Sometimes, our homes just aren't equipped or big enough for our needs. You might need more space for working from home, running your own business, to work on a craft project or simply a retreat away from the main hub of your house. A garden room is a separate area located - as you'd expect - in your garden which provides the opportunity for you to add another room to your home without the need for an expensive extension.
They're different to a garden gazebo or summer house in that they're a proper room often with heating or air con, totally water tight and have full power.
If you like the idea of your own personal spot but aren't quite sure what you might do with it, we caught up with Emily Morris, Sales and Design Manager at Green Retreats to fire up your imagination with some fabulous garden room ideas.
Home office
Create a 30-second commute with a garden office
If you work from home and making space inside your house is impossible due to noise, space and distractions, then a garden office building is the ideal home office solution. As it's detached from the main home, it means you can close the door at the end of the day, knowing you can spend the evening without the temptation to check over your emails.
Garden Gym
Fit out a private home gym
Whether you're implementing a new-found healthier lifestyle or are a gym fanatic who is fed up with commuting to and from the gym, turning your unused outdoor space into a garden gym means there's no excuse to get in a workout!
We recommend adding mirrors to your home gym as not only will they help you master a new move and improve your form, but they can help make your garden gym appear larger and lighter than it actually is.
Cinema room
Catch the latest blockbusters in a cosy cinema room
A garden cinema isn’t just a summertime activity when your cinema is situated in a fully insulated garden room.
For the most authentic cinema experience, find yourself a large, snuggly sofa to fit the whole family and cover it with cushions and blankets. Instead of a traditional TV, why not invest in a projector and screen to make it feel like you're really at the cinema? If you're feeling fancy, you could add a popcorn machine and drinks fridge too.
A man cave or she-shed
Create an adults-only cave
A large garden room would be ideal for a man cave or she-shed as they're perfect for pool tables, arcade games or large-screen TVs. A spacious garden building also gives you an opportunity to create a multi-purpose garden room with the help of smart furnishing or our partition wall options.
Garden bar
Create the ultimate socialising space
Forget installing a shed bar, a garden bar is sure to be the envy of all your friends and neighbours. One of our favourite garden room ideas, with an insulated space, you can take the party outside whatever the weather. Add a 4K smart TV to stream all the upcoming sporting events, and you'll have queues around the block.
Music room
Host a jam sesh in your very own music room
Whether you play the drums or guitar, a garden music studio provides the perfect private haven to let loose and rock out. It also means that your house won't be cluttered with musical equipment and technology.
You could even add an acoustic pack to your garden room to help reduce the transfer of sound so you don't need to worry about disturbing your neighbours.
Teen den
Give the kids a space to escape to
Sometimes it's easy to forget that the teens in your life need their own space too. Turning a garden room into a teen den gives your kids the freedom they crave while allowing you to still maintain a discreet, watchful eye over them.
Why not make it multifunctional too and add in a study space for when they need to get their heads down? You could even add a sofa and large screen TV to double up as a family cinema room.
Hobby room
Practice your passion
Having a dedicated space solely for a hobby means you can come and go whenever you want without having to put everything away. It's also perfect if you're looking to start a small business, perhaps selling on Etsy.
Lounge space
Unwind in a reading retreat
What's more relaxing than being surrounded by nature in your garden room reading nook? A calming place away from the distractions of the house to relax with a good book.
We recommend choosing soft colours as a lovely way to connect to the outdoors and create a calm oasis. Adding large glass bi-folds will allow you to throw open the doors on sunny days.
Kids playroom
Give the kids a dedicated playroom
Children's toys everywhere can be hard to upkeep, so why not use your garden room as a place for your children to play and where you can close the door when it's time to leave the toys behind? The next day little ones can return to where they left off and continue their fun.
Games room
Let out your competitive side in a garden games room
A games room is something many of us dreamt of when we bought our own homes. Our stand-alone fully insulated garden rooms are a great way to add quality year-round-use space to your home, all in the practicality of your garden. Designed for use as a leisure space with the same quality of build as a room in your house – far superior in quality to any converted games shed.
Being detached from the home gives you complete privacy to be as loud as you like! The versatility and privacy of our garden room buildings make them the perfect solution for a fun and exciting games room at home.
Garden yoga studio
Find your zen with a peaceful and private yoga studio
If zen is more your style and you can't be without your eco yoga mat, transform your garden room into a garden yoga studio or meditation haven where you can store all your yoga or pilates accessories.
Pool house
Create a modern pool house
If you're lucky enough to have your very own pool, use your outdoor building as a modern pool cabana. The perfect spot to cool off, sit back and relax with a cocktail in hand and host all your friends and family.
You could even add a partition wall to zone off a changing area too! No need for sopping wet towels and swimming costumes in the house.
Small garden room
Don't overlook little spaces
Just because you have a small garden space doesn't discount you from having a garden building. At Green Retreats, the smallest configuration starts at 2m x 2m, opening the possibility to anyone with limited outdoor space.
By being clever with design, you can make your small garden room feel even bigger. Mirrors to bounce light are a simple décor hack and making the most of the height with tall furniture will leave you with maximum floor space.
Partition room
Make it multifunctional
The perk of having a garden building is making the space whatever you want it to be. Adding a partition wall gives you the option to zone your building and have it solve more than one space problem.
Looking for a garden gym but still need storage space? Here's a great garden room idea: add an external door and zone off a shed space to keep your workout zone clutter-free.
Images provided by Green Retreats.