Home from home essentials
In order to make the most of your space, there are five key things you need to consider:
1 INSULATION Keeping in the heat is a crucial aspect of creating a cosy, relaxing space. One option is to board interior walls with tongueand-groove panelling, behind which a slim layer of insulation can sit. Consult your installer for the best option for your design. In addition, something as simple as a having rug or a carpet on the floor can dramatically reduce heat loss.
2 POWER An electrician should be able to run a cable underground from your main house to provide electricity for heating, lighting and appliances. If you’re looking for a more sustainable, solution, consider fitting solar panels on the roof.
3 HEATING OPTIONS There’s nothing enjoyable about sitting in a freezing shed, so heating is a must. For buildings connected to electrical outlets, radiators are a popular option. However, there is nothing quite as welcoming as the flickering flame of a wood-burning stove, which will heat your kettle as well as your room. If you opt for a stove, consideration must be given to ventilation and the flue in order to keep it safe.
4 STORAGE SOLUTIONS From sheds to studies, garden buildings offer a prime location to store tools or craft equipment. Bespoke shelving enables you to make the most of your space, while Pinterest is full of inspiration for using pegboards to combine storage and interior design. If you have a woodburning stove or open fire, then there are lots of ways to incorporate a log store into your design, such as in a recess in a wall or under a veranda.
5 PLANNING PERMISSION Since they are considered to be ‘outbuildings incidental to the enjoyment of the house’, garden buildings are deemed a permitted development, and so don’t usually need planning permission – unless your home is listed. However, they must be single storey and have a maximum height of 2.5 metres. For more information visit planningportal.co.uk.
PICTURE PERFECT
Hidden by a honeysuckle that climbs over its weathered wood exterior, this garden shed is rather unassuming when the door is closed. When open, however, it reveals a cosy snug, featuring coastal-blue painted panelling and seashells decorating the inside of the door to evoke a holiday mood. Filled with comfy seating, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a good magazine and a cup of tea. Try Waltons for a similar design.
ADVENTURE TIME
Looking as though it has been plucked from the pages of a fairytale, the Apple Tree treehouse, £54,000 from Blue Forest, provides a great alternative to a playroom, or a quirky home office, surrounded by borders of flowers. The hand-cut cedar exterior and oak flooring celebrates the elegance of the natural materials. A reading nook in the turret provides a peaceful escape, while a fireman’s pole offers a speedy and fun getaway.