When I first heard about creating a home office in an orangery, it piqued my interest instantly. The idea of working amidst natural light and greenery seemed like the perfect antidote to the usual drudgery of home offices. To explore this further, I sat down with Jane, a close friend and interior design enthusiast, who recently embarked on this very journey. Over a cup of herbal tea, she shared her experience of transforming her orangery into an inspiring workspace.
The Inspiration Behind the Orangery Office
Jane, a freelance graphic designer, had always felt confined by the four walls of her traditional home office. “I needed an environment that was not just functional but also uplifting,” she explained. Her orangery, previously used as a casual dining area, offered the perfect solution. With its expansive glass walls and connection to the garden, it promised abundant natural light and a seamless blend with nature.
Harnessing Natural Light
One of Jane’s primary goals was to maximise the natural light. “The beauty of an orangery is its ability to flood the room with sunlight,” she noted, gesturing towards the large glass panels surrounding us. She strategically positioned her desk to face the garden, allowing her to enjoy the view while benefiting from indirect sunlight, which is gentler on the eyes.
To amplify the brightness, Jane chose a colour palette of whites and soft pastels. “Light bounces off lighter colours,” she advised, “so it was important to keep the walls and ceiling in a crisp white shade.” Her furniture followed suit, with a white desk and light oak shelves enhancing the airy feel of the space.
Selecting the Right Furnishings
In terms of furniture, Jane opted for pieces that complemented the openness of the orangery. “I wanted to avoid clutter,” she stressed, “so each item needed to be both functional and stylish.” Her desk, a sleek, minimalist design, provided ample workspace without overwhelming the room. A comfortable ergonomic chair was a non-negotiable inclusion, ensuring long hours at the desk wouldn’t be a strain.
Storage was cleverly integrated with built-in shelving units that matched the wall colour, maintaining a seamless look. Jane also added a few wicker baskets for storing smaller items, lending a natural texture that echoed the garden outside.
Incorporating Greenery
Given the proximity to her garden, Jane naturally included plants in her office decor. “Plants are excellent for boosting mood and productivity,” she pointed out, “and they bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor spaces.” She handpicked a variety of low-maintenance plants like ferns and succulents, which thrive in the bright conditions of an orangery.
These greens were placed on shelves and in corners, adding life to the room without encroaching on her working area. Jane also hung a small, decorative plant from the ceiling, creating a dynamic vertical dimension.
Creating a Functional Layout
A crucial aspect of Jane’s project was ensuring that the layout was conducive to work. “It’s easy to get carried away with aesthetics,” she laughed, “but functionality is key!” She divided the orangery into distinct zones: a primary workspace, a small reading nook, and an area for meetings or casual brainstorming sessions.
The workspace was centred on the desk, with easy access to power outlets and natural light. The reading nook, with a comfortable armchair and a small side table, offered a spot for relaxation or inspiration. Finally, a round table with a couple of chairs served as a meeting space, making the room versatile enough for different tasks.
Final Touches
Jane’s attention to detail didn’t stop at furniture and layout. She chose light, sheer curtains for the windows, offering privacy without sacrificing sunlight. For ambience, she added a few personal touches: framed artwork, a soft rug underfoot, and a Bluetooth speaker for playing background music.
Lighting was another important consideration. “Natural light is amazing during the day,” Jane observed, “but evenings need a little help.” She installed dimmable LED lights to provide a warm glow after sunset, allowing her to transition seamlessly from day to night work.
Bringing It All Together
Sitting in Jane’s orangery office, I could feel the tranquillity and inspiration that the space exuded. Her thoughtful design choices ensured that the room was not just a place of work, but a sanctuary. By maximising natural light, using a harmonious colour palette, and incorporating the right elements, she created a workspace that was both functional and beautiful. As we finished our tea, I left feeling inspired to reimagine my own home office, armed with Jane’s insights and the enticing prospect of an orangery transformation.
