Prepare for the warm weather and sunny days of the season by creating your perfect summer house. Garden retreat, office space, or an area to host friends and family: however you choose to use it, follow this guide to make sure you get it right.
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Prioritise purpose
Before you begin building your summer house, consider its purpose. Are you constructing a creative studio, a suntrap for outdoor relaxation or a peaceful spot for quiet contemplation?
Understanding what the structure will be used for is essential to guiding the rest of the project. This should dictate everything from the design to the décor if you’re to achieve your aim.
Perfect placement
Where you build your summer house is arguably the most important aspect of the project, and goes far beyond ‘in your garden’.
Start by assessing how much space you have to play with. Your choice of locations might be restricted by the size and shape of your garden which will in turn influence the dimensions of your design.
Next, think about the purpose and which placements best meet your needs. For example, a creative studio concealed by foliage might prove most inspiring, while a reading nook could be positioned close to the house for easy access to books and refreshments. If you’re planning to create a home office, remember that you’ll need to build within the Wi-Fi zone.
Keen to spend time in the sunshine? Build your summer house in an open area, and consider the direction of the sun and where the light falls in your garden throughout the seasons.
Flexible furnishings
Your summer house will likely have multiple uses beyond its core purpose, so select flexible furnishings that allow you to adapt the space to your changing moods and needs. This could include a foldable desk, cabinets that double as coffee tables and streamlined open shelves.
Lighting is all-important to achieving the right atmosphere. You could adorn the exterior with festoon lighting for an alluring evening atmosphere and better visibility on dim days. Layer overhead lights and lamps inside to create a work-friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Delightful décor
Ensure you can relax and unwind in your summer house by making it feel like an extension of your home. Match the colours and character of the rest of your décor, considering the purpose of the space when looking for ways to add a unique twist.
You could also go the extra mile and theme your summer house design. A beach feel is easily achieved by balancing blues and white with light wood and adding whimsical nautical décor. Alternatively, embrace a subtle style like Japandi that uses calming neutrals and minimal decoration to inspire harmony.
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