bibliophile: conservatory style

Oct 23, 2013 | aesthetically speaking, bibliophile, book, design, inspiration, love, unique | 0 comments

this weekend we were especially inspired by nature (and home additions) so we decided to revisit the beautiful book ‘conservatory style’ by jackum brown. this book covers conservatories in all forms; from greenhouses, to sunrooms, to glass houses. they have transformed immensely over the years and can now be found in every shape and size in every climate, thanks to modern day engineering!

the first ‘orangeries’ were built of stone and wood in the 16th century in the netherlands. at this time, exotic plants and herbs were being discovered overseas and they needed to find a way to protect them from harsh winters. these orangeries developed into greenhouses, but were difficult to catch on during the 17th century due to the expense. greenhouses were built exclusively by royalty and those of extreme wealth until the 19th century, when the mass production of sheet glass began. the mid 1800s saw the beginning of of new architecture in private and public greenhouses alike. wrought and cast iron frames made it possible to create curved structures with domed roofs. this, of course, was followed by the famous crystal palace in london designed by joseph paxton.

the 1800s saw a boom of domestic conservatories added onto the homes of middle and upper class families. it is at this time that greenhouses transformed into what most of us know them as, ‘sunrooms’. people began placing plants around the perimeter of the room allowing space for dining and socializing in the room. thus, making it a sun filled room to enjoy all the beauty of nature without the bother of bugs or the threat of rain!

the early 1900s saw war and recession, bringing the conservatory boom to a halt until the 1970s when the trend came back once and for all! perhaps this is why our parents and grandparents had far more fascination with having a sunroom in their home. something they grew up knowing as a luxury, we have never known life without!

well, now that you know the history of ‘conservatory style’, we want to share some of our favorites from jackum brown’s beautiful book!

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