Outdoors: 11 Inspiring Ideas for Garden Rooms
Even the smallest garden may have space for a functional extra room. Here are some good-looking ideas to inspire you
Sheds, summerhouses and gazebos have long been a feature of British gardens. In the past, these outbuildings tended to conform to a traditional shape and style, but contemporary needs – such as creating additional space in compact urban properties – have redefined their function and form. In recent years, garden buildings have moved away from being purely utilitarian objects and have become extensions of (albeit separate from) the home. Take inspiration from these great examples.
On a practical note, check with your local authority or the government’s Planning Portal whether planning permission is required – height and proximity to boundaries will influence this. And if you plan to run a business from your garden building, as opposed to using it as a home office, then planning permission may also be required.
On a practical note, check with your local authority or the government’s Planning Portal whether planning permission is required – height and proximity to boundaries will influence this. And if you plan to run a business from your garden building, as opposed to using it as a home office, then planning permission may also be required.
Up-spec the garden shed
This is unashamedly a garden shed, but what a beautiful one. It’s all about careful attention to detail here - the casement windows and half-glazed barn door, the shingled roof, the smart, muted paintwork – and the shot of colour and contemporary flourish provided by the garden bench outside.
Explore 8 more sheds you’ll want to potter in
This is unashamedly a garden shed, but what a beautiful one. It’s all about careful attention to detail here - the casement windows and half-glazed barn door, the shingled roof, the smart, muted paintwork – and the shot of colour and contemporary flourish provided by the garden bench outside.
Explore 8 more sheds you’ll want to potter in
Design a calm place in which to relax and write (or watch a film)
The controlled material palette and crisp detailing in this home office and library make the space conducive to contemplation. Note how the floor finish continues up the rear wall and embraces the desk, made of the same material. A drop-down screen allows the space to double as a place to enjoy projected film and video.
Discover more about creating your own home cinema
The controlled material palette and crisp detailing in this home office and library make the space conducive to contemplation. Note how the floor finish continues up the rear wall and embraces the desk, made of the same material. A drop-down screen allows the space to double as a place to enjoy projected film and video.
Discover more about creating your own home cinema
Build a bright, warm studio for work
This garden studio for a ceramicist has cedar shingles on the outside and plywood sheet lining the interior. A wood-burning stove, whose silver chimney is visible above the roof, ensures the space is usable (and cosy) year-round, while extensive glazing provides lots of daylight.
This garden studio for a ceramicist has cedar shingles on the outside and plywood sheet lining the interior. A wood-burning stove, whose silver chimney is visible above the roof, ensures the space is usable (and cosy) year-round, while extensive glazing provides lots of daylight.
Utilise the roof to create shelter
Planes and right angles give this garden building a distinctly contemporary presence, with the roof plane extending to create a sheltered spot in which to sit, making this a nice inside/outside space.
Planes and right angles give this garden building a distinctly contemporary presence, with the roof plane extending to create a sheltered spot in which to sit, making this a nice inside/outside space.
Engage with the garden
Here’s another home office and library, simply but carefully furnished, with a lovely Japanese look and feel to it. The large expanse of glass really blurs the boundary between inside and outside, and the dappled lighting effect on the wall behind the desk is magical.
Here’s another home office and library, simply but carefully furnished, with a lovely Japanese look and feel to it. The large expanse of glass really blurs the boundary between inside and outside, and the dappled lighting effect on the wall behind the desk is magical.
Go for broke!
This ambitious garden building in London is almost a separate home! Extensive glazing, warm interior finishes, a green roof, good lighting and an ornamental pool all make for a space that must be a joy to use both by day and night.
Note that planning policies discourage outbuildings from being used as dwellings, so check with your local authority if you want your building to include a bathroom or kitchen.
Read expert advice on fitting a green roof on anything from an extension to a garden shed
This ambitious garden building in London is almost a separate home! Extensive glazing, warm interior finishes, a green roof, good lighting and an ornamental pool all make for a space that must be a joy to use both by day and night.
Note that planning policies discourage outbuildings from being used as dwellings, so check with your local authority if you want your building to include a bathroom or kitchen.
Read expert advice on fitting a green roof on anything from an extension to a garden shed
Create space in the garden – literally
An orb, perched beside and overlooking a pond on a country estate, brings a sort of science fiction element to the garden – a space age folly! Sitting inside, you’d really feel like your were part of another world.
An orb, perched beside and overlooking a pond on a country estate, brings a sort of science fiction element to the garden – a space age folly! Sitting inside, you’d really feel like your were part of another world.
Consider a ‘shoffice’
This garden pavilion in a London garden works as both a shed and an office (shoffice, get it?). The organic shell shape flows into the garden, and this flow is reinforced by the timber lining continuing from the inside to the outside as a terrace space.
This garden pavilion in a London garden works as both a shed and an office (shoffice, get it?). The organic shell shape flows into the garden, and this flow is reinforced by the timber lining continuing from the inside to the outside as a terrace space.
Eat outdoors in an elegant exterior dining space
Traditionally the gazebo didn’t necessarily have a function – other than perhaps being a place to sit occasionally. But configured as an alfresco dining room, this one is sure to get a lot of use. Lighting as well as curtains to draw against the coolness of the night extend its usefulness.
Traditionally the gazebo didn’t necessarily have a function – other than perhaps being a place to sit occasionally. But configured as an alfresco dining room, this one is sure to get a lot of use. Lighting as well as curtains to draw against the coolness of the night extend its usefulness.
Think classic with a playful twist
Although this playhouse/garden retreat is classic in form and detailing, the soft pink paint finish and random selection of colourful encaustic tiles forming the path leading to it bring a touch of whimsy and humour to it.
TELL US…
Do you have an outdoor room? Show us! If not, what would your dream outdoor room be like? Add your thoughts to the Comments below.
Although this playhouse/garden retreat is classic in form and detailing, the soft pink paint finish and random selection of colourful encaustic tiles forming the path leading to it bring a touch of whimsy and humour to it.
TELL US…
Do you have an outdoor room? Show us! If not, what would your dream outdoor room be like? Add your thoughts to the Comments below.
A shepherd’s hut, on wheels, with a barrel-vaulted corrugated metal roof, has been transformed into an inviting and comfortable retreat. Note how the wall lights help define the daybed and working areas. And as always, a limited palette of quality materials works best in a small space.