The Challenge
Rupert and Kitty set out to create an extension that could serve three roles. They wanted a bright day room for everyday living, a relaxing garden room that connected to the outdoors and a comfortable spare bedroom for visiting friends and family. Natural light was essential to the design, but they knew it would need to be controlled carefully.
Their brief was unusually demanding. The room needed to feel open and uplifting during the day, yet capable of becoming a calm, darkened sleeping space when required. Rupert summed it up clearly when he said, “We wanted somebody to be able to sleep in there if they needed to and on the other hand we wanted to make the most of having as much light as possible.”
Heat and glare were also concerns. They had heard stories of conservatories and orangeries becoming uncomfortably hot, and with two teenagers and regular laptop use, glare control mattered. They wanted a solution that would work for every possible use of the room.
The biggest challenge was the large roof lantern. It was a striking architectural feature, but they knew that most blind companies would struggle to cover it. As Kitty explained, “From the research that we did we did not think there were many people who had the skill set to design such a blind.”
They also wanted concealed electric blinds for the side glazing, built into Blindspace boxes so the room would look clean and uncluttered.
The Vision
Rupert and Kitty wanted a high specification solution that would last for many years. They explored shutters, manual blinds and even blinds between the glazing, but none of these options met their expectations for reliability, performance or aesthetics.
Their vision was clear.
- A roof lantern blind strong enough to span the full opening
- Side blinds hidden completely within Blindspace boxes
- Smooth and quiet electric operation
- Effective control of heat, glare and light
- A clean architectural finish with no visible clutter
They also wanted the experience to feel special. The convenience of remote control blinds and the sense of quality mattered to them.
Our Solution
They found WindowTreat through a Google search and booked a video consultation. Because the orangery had not yet been built, we worked with them from the earliest stage. This allowed the Blindspace concealment boxes to be integrated into the structure so the blinds would disappear completely when not in use.
During the consultation we guided them through the technical options for the roof lantern blind, the fabric choices for heat and light control and the best way to conceal the side blinds. We also discussed control systems and helped them choose a setup that suited the way they planned to use the room.
They appreciated being walked through the process step by step and valued the clarity and detail provided before any installation work began.
The Result
The installation went smoothly and the team’s attention to detail made a strong impression. When the installers noticed small marks on the fabric, they arranged replacements without Rupert or Kitty needing to raise the issue. Rupert described this as a reassuring sign of quality and care.
Once the blinds were installed, the benefits were immediate. The room felt warmer on cold nights because the blinds acted as a thermal barrier. After sleeping in the room to test it, Kitty noticed the difference straight away. She explained that the heat retained overnight was remarkable and that the blind also softened the sound of rain on the lantern, making the room feel calmer and more comfortable.
Although they have not yet experienced a full summer in the new space, they already know the blinds will manage glare and heat when the sun is at its strongest.
Most importantly, the room now fulfils every part of their original vision.
- A bright and uplifting day room
- A relaxing garden room connected to the outdoors
- A comfortable spare bedroom with full light control
- A clean and uncluttered aesthetic with blinds hidden from view
Rupert and Kitty were clear in their feedback. They said they would very much recommend WindowTreat to friends and family.
