Table of Contents
Creating an outdoor garden room is a great way to extend your living space, providing you with an additional area to relax, entertain, or even a home office for work. Here are some steps and tips to help you effectively double your outdoor space with a garden room:
Planning and Design
- Assess Your Available Space: Measure the available outdoor area and consider how you want to use the dedicated space. Think about the functions you need and different purposes for the room, such as a seating and dining area, yoga studio or home gym, or even a special place for hobbies.
- Design Style: Choose a design style that complements your home’s architecture and your personal taste. This could be modern, rustic, bohemian, or a mix of comfortable seating.
- Layout: Plan the layout, including the placement of furniture, plants, and other features. Consider flow and accessibility.
Structural Elements
- Foundation: Ensure a solid foundation for any structures, whether it’s a deck, patio, or a garden room with walls. Options include concrete slabs, gravel, or wooden decking.
- Shelter: Decide on the type of shelter you need. Options include pergolas, gazebos, awnings, or a fully enclosed bespoke garden room with walls and a roof.
- flooring: Choose durable outdoor flooring materials like stone, brick, wood, or composite decking. Make sure it is weather-resistant and complements your design.
Furniture and Décor
- Colour Scheme: Choose a colour scheme that compliments the room and the surrounding area. With the right design and colour palette the new structure becomes a seamless transition in the garden.
- Outdoor Furniture: Invest in weather-resistant outdoor furniture. Look for materials like teak, metal, or all-weather wicker. Ensure cushions are covered with outdoor fabric.
- Lighting: Add various types of lighting, such as string lights, lanterns, or built-in LED lights, to create ambiance and ensure the space can be used after dark.
- Heating and Cooling: Consider outdoor heaters, fire pits, or fans to make the space comfortable in different seasons.
Greenery and Plants
- Plant Selection: Choose plants that thrive in your climate and are suited to the amount of sunlight your garden room receives. Use a mix of potted plants, hanging plants, and garden beds.
- Vertical Gardens: Utilize vertical space by installing trellises, wall-mounted planters, or living walls.
- Garden Features: Add elements like a water feature, raised beds, or a herb garden to enhance the ambiance.
Functionality and Accessories
- Storage: Include storage solutions for garden tools, cushions, and other outdoor accessories. This could be built-in benches with storage or stylish outdoor sideboard or cabinets.
- Entertainment: This is the perfect opportunity to equip the space with an outdoor sound system, a projector screen for movies, or a barbecue area.
- Shade and Privacy: Use curtains, screens, or strategically placed plants to create shade and privacy.
Maintenance
- Durable Materials: Choose materials and furnishings that can withstand outdoor conditions with minimal maintenance.
- Regular Upkeep: Schedule regular maintenance to keep the space looking its best. This includes cleaning furniture, trimming plants, and checking for any repairs needed.
Garden Room Ideas
Simple Outdoor Lounge
- Furniture: A comfortable outdoor sofa set with a coffee table.
- Shelter: A retractable awning or pergola or Triangular Sale.
- Décor: String lights, outdoor rug, and potted plants.
Dining Area
- Storage: Corner shelves or storage cabinets
- Furniture: A dining table with chairs.
- Shelter: A gazebo or canopy.
- Décor: Lanterns, hanging plants, and a portable heater for cooler nights.
Multi-functional Garden Room
- Furniture: Modular seating area and furniture that can be rearranged for different uses.
- Shelter: An enclosed garden room with large windows and french doors that open up to the garden.
- Décor: Indoor/outdoor rugs, built-in planters, and multi-purpose storage units.
Conclusion
By carefully planning and designing your outdoor garden room, you can effectively double your living space and create a beautiful, functional area to enjoy all year-round.
