Life in a Glass House
Create a Sun-Filled Sanctuary With Walls and Ceiling of Glass
Originally intended for holding plants over the cold winter months, greenhouses and conservatories have been around since the end of the Renaissance era. Later, they became a sunny place to host tea parties and eventually morphed into a concept that is now known as a sunroom. These large glass structures are still sought after by many homeowners and come in various shapes and sizes. I've always liked the way that being in a sun-filled glass room makes me feel — calm and rested and close to nature.
Reaching high into the sky, this curved lean-to design offers glorious views of the city and a sitting room filled with heaps sunlight, perfect for growing large plants.
In the same duplex as the previous photo, this home office feels more like a sanctuary than a workplace. The curved glass edge softly hugs the room and is easy on the eyes.
A small atrium was the perfect solution to connect this house to the shed. I can only imagine how lovely it would be to sip my morning coffee there each day.
Tip: If you are considering a greenhouse or conservatory, it may be in your best interest to start small. Heating a large glass room in cooler regions can get expensive in the winter, and a small space like this would be much more cost-efficient.
Tip: If you are considering a greenhouse or conservatory, it may be in your best interest to start small. Heating a large glass room in cooler regions can get expensive in the winter, and a small space like this would be much more cost-efficient.
When a ceiling of glass isn’t feasible, a large greenhouse-style window is the next best thing. A setup like this is a great option if you want to grow plants that require an ample amount of sunlight or just want to feel closer to nature than a typical window would allow.
Doing the dishes would hardly be a chore in a kitchen made of windows. The gray floor and cabinets frame the view rather nicely and the green table is right at home near the foliage-surrounded windows.
Tip: if you have a great view like this one, help it stand out by using monochromatic neutrals around the windows.
Tip: if you have a great view like this one, help it stand out by using monochromatic neutrals around the windows.
A solution that is a bit more budget friendly than glass, this greenhouse was made from a kit and has walls made of polycarbonate, which is a tough plastic material.
Tip: You can purchase a greenhouse kit at places like Home Depot.
Tip: You can purchase a greenhouse kit at places like Home Depot.
The extension off the back of this house is not only practical for growing plants, but also useful for entertaining friends during a rainstorm. The warm glow of the interior lighting makes this space all the more welcoming.
Practically touching the trees, this wall of glass would be a lovely retreat when the air is balmy and mosquito-filled. There are also curtains to section it off from the rest of the house, although I don’t know why anybody would want to pull them down with a view this great!
Mimicking the shape of the home it’s attached to, this glass house is even more charming with the help of the small ornamental piece that adorns the roof.
Tip: Be sure to match the architectural lines of your home if you opt for a conservatory extension.
Tip: Be sure to match the architectural lines of your home if you opt for a conservatory extension.
Here is the inside view of the structure in the previous photo. You can see that this homeowner uses it as a living space rather than for horticulture, which seems to be quite common these days.
Tip: If you are thinking about a sunroom or conservatory, be sure to furnish it with fabrics, rugs and other furniture that won't be as likely to fade. White seems to be a good choice.
Tip: If you are thinking about a sunroom or conservatory, be sure to furnish it with fabrics, rugs and other furniture that won't be as likely to fade. White seems to be a good choice.
Although the ceiling is not made of windows, this room still fits in with the overall feel of a conservatory, and it is closer to being a sunroom than anything else. A room like this would definitely be my favorite area of the house!
Do you have a sunroom, greenhouse or conservatory? Please post your photos in the comments section below.
Find sunroom ideas
Do you have a sunroom, greenhouse or conservatory? Please post your photos in the comments section below.
Find sunroom ideas