Conservatory options

Gloomendoom

I would have thought for painting, a north facing conservatory would be ideal. It would give the best light.

That's based on my experience of purpose built studios.

notanotherknot

We did exactly what you were planning last year and built a conservatory (Edwardian style with a glass roof) that our kitchen backed onto. Its essentially a playroom for our young kids! It was finished in October last year and we were given the wrong advice over the floor so the flooring has actually only just been finished. Before it was done it was like an ice box and we couldn't use it without the heaters being on. Now the floor has been finished its so warm! Im happy to throw a little heater in there in the winter to make sure its not just a seasonal reception room.


Light wise we have a south facing one, its a bit of a pain trying to watch TV as the light filters through the DG through to the screen and theres a glare. But, I can do my crafting in there no problem, the natural light is great for photographing my craft items - no studio lighting needed!

We had to get the window replaced in the kitchen (smaller width) and we opted for bottom opening windows (great for throwing packets of crisps into the child prison ) however when the kitchen is raging hot from cooking a sunday roast theres no way of cooling the place down because I cant just open a window. This is the only downside I see so far.

We did ponder an extension but we've actually gained a better use of space by having the conservatory built instead. Its worth getting quotes for both jobs if you haven't already.