Time spent at home during lockdown gave us all a greater appreciation for our outside spaces, which can be just as comfortable and stylish as your interiors.
From shepherd’s huts to sunrooms, we round up some great ways to make the most of the great outdoors at home this spring and summer.
A little huts-pah!
If you have the room, a shepherd’s hut is the ultimate outside space that can be used as a stylish garden room, an extra bedroom or even a home office. They’re cosy, warm and comfortable and can be beautifully designed, both inside and out. Remember to check with your local planning office that you don’t need planning permission before you buy one, though.
Shed’s heaven
If your shed is more of a home for spiders and dusty flowerpots than anything useful, why not turn it into a useful living space? Even a small shed can be dual purpose. Create a storage wall and attach hooks to keep any gardening equipment out of the way, then bring in a couple of comfy chairs, a table and a rug for a small but stylish summer house.
Outside inside
If you want to bring the outside into your house, consider a glass conservatory or orangery. These will allow natural light to flood into the room and French, sliding, or bifold doors will give easy access to the garden.
Perfect pergola
Build a pergola over your patio or decking area and cover it with climbing roses or wisteria for a beautiful, fragrant summer seating space. Hang pretty solar lights overhead – they'll look good and let you linger long into the evening.
Their first home
A wooden or plastic playhouse will keep children entertained for hours. They’re a great outdoor hideout where imaginations can run wild. Will it be a family house? A castle? A detective’s office? A secret den? Playhouses can have kitchens, slides, flowerboxes; they can be big enough for friends to have sleepovers or small enough to fit in the tiniest garden. Whichever one you choose is sure to be a winner.
