Georgian Conservatories

Georgian architecture was the style of the 18th century, especially from the reign of King George I who ascended the throne in 1711, into the reign of King George IV. Design and architecture of the Georgian period naturally flowed from British styling for many decades in advance of the period. However, although Georgian design does maintain a continuation of established British technique, other stylings merged to form the Georgian school.

Georgian design has unique features that draw up both classic Greek and Roman architecture. (Many Greek and Roman ruins were discovered and unearthed during the Georgian period; architects and designers throughout the Empire adopted these ancient arrangements in building and related projects of the time.)

In residential settings, Georgian design was typified. The red brick house, with courses and cornices of white stone and trimmings of white painted woodwork, is perhaps the best-known example of Georgian design still prevalent in the 21st century. With the growing industrialization of many parts of the Empire, most particularly the United Kingdom itself, there was a tremendous demand for the construction of large, gracious residences for those who had found new wealth during this time period.

Simultaneously with the early Georgian period, the conservatory itself was first fashioned by the Dutch as a way of protecting plants from harsh winter conditions. In little time, the conservatory was introduced in the British Empire and became a standard fixture in the splendid Georgian manses constructed during the reigns of the four King Georges.

Georgian conservatories have gained in popularity in recent years. While there are some architectural devices that blend easily together, when considering the addition of a Georgian conservatory, this classic design truly works best when being added to a preexisting residence or edifice of the same school.

There is an element of grandeur to a Georgian conservatory. Thus, a person interested in appending a Georgian conservatory will want to understand and appreciate the strength of the design in comparison the existing structure. In the 21st century there remain many architects and designers who maintain a specialty in the Georgian model.

Victorian Conservatories

The perfectly designed conservatory is crafted and created on some level to bring the living space of the residence into the natural environment. With more windows than wood, the conservatory is meant to bring the beauty of nature and the environmental surroundings nearly into the residence without abandoning the snug security of the home.

Victorian conservatories are gaining in popularity even as this historical period fades beyond the century mark. Victorian styling is perhaps best known for its ornate flourishes. Indeed, during the actual historical period that bears the name of the British monarch, design embracing these trends was known euphemistically as “high Victorian style.” More often than not, when one encounters a definition of Victorian styling, the description includes the phrase “lush, abundant and cluttered look.”

Perhaps architecture and design is rather cyclical. After an era featuring more stark design work, designers and the public seem to long for something with a bit more flourish -- and vice versa. For example, the stark Art Deco period followed not too far on the heels of the Victoria era. Such seems to be the trending today; more and more people want their homes and furnishings to reflect something more intricate and substantial following an extended period when lines and design was simplistic.

Victorian conservatories take the best design outfitting from the Victorian era and combine them with the openness and freshness that is elementary to any conservatory. The end result is a unique conservatory that bears the ornate markings well-recognized from the late 1800s combined with a view towards nature that is at once remarkable and delightful.

There are certain design and planning considerations that must be taken if one is contemplating the addition of a Victorian conservatory to a residence.

First and foremost, because of the robust, dominating and unique nature of Victorian design, only a staunch home can really adapt to the presence of a Victorian conservatory. By this it is meant that the existing residence, to which the addition of a Victorian conservatory is being contemplated, must be quite substantial in its own architectural stylings to properly allow for the transition into a Victorian conservatory.

Second, in regard to design considerations, it is imperative that the owners of a residence considering the addition of a Victorian conservatory have a long held appreciation for the design and the period. Because of its substantial ornate design-work, a Victorian conservatory is not something that is easily subject to a remodel. In short, care must be taken to ensure that this is a design conception that can be lived with and enjoyed for many years to come.

Many comtemporary designers and contractors have become well versed in recent years in constructing and creating Victorian conservatories. If one is interested in the creation of a Victorian conservatory, consideration should be had towards obtaining a designer and contractor that has worked in this form in recent times.

About the Author

Garry John has written many articles on home improvement subjects including pieces on