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What is the point?

(75 Posts)
dalrymple23 Sat 03-Aug-24 17:02:12

We are (hopefully) in the process of buying a divine house. It has a vast conservatory. In this country, why have them? If it is hot, sit outside. If it is cold, they are unusable, so sit in front of the AGA. I just don't get it. Someone please explain.

My other issue is kitchen wall cupboards. If you are over a certain age, how can wobbling on steps or a kick stool possibly be safe? It is okay if you are 25 and agile, but a waste of space otherwise! Anyway, I always leave the damned doors open and bash my head! You can just about reach the bottom shelf - the rest are a no go area. I would rather have pictures on the wall! As with most things, it has to be a design innovation by a 6'4" man!!

All views gratefully accepted.

Joseann Sat 03-Aug-24 17:10:45

I'm with you on kitchen wall cupboards. I have designed 3 nww kitchens over the past 10 years, and every time I have removed the wall cupboards. Losing them opened up the room no end, and as you say, no head banging on doors or climbing up to the top shelves. DH put in a row of classy wall lights to shine on the workspace below.

Joseann Sat 03-Aug-24 17:11:30

*new (not northwestwest!)

OnwardandUpward Sat 03-Aug-24 17:18:04

What is the point of a conservatory? Well, it rains here a lot usually, so it's a chance to get daylight and feel outdoorsy without getting wet. I don't have one, but would like one as an extra room. A bit like sitting in a greenhouse haha.

Many people need the storage. But you can always get the cupboards remove and decorate as you wish. Nothing is set in stone. I would rather put my mark on a place.

AGAA4 Sat 03-Aug-24 17:22:50

I miss my conservatory since I downsized. I spent a lot of time in there.
Wall cupboards are far too high for me and I've had to organise them so the top shelves are only for things I only use occasionally.

Siope Sat 03-Aug-24 17:26:51

Re wall cupboards: some older people are tall.

I thoroughly dislike conservatories, and don’t even bother viewing houses that have them, but I have friends who love theirs, so each to their own.

pascal30 Sat 03-Aug-24 17:28:06

I don't like conservatories as I find the inner room can be cold and dark.. and also agree about wall cupboards which I have always replaced with accessible shelving which I just prefer the look of...

Babs03 Sat 03-Aug-24 17:35:42

Yes I have wall cupboards for a giant and so have to use a steppy stool, it makes cleaning the cupboards a nightmare so I really don’t do it very often and seldom put stuff on upper shelves. I think kitchens in the UK follow the US design whereas European countries like France and Italy kitchens are more homely and practical rooms, and tbh they probs do more in the way of cooking. I really don’t like huge stainless steel sterile looking kitchens that look more suited to an industrial setting than a humble kitchen.

Smileless2012 Sat 03-Aug-24 17:37:07

Are you sure this is the house for you OP?

Georgesgran Sat 03-Aug-24 17:44:59

I think I’m average height, but I can easily access my wall cupboards without assistance - I can’t picture my kitchen without them and haven’t ever been in a kitchen without them.
My conservatory is a perfect place to sit morning/evening and during rain/wind.
Lots of kitchen cupboards and a conservatory (and downstairs loo) would be on my wish list if and when I downsize.

Babs03 Sat 03-Aug-24 17:54:03

We are moving within the next few months and our ideal house will need to have actual rooms, have been viewing a few and they are like dolls houses, how do estate agents make properties look palatial then when you get there is anything but?

BlueBelle Sat 03-Aug-24 18:44:03

My conservatory is small, damp in the winter and has rotting wood in it but I love my conservatory I grow little plants to take to my allotment in it, I watch and talk to the birds and see the flowers change and grow

ferry23 Sat 03-Aug-24 18:54:38

I had my kitchen wall cupboards fitted 2 inches lower than normal with pull down fitments at the top so I can reach everything without wobbling about on steps.

I also love my conservatory.

Each to their own I guess.

Wheniwasyourage Sat 03-Aug-24 18:58:44

We built a new house about 20 years ago, and as we are both vertically challenged, refused to have wall cupboards. We've never regretted that decision!

MayBee70 Sat 03-Aug-24 19:06:26

I don’t understand the fashion for open shelves in kitchens as everything in my kitchen gets greasy even with the extractor fan on. I can reach most of the shelves in my kitchen and only have things in higher ones that I don’t use much. Find it more difficult to get the the back of cupboards that are on the ground to be honest.

Maya1 Sat 03-Aug-24 19:14:33

I'm 5ft 9 and can easily reach my wall cupboards. I have lots of them and wouldn't be without them. But l think its whatever you prefer and makes you happy.
I also have an extension cum conservatory to my kitchen which l love. It let's in loads of light. I think people either love them or hate them.

Maggiemaybe Sat 03-Aug-24 19:48:04

One of my DDs hates her conservatory but I love it. Even when rain’s pattering on the roof. I just like the feeling of being outside when the weather’s not good, plus it has a lovely view out onto the garden. They’re saving up to get it demolished, so I’d better make the most of it while I can.

Patsy70 Sat 03-Aug-24 20:36:45

My son designed our kitchen, which is L shaped at the front of the house, with wall cupboards, where I keep those things which are not in daily use. There are only us two living here now, so we don’t need a conservatory. Our living room & dining room face our SW garden, which I love. However, if I could have afforded it when my children lived here in the family home, I would have had a loft conversion/bedroom en suite and a single storey extension. We have 2 rooms, which double as bedrooms when family visit, so enough space for us. Are you sure that this is the right house for you dalrymple33?

Patsy70 Sat 03-Aug-24 20:37:22

Sorry 23

Cadeby Sat 03-Aug-24 20:41:26

I'm thinking instead of being smug about the divine house and worrying about your conservatory, read the room/ country.

silverlining48 Sat 03-Aug-24 20:43:51

I am 5’ and can’t reach anything in my wall cupboards unless on a stool.
As fir a conservatory if the sun gets in then even spring or autumn or even winter it is nice sitting in there in the warmth of the sun.

NotAGran55 Sat 03-Aug-24 20:47:54

My in-laws have a huge wrap around conservatory that is either too hot, too cold or leaking. Impossible to get to most of the panes of glass to clean. Utterly pointless.

I like the look of kitchen cupboards that go to the ceiling, but I can’t reach to the top shelf without steps. I use them for stuff that only comes out on high-days and holidays. Christmas stuff, champagne glasses etc.

rosie1959 Sat 03-Aug-24 20:50:57

Not keen on conservatories would rather have the back wall made of bi-fold doors.
I have high cupboards but a 6'4" tall husband or failing that a IKEA set of wooden steps. They are a bigger to clean on top but again higher steps and standing on the work top tends to work. Will remember one day I am a granny and should not climb lol

Farzanah Sat 03-Aug-24 21:09:52

I tend to think of conservatories as cheap plastic extensions. However I know some love them and if they have a proper roof then they can be used throughout the year, but they do block the light from the room they are built against.

Floradora9 Sat 03-Aug-24 21:16:53

We live in our conservatory most of the summer it just takes a bit of sun to make it a lovely place to be. When we first got one 30 years ago a friend remarked that we would get adicted to the light and she was right. It cheers us up so much to be there.