Build in the chill factor
WHERE would we be without a shed, even if the last thing we use them for is to keep our garden tools? Who stores muddy forks and spades in what is becoming the escape capsule at the bottom of the garden? Print and pattern designer Rachael Taylor (rachaeltaylordesigns.co.uk) has her studio in a chalet from Liverpoolbased Churchills Sheds, painted with Valspar (valsparpaint.co.uk). “Altogether it cost me around £4,500 but the use I get is phenomenal,” says Rachael, who also had electricity installed.
For those of us who see gardens as our relaxation area, though, sheds can be brightly painted and used as sunrooms that double for storage, as long as you stick to folding garden furniture, lightweight electric heaters and small fire pits or barbecues.
John Lewis has eucalyptus FSCcertified garden armchairs that fold away neatly, while the humble deckchair is the ultimate easy storage garden chair.
Storage
They come in bright and bold patterns from online Southsea Deckchairs, a member of the Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association (garden-living.co.uk), which lists companies selling garden furniture and accessories such as heaters and fire pits.
But for those of us who still need somewhere to store gardening equipment The Posh Shed Company has a range of compact Back Door Stores as well as quirky half sheds and sentry box sheds.
Then you can store tools in stylish mini-sheds – leaving your main one as your escape from reality. Venice Folding Armchair, pair for £100 (03456 049049; johnlewis. com) Forest apex roof pressure treated tongue and groove shed, £699.99 (0344 272 3000; wyevalegardencentres.co.uk) ART AND SOUL: Rachael Taylor in her bespoke studio shed, prices vary but workshops are available from £534 to £3,768 (0151 345 6649; churchill sheds. co.uk) The Southsea Deckchair, £99 (023 9265 2865; deckchairs. co.uk)