What’s the difference between Victorian and Georgian Extensions?

‘Victorian’ and ‘Georgian’ refer to different historical periods in the United Kingdom. Each period is renowned for its different architecture.

Georgian Architecture

The Georgian era spanned almost a hundred years, starting in 1714 and ending in 1837.

Interior design from this period is focused on neutral colour schemes, with the exterior design consisting of smooth, curved symmetrical buildings. (Great examples of this are found in and around London, The Royal Crescent and The Circus in Bath, and St Leonard’s place in York).

The most striking feature of Georgian properties, (apart from the

symmetry of the buildings in general), are the sash windows which are tall, neat, concise, and usually with white panelling, featuring small square windowpanes; again focusing on symmetry. During the mid-18th century until the end of the Hanoverian reign, neoclassicism became increasingly popular and this is evident in buildings such as Woburn Abbey, Senate House and chiefly, Somerset House.

Georgian houses usually have low ceilings but the lightness of the room’s décor and the multitude of windows bringing in natural light, prevent the feeling of claustrophobia.

Victorian Architecture

The Victorian era (1837-1901) saw the developing interest in the Gothic. A Gothic revival had started during the Prince Regent’s reign, becoming apparent not just in architecture but in popular culture, with the literary works of the Romantic poets and Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey.

The Victorian era did away with the Georgian style, opting to build red brick, storey, terrace houses with high ceilings and bay windows; the high Victorian ceilings were almost a direct rebellion against the typically low ceilings found in Georgian buildings.

The Edwardian era that followed (1901-1910) was architecturally in keeping with the Victorian era and so it can often be hard to distinguish a Victorian property from an Edwardian one; this means that a Victorian conservatory or a Victorian orangery would be perfectly suitable for an Edwardian styled property.

Period Property Extensions

People often assume that if they’re living in a period property, they cannot have an extension, or that a new build extension would look odd attached to a period property.

Here at Foxfurd we take the property period into account when designing an extension. We are extremely sensitive to the architectural merits of the buildings we work with and ensure that our extensions are in keeping with the property. We also carry out extensions for listed buildings.

Here is an example of an orangery extension we created for a late Georgian property. We have used the typically Georgian six over six sash windows for the extension, in keeping with the building itself. The neat, rectangular shape of the extension is a nod towards the Georgian obsession with symmetry and the strict rules on size and shape. The Georgian orangery itself is made from timber with a white finish.

For this large Georgian extension, the same building materials and windows are used to blend seamlessly with the house itself. Both house and extension have a light, neutrally coloured finish. 

We specialise in designing and building extensions for listed buildings, we know how to deliver exactly what the customer wants Victorian conservatory that was designed for the listed building was a largely traditional conservatory design, with a slanted glass roof and large windows for optimum light. 

whilst adhering to the listed building restrictions. We've carried out extensions on grade 2 and grade 1 listed properties.  We recently carried out a conservatory build on a Victorian listed building. We successfully met the client’s expectations of having an extension that was true to the property period and that had access to the garden area. The
seamlessly with the house itself. Both house and extension have a light, neutrally coloured finish.

This Gothic property featuring our orangery extension is quite spectacular.

The ‘flamboyant arched’ windows of the property are matched well with the simplistic, ribbed orangery windows.  This period orangery serves to join the property together, yet it doesn't spoil the style, by remaining low level in order to showcase the Gothic spire on the property’s roof.

Smaller Period Properties

Your property doesn't have to be large to warrant an extension, the point of an extension is to gain extra living space! No property is too small, provided that the land is big enough. This small Gothic conservatory extension with arched windows, fits perfectly size and style wise for this property. The customer chose to have this small conservatory extension situated on the side of the property, to create a comfortable dining space.


We are happy to create exactly what you want in terms of design, all of our orangeries and conservatories are bespoke.

Christmas in Your Conservatory

For many people, an existing conservatory becomes even more useful at Christmas time, especially when it comes to the conundrum of fitting everyone around the table when it’s time to tuck into the turkey, or even somewhere to retreat to for a few minutes of sanity when the kids are running riot with their new toys!

Modern conservatories can be built in many different shapes and sizes, and are frequently used as an extra reception room, whether it’s for dining in, living in or for a combination of uses. Long gone are the times of cold, unwelcoming glass rooms that were primarily used in summer months. Now with underfloor heating, specialist blinds and just an overall more intelligent design process, the conservatory has become an invaluable, luxurious addition to the home.

Christmas List – Dressing Your Conservatory

So, how do we go about transforming a room that is largely made of glass, into a homely, festive, winter wonderland? After all, if Christmas lunch is the focal point, your guests will be spending plenty of time in this room, so it needs to feel welcoming and comfortable.

Let’s have a look at a few ideas to help with the holiday season overhaul.

Transforming Your Table into a Seasonal Centrepiece

If you don’t already have a table in your conservatory, then that will be the first thing to organise.

Positioning will be important, and if the table is usually situated in a corner or to the side of the room, it needs to be moved into that central position, hopefully allowing plenty of access for everyone.

Seating Arrangements and Table Dressing

You may think that seating should be the last thing to worry about when simply decorating the table, but knowing how many will dine can help with the overall structure, and putting out place mats can help you map out your plans. Once this is sorted, you can think about the actual table decorations.

You might have a really impressive centrepiece for the table but if it’s too high, your guests might find it difficult to communicate, which in turn will ruin the atmosphere you have strived so hard to create.  Something a little less bulky, made from a combination of tea lights, woody cones and red berries will deliver the Christmas touch with warmth and colour without dominating the table.

Baubles in a bowl

You can have fun (and impress your guests) with table cloths, mats, serviettes and holders and you could even make your own themed place settings. How about a pine cone, wrapped with a beautiful ribbon and name card, hand written using gold or silver ink for the finishing touches! Baubles in clear bowls is another simple yet effective decoration.

Choosing a Room Theme

Of course, your table decorations should be very much influenced by the rest of the room, assuming you have gone to great lengths to make the room look spectacular.

Modern Magic

To create a truly modern feel for your conservatory room, you may need to be brave! For example, if you have a Christmas tree in the room (who doesn’t?), a black one would make a really effective back drop for bright colours. A black Christmas tree isn’t everyone’s idea of fashionable. However, it will certainly look modern and stylish!

When using decorations, choose bright colours such as a vivid pink. Along with blues, purples and greens, they will not only work but make a striking impact for your table colours, tree and accessories.

Traditional and Trendy

For many, there is nothing quite like a traditional Christmas theme. Often magical and comforting, it’s a great combination. Choose a real tree (rather than artificial), hang stockings up with old fashioned pictures of Santa along with gold decorations, lots of pine cones, holly and red berries.

At the time of writing, woodland themes are considered very trendy within the world of interior design and it’s a theme than can easily be combined with that old traditional feel, giving you that modern-retro vibe. Ideas? Fabrics, surfaces and ornaments featuring deer or even reindeer are available in many shops and combined with a blanket on an easy chair, some fur cushions and a sheepskin rug, you will have complemented the theme perfectly.

Vintage Wonderland
The “vintage” look remains very popular and if this style appeals to you, why not carry it over into

your Christmas conservatory. Using soft pinks and metallic colours will help to create a magically soft feel with perhaps a white or even silver Christmas tree and a ballerina instead of a star, for elegance. White or silver wreaths, lots of fairy lights, a bird cage or two and flourishes of silver throws and cushions should finish things off nicely.

Conservatory Lights Fantastic

So, once you have your theme, your table centrepiece, your fabulous tree and accessories sorted, it will all be coming together. Lighting is perhaps the final piece of the jigsaw. White fairy lights will work with any theme and can feel even more enchanting at this time of year. Hang them along the windows and drape around mirrors and pictures. Battery operated rice lights can even be placed on the table.

A clever use of candles can be the icing on your immaculately baked Christmas conservatory cake! They can be placed on the table, window sills or other pieces of furniture and will give light, colour, glow and a winter spice fragrance if you so choose. (Never leave burning candles unattended and don’t put them anywhere near fabric such as curtains etc)

Most of all have fun decorating your conservatory for Christmas!

The entire team at Foxfurd would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!

10 Conservatory Ideas – Spaces of Style and Substance

When designing a new conservatory, you are not limited. You can choose to make your extension as traditional or as eclectic as you wish, with perhaps only the budget bringing any sort of cap on your ideas. Essentially you are adding an extra room to your home or property and as you go through the design process, lifestyle and family living requirements will obviously play a part in the direction you take. However, this “extra room” can be more than just that – it can be a space full of style and substance.

Dining Room – A dining room is perhaps one of the more obvious choices, as you consider the best use for a new conservatory or orangery. The light and airy feel can make it a very pleasant place to enjoy a meal either with family or alone. If you feature large outward opening doors, this can give you an almost alfresco feel to your dining in the warm summer months.

Kitchen – A kitchen extension is another popular idea. It may be suitable to extend your existing kitchen, essentially delivering a much larger space to exercise culinary skills, or it may be a case of hating your current kitchen and having a complete redesign in your new conservatory. The old room can then be transformed into an extra living area of your choosing.

Office – Designed well, a conservatory can make a really good space to house an office. If you work from home, having an office crammed into a dark bedroom is not always conducive to a good working environment and if the office also doubles up as a spare bedroom, it can also be really inconvenient when you have guests and visitors to stay. Having a desk near the window can make the most of the extra light and views of the garden can potentially be inspiring. When it gets just too bright, a set of blinds will give you the requisite relief. Depending on design, not only should there be enough space for a workstation area but with a comfy sofa, coffee table and some chairs, there is scope to be able to relax during those important break times.

Breakfast Room –  I guess you could say this is another twist on the classic dining room theme but what a wonderful way to prepare for the working day ahead by enjoying a healthy breakfast in an environment with lots of natural light. With plenty of light coloured furniture, some plants and greenery, this could really help you to start the day with a sunny disposition.

Beach Hut – If you are fortunate enough to live near the sea, then this is a particularly interesting idea, effectively filling your conservatory with beach themed furniture and decorations. If you are already blessed with a sea view, this room can be the icing on the cake and give you the feeling of a permanent vacation when resting here. If you live in the country (far from the coast) but have always craved being nearer the seaside, this theme can still be effective and perhaps you can add a little something to adorn your extension by bringing a trinket of some kind back from each visit to the beach.

Family Room –  It might be that you have already crafted a perfect kitchen and dining room but what you are really lacking is a room large enough for the whole family (children and grandchildren) to spend time together in. Effectively a multi-purpose space, where you can eat, relax, watch TV and host a family gathering in – somewhere warm and cosy to while away the hours on long, dark winter nights. This is perhaps a room where the chosen décor doesn't need to be quite as specific. 

Open Plan – Perhaps you live in a building of a certain period, when open plan living wasn't really on the agenda and you desperately long to introduce a little of this lifestyle into your home. A new conservatory or orangery is the ideal opportunity to embrace the open plan arrangement for yourselves. Whether it’s a large kitchen-diner, living room or a combination of both is entirely up to you as you go through the designing process. Décor and furniture can be as minimal as you like as you create your open plan area and revel in the new found space.

Utility Room – Perhaps one of the more unorthodox uses for a conservatory, but if needs must then the extra space can be very handy to put in all those appliances that are simply taking up too much room elsewhere. There is often nothing worse than a cluttered kitchen, especially if it also serves as the dining room and finding somewhere for dishwashers, fridges, washers and driers can become a nightmare, so this specifically created room can become a very purposeful addition to your home.

Personal Gym/Fitness and Exercise Room – If you are someone who prefers to exercise and get fit in private or simply don’t have the extra time it takes to get down to the gym after work, then designing your very own personal gym to be housed in your new conservatory could prove ideal. Not only can you ensure there is enough room for all of the equipment and exercise machines you will need but perhaps you can also install a fridge where you can get quick access to your favourite energy drink. A comfy chair or sofa to recline in while you get your breath back before heading for a shower will also make a good addition.

Star Gazing Room – Perhaps more of a luxury than an actual purpose, but if you like to look at the stars – when night falls, switch off the lights, sit in your favourite reclining chair and get ready to have your breath taken away at the sheer scale of the universe above you, as you gaze through your glass ceiling. Particularly effective if you live in the country, where the night sky is less diluted by man-made light.

With the Foxfurd team, designing a new orangery or conservatory has never been easier. Contact us, tell us what you hope and dream your new extension will become and with your ideas and our expertise, we can ensure that your home or building gets the dynamic extra space it deserves.