Creating a garden room in your home is the perfect way to blend the beauty of the outdoors with the comfort of indoor living. Whether you’re designing a productive home office, a stylish home bar or a serene meditation space, these ideas can help you create a versatile and inviting environment to add value to your home. Here are a few garden room concepts to help you enjoy your garden all year round.
Home Office
A very popular choice over the past few years, a garden office gives you a space away from the hustle and bustle of the home and an office you can leave at the end of every day. A garden-inspired home office can also boost productivity and reduce stress – plus, you can’t beat the commute. Take advantage of your surroundings and position your desk near a window to maximise natural light and views of the garden. Add plenty of indoor plants and use natural materials like wood and stone for furniture and décor, as well as nature-inspired colours to boost cognitive function. Consider whether you will have any guests or clients and create space for them – even a separate entrance to the garden that doesn’t go through the house. This setup not only enhances your workspace aesthetic but also creates a refreshing and inspiring environment for working from home.
Home Bar
Transform your garden room into an inviting home bar. Use this as a great way to socialise with family or friends away from the rest of the house, perfect if you don’t to disturb anyone at home or just want to create a fun get-away spot to entertain. Opt for natural materials such as reclaimed wood and stone to maintain a cohesive garden theme. Install shelves, build a bar unit and show off your collection of spirits or glassware. Consider incorporating some plants and greenery to bring the outdoors in and remember to add a mini fridge to keep drinks cool for the perfect place to unwind.
Creative Studio
A garden room can make an excellent creative studio, whether you’re an artist, musician or writer. A space with ample natural light and garden views can stimulate creativity and offer a relaxing environment for your work. Install large windows to maximise daylight and include plenty of plants and nature-inspired décor to create a calming atmosphere. Remember to include ample storage for your supplies, instruments or tools. If you’re a musician, consider soundproofing the room to prevent disturbances.
Garden Shed
Let’s not forget the most obvious use of a garden house – a garden shed! Reimagining your garden shed as a well-organised space can enhance its functionality and aesthetic. Install shelves, hooks and storage bins to keep gardening tools and books neatly arranged and easily accessible. You could even add a potting bench to further enhance your gardening activities, making sure there is lots of light to make the space functional for the perfect garden workshop.
Home Gym
A garden room is an ideal location for a home gym, providing a dedicated space for your fitness routine and allowing you to customise the room to suit your workout preferences, whether that’s for weight training, cardio or yoga. Ensure you have plenty of natural light or adequate artificial lighting and consider adding a sound system to keep you motivated. You could even think about soundproofing the space so you don’t have to worry about disturbing the neighbours, meaning you can enjoy an environment that is both motivating and serene for your fitness routine.
Meditation Space
Creating a meditation space in your garden room can offer a peaceful retreat for relaxation and mindfulness. Maximise natural light with large windows and choose natural materials to foster a calming environment. Incorporate minimalist décor to maintain focus and tranquillity and draw attention to any natural viewpoints of the garden for the perfect spot to unwind.
Other Considerations:
When planning your garden room, it’s essential to consider all the practical aspects to ensure the space is functional and comfortable year-round.
1- Insulation
Proper insulation is essential for maintaining a stable temperature, reducing energy costs and keeping garden room comfortable in all seasons. Insulate the walls, floor and roof effectively and consider eco-friendly materials that align with the garden. Check the U-value of the insulation too, the lower the value, the better the performance.
2- Power
Ensure your garden room has a sufficient power supply for lighting, heating and any electrical devices you plan to use. Install adequate outlets and consider energy-efficient lighting options. Solar panels can be a great eco-friendly power source, if this is feasible.
3- Heating
To keep your garden comfortable throughout the year, you’ll want to install a reliable heating system. There are a few different options you can consider such as underfloor heating, electric heaters or even a wood-burning stove for a rustic touch. How you choose might depend on the size of your garden room, your climate and energy efficiency.
4- Plumbing
If your garden room includes facilities like a bathroom, kitchen or bar, proper plumbing is essential. Ensure you have access to water supply and drainage and consider installing a water-efficiency system to minimise environment impact and reduce costs.
5- Planning & Building Regulations
Before starting your garden room build, you’ll need to check local planning and building regulations. Some structures may require planning permission, especially if they exceed a certain size, are located close to property boundaries or are on a listed building site. Complying with these regulations ensures your garden room is safe, legal and adds value to your property.
A well-designed garden room not only enhances your home’s aesthetic appeal but also provides a unique space for work, relaxation and creativity. By bringing the outdoors in, you can enjoy the benefits of nature every day. Start planning your garden room and create a space that seamlessly integrates with nature and enriches your everyday life.
