For this busy Somerset family, their home had served them well for many years, but as daily routines evolved, so too did their needs.
The kitchen felt somewhat enclosed, the living areas disconnected, and there was a growing desire for a single space where the family could come together. A light and airy place to cook, eat, relax and spend time with friends, all while enjoying views of the garden.
They wanted to create a practical extension that would feel light, welcoming and truly usable, without losing the character of the original house. Their search led them to David Salisbury.
Bespoke Orangery Design
Rather than opting for a simple rear addition, our most experienced designer Simon Martin proposed a painted timber orangery — a bespoke design that offered architectural presence while remaining sympathetic to the existing home.
Measuring approximately 6.7m wide by 3m deep, the new orangery was carefully designed to sit comfortably against the property’s existing footprint, maintaining balance and proportion while introducing a strong sense of openness.
The timber joinery was painted in the subtle shade of Pavilion, from our own unique colour palette, which was chosen to blend elegance with warmth.
Generously proportioned windows and a large roof lantern play a key role, drawing natural light into the heart of the home and creating an immediate visual connection to the garden.
Designed for Everyday Living
The real success of the orangery lies in how it enhances everyday life. Designed as a multi-functional space, it allows for busy mornings, relaxed afternoons and lively evenings without feeling cluttered or compromised.
From the outside, the orangery enhances the overall appearance of the property. From within, it changes how the house is experienced entirely.
The orangery has quickly established itself as the favourite room at home, whatever the time of day.
Designing a Bespoke Kitchen
To ensure the space worked cohesively, the homeowners commissioned David Salisbury to design a luxury kitchen, in order that it would sit seamlessly within the new orangery extension.
The kitchen was designed with practicality at its core. Storage was maximised, layouts were refined and every element was considered with every day use in mind. Our unique solid oak cabinetry provides a sense of quality and longevity, while carefully chosen finishes introduce warmth and texture.
A large island forms the centre of the space, acting as a natural meeting point throughout the day. Whether it’s morning coffee, informal lunches or evening gatherings, the kitchen supports constant movement and interaction, with carefully considered design and attention to detail.
Importantly, the design avoids feeling overly styled. Instead, it focuses on creating a timeless kitchen that will age continue to function effortlessly as family life changes.
A Lasting Transformation
Designed in parallel, the new orangery and kitchen have reshaped the way this Somerset family lives in their home.
What was once a series of separate rooms is now a connected, light-filled environment that encourages time spent together.
The project demonstrates the value of David Salisbury’s unique joined-up approach, where architectural design and the interior kitchen layout are developed in tandem.
Our new orangery and kitchen look fabulous
By working with one trusted team from start to finish, the homeowners achieved a result that feels coherent, considered and genuinely tailored to their lifestyle.
Orangery & kitchen photography: OLCO Studios
Designer , David Salisbury Simon Martin
Simon has seen many changes in our market place and has a wealth of experience in all aspects of both design and planning. He has a good rapport with clients and a natural empathy for the built environment having worked on many listed properties as well as hotels and other hospitality locations. Simon is happy to take the brief from the client, but also work closely with architects and other professionals.
Simon believes his great strength is being able to visualise the concept before he starts any drawing and after more than 30 years in the industry, he still gets a real buzz from his work.
