As hybrid working becomes the new normal, it can be difficult to separate home life from work life. Whether you work from your kitchen table or find a quiet spot in your bedroom, creating an office space away from your humble abode is a great solution.
For those who have the space, a garden office is perfect. A great way to transform an existing cabin or holiday home. You can also invest in a dedicated space.
Alison Mansell, aka Shed Guru London, is a consultant who advises people on how to perfectly set up garden offices and other outdoor rooms.
“The joy of being in a garden room is that you can literally open the door and walk outside,” says Alison. “The benefit of being able to get out of the house and separate work from relaxation.”
Peter Barthony
James Fox of Green Retreats, a garden room manufacturer backed by Grand Design's Kevin MacLeod, agrees.
“Being independent means being able to switch off at the end of the day,” he says. “It's also very versatile, so it doesn't have to be just an office; it can also include a gym or partition to create garden storage space.”
To help you design your own garden office, we spoke to experts James and Alison to discuss all things garden office ideas, from the best desk layouts to planning permission rules.
garden office design ideas
While it's easy to get drawn into choosing coordinating throw pillows and gorgeous stationery, there are some decor decisions you should make first.
A leading shed expert, Alison advises clients on everything from airflow and natural light considerations to furniture positioning and temperature control.
How to choose a garden office desk
First, consider how much work space you need. Do you use a laptop? Do you use multiple screens? Do you need a flat surface to sketch?
“We're talking about a desk space job, like an accountant's job, but if you're an artist, a craftsman, or an architect, you have completely different needs,” Alison explains. Masu.
green retreat
The key is to look at the space you currently have, determine what's working and what's not, and measure the best desk with the space you need.
'Bench desks that can be slotted into alcoves, side returns or corners (preferably visible through a window) work well where space is at a premium,' advises expert Allison.
Where you place your desk in your garden office is also important.
“Exposing yourself to lots of natural light is much better than working under fluorescent tubes,” she says. “Whether all your buildings face south, east or west will determine exactly how much light you get.”
“If you have more space to play…consider something with two sides and a curve in the middle,” Allison added. “This allows you to put files and everyday items to one side so they can be easily accessed without stretching.”
Allison recommends the Tully I Ergonomic Desk, which can be purchased as a right-handed or left-handed option.
17 Storey Menandros W 100cm Rectangular Writing Desk Credit: Wayfair
John Lewis ANYDAY Spindle Desk, Bowling Green Credit: John Lewis
Cedar & Sage Blair Desk, Glass Credit: Dunelm
Inbox Zero Writing DeskCredit: Wayfair
Oak John Lewis Grayson Desk Credit: John Lewis
Inbox Zero 140-inch wide T-shaped standing desk credit: Wayfair
How to divide garden office space
“It’s a good idea to have breakout spaces for actual physical meetings,” Alison says. “If you have the space and budget, we recommend creating a resting area with soft seating.”
To separate spaces more clearly, Allison recommends using room dividers or using different flooring or paint to define different zones.
“The majority of people will use their home office in a multi-purpose space… whether that’s a dedicated studio or a contemporary garden room, all of which will influence how the home office is used. “Sho,” Allison says.
Clearly defining separate spaces, having enough storage space, and planning your space before you start will all help you get the most out of your room.
How to control the temperature in your garden office
Large glass doors and spacious windows opening out onto the garden may bring plenty of light into the space and look great, but they will also affect the temperature of your garden office.
Insulated buildings help retain the warmth from the radiators and heaters you use. However, in the summer, due to the insulation and the extra sunlight shining through the lots of glass, a garden office can start to get warm, much like a greenhouse or conservatory.
As with various blinds, “window treatments can help you control the atmosphere in your building while you're working,” Allison says.
For even more shade, she recommends installing “awnings outside, ones that reflect heat away from where you are, and lots of doors. Consider airflow within the building.” need to do it.”
How to light up a garden office
Adjustable desk lamps can be useful for close-up lighting, but it's important to consider lighting throughout your office space.
“Avoid wall-mounted lights and wall sconces, as they may not allow you to place your furniture in the most useful spot,” says Alison the Shed Master.
“Consider downlights recessed into the ceiling and avoid hanging pendant lights unless you have a large space with a hipped roof, as they can make the ceiling appear low.”
Dunelm Elements Jaula Table Lamp Credit: Dunelm
M&S Hallie table lamp credit: M&S
Dunelm Galley Clip-on Task Clamp
Now 31% off
Credit: Dunelm
John Lewis ANYDAY Tony Desk Lamp, Mustard Credit: John Lewis
John Lewis Pacific Lifestyle Chirala Ceramic Table Lamp, Black/White Credit: John Lewis
Dunelm Bunker Table Lamp Credit: Dunelm
Garden office trends: biophilic design
Alison explains that the trend for fun garden offices is biophilic design. This essentially means blending the outdoors and indoors, creating a fusion of spaces.
“You get the added benefit of being able to sit in a space that connects you to the outside and nature and allows you to enjoy all its benefits,” she says.
To make the most of the window view even with limited space, leave a breathing space (for example 30-50 cm) around the perimeter of the building to allow enough room for a narrow plant bed. is ideal,” says Allison. It grows tall, like bamboo, so tall that you can see it through your window.
If you can see a fence or wall from your window, you can also hang a garden mirror. This “reflects additional light into the room, tricking your brain into believing there's a deeper space,” Allison says.
Another way to blend indoors and outdoors is to stock up on potted plants.
The Little Botanical Extra Large Areca Palm Plant and Basket Credit: John Lewis
Dobies Azalea Starstyle Pink Credit: Dobies
Crocus Monstera deliciosa Swiss Cheese Plant (also known as Monstera pertusum ) – from £9.99 Credit: Crocus
Little Botanical Mini Orchid Duo Credit: John Lewis
Crocus Ficus elastica 'Abidjan' Rubber Plant – from £9.99 Credit: Crocus
M&S Yellow Rose Plant with Ceramic PotCredit: M&S
How to make a garden office
James Fox from Green Retreats explains the details and provides expert advice on what to consider when building or buying your own garden office.
garden retreat
What types of gardening offices are there?
You may already have a garden room or you may be planning to convert an existing shed or summerhouse.
Otherwise, you might consider purchasing a ready-made garden office or consider custom home options such as the structures that Green Retreats specializes in.
In terms of shape and size, garden offices “come in a variety of widths and depths, so depending on the size of your garden, you can have something longer than it is deep or something deeper than it is wide,” says James Fox. explained, adding that it was only a green retreat. Offers square or rectangular builds.
If you want to build your own garden room or office, you can choose the features and additional options you want, such as specific wooden cladding or double doors.
There's a wide range of add-ons, James says, including “air conditioning, underfloor heating, automatic blinds, bi-fold doors, large sliding doors, large French doors, partitions and a variety of laminate flooring options.”
How much does a gardening office cost?
If you are considering renovating an existing structure, such as a shed or summerhouse, the cost will be primarily influenced by the furniture and fittings you choose.
However, the cost of buying or building a new garden office will vary greatly depending on the size and specifications you choose.
“The offer for the smallest one (Green Retreats) is 2m x 2m and costs £16,745,” says James. The biggest one is “the interior is 30 square meters and basically the shell of the building costs 29,245 pounds.'' Our average selling cost is between 22,000 and 28,000. ”
Different companies offer different prices, and additions or modifications such as premium fixtures and accessories will also affect the final cost.
But James Fox explains that a garden office not only provides a functional and productive space, it can also help increase the value of your home.
“We have recently worked with some very good estate agents who have recognized that garden rooms add value to your property,” he said.
Does the garden office need planning permission?
James Fox explains: “Most people will not need planning permission from the Horticulture Office unless they are in an area of outstanding natural beauty, of scientific interest or on a listed property.” .
He said the garden office is classified as a temporary structure, so “it can be built like any other building, just like a shed.”
However, be sure to check your property-specific planning regulations before you start building.
Does a gardening office need the basics?
Most garden offices do not require a foundation, especially if they are structures such as sheds or summerhouses that can be set up on level ground.
For more structured buildings, such as those offered by Green Retreat, James explains that concrete pilings can be used to build on any flat surface.
“Concrete piles are basically like big drills that drill into the soil, then you pour hardening concrete and lay packing blocks on top to create a nice, level foundation for the building,” he says. says. “They're not actually attached to the floor, they're pushing the building down with their own weight. They're tons of buildings, so they're not going anywhere.”
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