Garden rooms have come a long way and they’re now seen as an ideal second space for great outdoor living – providing comfort, style, and year-round functionality. Think of it as an outdoor living room, which can even end up as being more appealing than your main lounge space!
Here’s how to turn your garden room into a comfy peaceful space that you can use in every season.
Soft Furnishings: Bringing Indoor Comfort Outside
Soft furnishings can quickly give your garden room that comfortable and snug feel and vibe. Using lots of layers and textures gives a room the type of cosy, inviting atmosphere that will make it a great place to escape to and unwind.
- Sofas & armchairs – having some comfy places to relax is a must-have for any garden room, an armchair can become a key statement piece and the perfect reading spot!
- Rugs – a rug can add lots of texture to a room, depending on the season. You could go for something more furry underfoot for the colder months and something practical and lightweight in the summer.
- Throws & cushions – Throws and blankets are a good way to add instant warmth to a space, think chunky knits and soft velvets.
- Curtains or blinds – These not only add privacy but help regulate light and temperature, especially when it’s colder and you want to keep as much warmth in as possible.
Ambient Lighting: Setting the Mood
Good lighting transforms a garden room from a daytime workspace into an entertainment spot for family and friends – there’s lots you can do with lighting to enhance a space.
- String lights or fairy lights – Fairy lights can make any space a little more inviting. They’re simple, delicate lights that give a bit more sparkle to an area and can be hung inside or outside.
- Table and floor lamps – Soft lighting can make a space look cool and stylish without overwhelming it with light. This is perfect for evenings where you’re entertaining or if you just want to relax.
- Candles & lanterns – LED candles can make a space more atmospheric without having to compromise on health and safety. They can adapt to brightness and have adjustable dimming, so they can provide the perfect level of lighting for your garden room.
Shared Spaces: Designing for Multiple Uses
A well-designed garden room is a relaxing, stylish place to be, but it’s also incredible functional. They can be very versatile and be a shared space for different hobbies and work schedules.
- Relaxation zone – a great spot for getting away from any distractions and taking yourself off for more privacy to relax.
- Work or hobby zone – a garden room can double up (or triple, quadruple!) as so many different things. For example, a large desk space can be a work or study space but also a space for crafting and hobbies too.
- Dining zone – Eating and drinking outside in the summer months is one of the best parts of warmer weather and your garden room can work as a great extension of your garden space. In contrast, when it’s colder and you can’t really eat outside, having a dining spot in your garden room lets you feel closer to nature without catching a cold!
Personal Touches: Making It Yours
Making a space truly your own means injecting your personality into it and you can do this in lots of ways, using artwork, plants, books and other accessories that start a conversation or immediately signal something about yourself to others.
- Plants – Indoor-friendly greenery can create a good flow between your garden and a garden room, creating a natural link.
- Artwork & photos – artwork, prints and photos of loved ones can make a space more familiar and welcoming.
- Scent – Candles, diffusers or fresh flowers lifts a garden room and gives it an extra bit of oomph.
A garden room is an extension of your property, so making it fit and functional for every season is a must. You can use layering, soft furnishings, lighting and shared spaces to give personality and purpose to your garden room.
Your garden room can easily become an outdoor living room that gives you the best of both worlds.
For more advice and info, get in touch with our team at Bridge Timber today.