You might love the idea of extending the kitchen into a bright, modern conservatory, but is it actually possible?
In this guide, we explain what you need to know before turning your conservatory into a kitchen, from planning rules to design ideas that make the most of your space.
What is a conservatory kitchen?
A conservatory kitchen is a great addition to any home and the perfect way to extend your kitchen space. It’s an ideal way to make the most of natural light and can be a cost-effective option if you’re outgrowing your current living space.
Is it possible to have a kitchen in your conservatory?
Yes, a conservatory can be a fantastic way to extend your kitchen space and create a bright, airy area for cooking, dining or socialising.
It does take some planning, especially around plumbing, electricity and ventilation, but with the right approach, it can be both practical and stylish.
Whether you’re creating an entirely new kitchen or using the space to extend an existing one, it offers the flexibility to design a warm and welcoming area.
Why would you want a conservatory kitchen extension?
The kitchen is the most important room in many homes.
Aside from cooking and cleaning, it can be a great place to greet guests, socialise, and even dine with family and friends. However, if your kitchen is too small, you may not spend much time there.
More space is one of the biggest advantages of a conservatory kitchen. It’s often less expensive than a traditional brick-built kitchen extension and worth considering if you need a larger area for dining, cooking and socialising.
Required installations for a kitchen conservatory
Creating a conservatory kitchen extension can be a bit more complicated than if you were to use the extension for something else. This is mainly because of the appliances used. Here are some things you’ll need to think about if you’re considering converting a conservatory into a kitchen:
Electricity
If your appliances are electric, you’ll need power outlets so that everything can be plugged in. You’ll need to consult an electrician to ensure fire safety requirements are met at the very least. They should be able to advise on appliance positioning from both a safety and logistical perspective.
Gas
Things become more complex if you want a gas oven, for instance.
Although gas appliances in conservatory kitchens aren’t unheard of, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to install one in a standard conservatory without significant modifications.
Plumbing
Plumbing is essential as you’ll need access to running water for a tap and sink basin. The same applies to appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. If your pipework can be extended to serve the conservatory safely and logically, then this shouldn’t be an issue.
Ventilation
You’ll want to ensure that smells don’t linger after you’ve stopped cooking, but you’ll also want to guard against condensation.
Since conservatories are largely made of glass, condensation is likely to happen. But if your kitchen conservatory is properly ventilated, the air quality will generally be much better — and it will be a much more comfortable space for you to enjoy.
Windows
Conservatories receive plenty of light, which is ideal for a kitchen — although you may need to consider utilising solar control glazing to help reduce heat build-up in warmer weather.
It makes the room a much more pleasant space and one you’ll want to spend time in even when you’re not cooking.
What’s the expected cost of a kitchen conservatory extension?
It’s difficult to put a definitive price range on a conservatory with a kitchen as each build varies, depending on conservatory size, customisation options and installations.
If you’re transforming an existing conservatory into a kitchen, the cost depends on the work required from a conversion point of view. So, you may need to factor in the cost of hiring a plumber or an electrician. The more work required, the higher the cost.
You may also need to budget for new appliances, worktops and other kitchen fittings, such as a fridge, cooker and dishwasher.
Again, the cost of a conservatory kitchen will vary depending on your precise needs, but you should make sure to work within your budget.
Do you need planning permission for a conservatory with a kitchen?
Not every idea you have will adhere to building and planning permissions. Extending a kitchen into a conservatory is more complicated than a standard sunroom, so it’s wise to seek relevant advice.
Get in touch with your local building regulations approval department to confirm you can go ahead before making any costly decisions.
Kitchen conservatory ideas & designs
There are many ways to transform your home with a conservatory kitchen. Whether you choose to have a kitchen island for socialising, a farmhouse-style kitchen orangery interior or a generously sized cooking area, you can customise it to suit your taste.
Here are some ways you could transform your space:
- Add bi-fold doors – not only are they aesthetically pleasing, low maintenance and compact, but they will let in all of the natural light and let out all of the kitchen fumes.
- Create an open-plan kitchen lounge layout – if you’re looking for a bigger and brighter room, an open-plan layout is a must. They’re great for socialising and create a better living flow and more natural light.
- Add a small conservatory to your existing kitchen – not only will this save on costs, but it will also create more space without relocating all the important things like sinks and gas ovens.
- Add roof lanterns – these are energy efficient by reducing the need for lights, and they will make the room feel brighter and bigger.
Create your dream kitchen conservatory with ConservatoryLand
At ConservatoryLand, we provide small and large modern conservatories. We build all the parts in-house and protect them with a 10-year guarantee on all parts and workmanship.
We recommend a large extension to accommodate a conservatory kitchen. A small conservatory might not offer enough space. You may even want to consider a kitchen orangery.
As to conservatory kitchen extension costs, it does vary depending on your exact requirements.
Fancy exploring our range of conservatory styles and customisation options? Download a free brochure. Our friendly team is always available to help if you have any questions.
Or, if you already have your dream style in mind, get a personalised quote today using our free quote builder.
