How to Design an Outdoor Garden Room

Whether it’s a garden office, dining room or playroom, a well-designed Outdoor garden room should be both an attractive addition to the landscape and a functional extension of the home. As such, the design process should be driven by a careful balance of practical considerations and aesthetic sensibilities.

Do I need planning permission for a garden room?

Considering the intended use of a garden room will significantly impact size requirements. Ultimately, the garden room should be large enough to comfortably accommodate the furnishings and equipment that will be used in the space.

It’s also important to consider how the garden room will be screened and framed by the surrounding planting. Ideally, the enclosing plants should complement and highlight the character of the garden room and accentuate key views from within it.

For example, if you want your garden room to feel like a cozy reading nook or office, consider planting with shrubs, hedging or groundcover thyme to establish privacy and soften the wall or fence that may enclose the building. Alternatively, you could install a vertical trellis or an arch of clematis, vines and flowers to create visual interest and add color and texture.

If you’re using the garden room for a purpose such as a kitchen, home office or guest bedroom, it’s essential that the building is properly insulated and connected to your mains supply. This is generally something that is done by a professional and, depending on your location, can be quite costly. For those who simply want to use a garden room as a three-season retreat, this may not be necessary.