories lies in their seamless blend of stylish elegance and functionality," says Virginia Murray, director of Mozolowski & Murray.  "They distinguish themselves through architectural integration, utilising minimalist designs that harmonise with the existing structure of a home. 

"The incorporation of advanced materials, such as high-performance glass and durable, lightweight frames, enhances insulation and energy efficiency," adds Virginia. 

"This design philosophy maximises natural light, creating bright and airy spaces that invite relaxation and connection with the outdoors. Furthermore, modern conservatories offer unparalleled versatility and customisation options, allowing them to serve a wide range of purposes - from tranquil garden spaces to sophisticated dining areas, reflecting the unique needs and styles of homeowners."

Virginia Murray

Virginia has been pivotal in shaping the company's reputation and growth in the bespoke construction industry. With a keen focus on quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability, Virginia is an expert in the conservatory market and has customer experience always front of mind.

1. Choose sage green as a fresher frame colour

One of the easiest ways to add a modern touch to more classical conservatory design is by choosing soft, sage green for your frame colour.

"The decision between choosing frame colours that contrast with the main house for a bold statement or selecting harmonious shades for a unified appearance can further define the conservatory’s modern aesthetic," says Virginia Murray, "ensuring it complements the home’s overall design theme while maintaining its distinct character."

Add the expected abundance of light expected from a conservatory solution with a generously sized roof light and add contemporary spotlights to frame the space. If you worry you may be overlooked, add some privacy with conservatory roof blinds.

2. Choose an all white solution but soften with natural decor

If all-white is your preferred frame colour choice, when choosing your conservatory interior ideas, soften the angular lines with a more natural interior colour palette. Use taupe, grey, generous splashes of natural green plants and add interest to your windows with textured bottom up blinds that provide you with a more flexible solution for blocking out the sun.

And, if you still prefer to use furniture that nods to the outdoors, choose more sculptural styles and shapes of chairs and tables for an extra modern approach.

For bottom-up blinds, take a look at these made to measure pleated blinds from John Lewis.

3. Use modern furniture and pendant lighting

If modern conservatory ideas to you mean adding open plan living to your home, be sure to blend the home and conservatory together with the use of conservatory lighting ideas and furniture.

Be bold with pendant lighting - who says chandeliers can't be hung in conservatories? As this beautiful conservatory from Hampton Conservatories demonstrates, large rooflights provide the perfect spot for hanging twinkly orbs of light that will look stunning against the dark night sky.

And by using sumptuous sofas that wouldn't look out of place in any living room, the new space perfectly connects with the home, blurring the boundaries between existing property and modern conservatory idea.

4. Be bold with a black framed modern conservatory idea

If you prefer to steer clear of white framed conservatories, choosing a darker frame has become a popular option in modern conservatory ideas. 

"People do still value conservatories when looking for sunroom ideas," says Alex Hewitt, marketing director for Ultraframe. "They want somewhere to go sit in the autumn or the spring when it's too cold outside, but the sun is still shining.

"We also do a lot of black structures," says Alex, "and with pale coloured render which is very popular these days, it creates a really striking end result."

Alex Hewitt

Alex has spent over eight years working as the Marketing Director for Ultraframe. Her extensive background experience in consumer and B2B marketing gives her valuable insights into understanding customer needs to help ensure companies match those requirements with the right propositions.

5. Add a multi-angled roof design for architectural appeal

If you want to keep some of the more detailed elements of conservatory design in your new structure, looking to the roof is a great way of adding architectural detail that combines the best of both styles.

As this bespoke design from Mozolowski & Murray demonstrates, the multi-pitched roof design incorporates modern slimmer frame profiles to match the doors and windows, but equally nods towards more traditional Victorian conservatory roof design.

It can be a good option to consider if you are looking for ways to add a conservatory to an older property. Other methods include making considered choices to preserve the original design integrity of your home.

"Integrating a modern conservatory with an older house style requires a thoughtful approach that respects the home’s existing architecture," says Virginia Murray. "The key is to select design elements and materials that complement rather than clash with the period features. 

"This might involve colour-matching the conservatory’s frames with the main house’s exterior, incorporating traditional design elements such as ornate detailing or using materials that echo the home’s historical context, like timber or stone. 

"Ensuring that the conservatory is proportionate to the existing structure and follows its aesthetic cues can help create a cohesive look that enhances the overall charm and character of the property."

6. Complement a black frame with a jewel toned interior

It's common knowledge that the Victorians loved hot-houses. After all, it's where the concept of conservatories originally comes. And if the outdoors/indoors approach is something you yearn for, there's no reason modern conservatory ideas can't embrace this approach.

It all starts with the choice of frame colour say the experts.

"The selection of colour and frame plays a crucial role in defining the contemporary appeal of a conservatory," says Virginia Murray. 

"Opting for neutral colours such as whites, greys, or blacks for the frames can impart a sleek, contemporary look that transcends passing trends. Slim, minimalist frame designs are another hallmark of modern style, maximising the glass area and enhancing the visual flow between indoor and outdoor spaces."

To add warmth and character to the space, add leafy green plants and luscious jewel toned sofas such as this three seater Cloud Sundae sofa from Snug Sofas. Hang these glass and metallic Wallace Steampunk pendant lights from Value Lights and add richness with wooden textured tables and antique style rugs.

7. Add a solid roof for a more permanent modern conservatory idea

The trend in adding a more solid roof to a conservatory is nothing new say the experts, and requests for replacing, upgrading and repairing conservatory roofs are commonplace. However, how you design your roof can play a big part in modern conservatory ideas.

"We see a lot of customers interested in getting the light in through the roof but doing it with a lot more solidity in the walls," says Alex Hewitt. "Requests are for full windows and wall panels.

"It's now more common to see a couple of boundary or full height walls or columns, with a big set of bi-folds on the front and then either a glass roof or a solid roof with large glass panels in it," she adds. "The designs and shapes of conservatories have definitely changed and for me the design cues that define a modern conservatory are more simple shapes and cleaner lines like full height windows and gable or lean-to roof designs."

8. Keep it simple with glazed white modern conservatory ideas

Clean, fresh and simple in design, a white conservatory can still fall into the category of modern conservatory ideas. Why? Because when it's made well and produced using quality materials and embraces the latest in energy efficiency glazing, modern doesn't necessarily have to be defined by design. A simple structure like this can also help if you are wondering do you need planning permission for a conservatory and want to meet the guidelines of conservatory building regulations.

"When considering the benefits of a modern versus a traditional conservatory design," says Virginia Murray, "it's clear that each has its unique advantages. 

"However, bespoke conservatory companies have bridged the gap by using modern materials to emulate traditional styles, offering the best of both worlds. Traditional designs crafted with these advanced materials deliver the same energy efficiency and superior insulation as their modern counterparts, ensuring comfortable climate control and reduced utility costs. 

"The use of sustainable materials like hardwood ensures durability and low maintenance while retaining the classic stylish appeal," adds Virginia. "This innovative approach enables homeowners to enjoy the timeless beauty of traditional design without sacrificing the benefits of modern technology and materials. Such conservatories are highly customisable and can significantly enhance a property's value, appealing to those who cherish traditional architecture as well as those who prioritise modern functionality and efficiency."

9. Echo your existing home for a considered modern design approach

Successful blend your conservatory with your home for an end result that feels joined-up in its approach.

This design from Mozolowski & Murray is a great example of how cohesive design can make the overall feel more contemporary and considered.

While the overall design is relatively traditional, with a combined lean-to conservatory idea and pitched entrance, there are a number of elements that set this aside as a modern conservatory idea and help it link to the current property

• The slimline framed windows and doors
• Echoing the arch window on the property in the conservatory entrance
• Using white frames for windows but a sage green frame for the main structure
• Matching the shape of the entrance roof to the house

10. Choose a black framed lean-to and match your flooring to your frame

For a truly modern conservatory idea, combined a black lean-to conservatory with a conservatory flooring idea that includes glossy black floor tiles, white design inspired furniture and a pop of bright yellow for a modern take on a mid-century vibe.

To achieve a similar look, try these Black Polished Floor Tiles from Walls and Floors tiles and find the Saarinen Tulip Fibreglass Side Dining Chairs for sale at Little Tulip.

11. Frame your view with large windows and doors

For modern conservatory ideas with a view, keep your overall wall structure clean and simple, add windows along the length of the room and complete the design with a set of large patio doors at the end. Having the doors opening inwards also means the patio area isn't reduced in size with the doors fully open.

Be sure to keep the view from inside clear from the main property onwards by placing your furniture along the length, rather than width of the room and add masses of light with a glazed roof that has detail but isn't too fussy.

The benefit of such a large glass roof? You could save money on energy bills and benefit the rest of your home. "We get quite a lot of wins on solar gain from the glass in the roof," says Alex Hewitt. "Modern, energy efficient glazing means it can actually help when it comes to passing the required regulations."

12. Replace your old conservatory with a modern one

Although you may think new modern conservatory ideas will require a lot of building work, it's not always the case. 

Due to developments in technology and building materials, companies such as Ultraframe who now produce a lightweight building system which is ideal for new or replacement conservatories under the brand name hup!, are able to use an existing conservatory concrete base and install a new, more solid structure in place of the old one. These modern extensions can be built in just a matter of days and are five times more energy efficient than the average UK home.

Incorporating walls, a solid roof design interspersed with glazed panels and complemented by large bi-fold doors, turns what was originally a traditional conservatory into an extra space resembling more of an extension. If this leaves you asking 'when does a conservatory become an extension?' then the answer lies in whether it will require planning permission. 

If you've purchased a property for renovation purposes and find yourself the owner of a dated conservatory, but don't want to replace it entirely, here is some additional advice from Virginia Murray.

"Start by upgrading the materials, such as replacing a polycarbonate roof with high-performance glass or installing energy-efficient windows to enhance insulation," suggests Virginia.

"Changing the conservatory's structural design, like altering the roof style or adding bi-fold doors, can open up the space and better integrate it with the outdoor environment. 

"Introducing modern furnishings and contemporary décor updates the interior style, while integrating smart home technology for climate control, lighting, and blinds adds both convenience and a touch of modernity. These updates can rejuvenate the space, making it more appealing, functional, and comfortable."

For more conservatory inspiration, take a look at conservatory ideas for bungalows and orangery ideas for a more traditional approach to extending your home.