What Is a Garden Room and How to Design One

A garden room is an extension of your living space. Detached from the home, it is a small, standalone building with a single room, located in a yard or garden. It is designed as a retreat and a place to relax. It doesn’t necessarily house any greenery, although you might choose to include it for ambiance. To make a garden room usable year-round regardless of the temperature or elements, it is insulated with weather-resistant materials.

Garden rooms have become popular additions to backyards. With the continued rise of remote work, more people are clocking in from home—meaning they've found creative ways to create a work-life balance. A unique solution is to construct an outdoor garden room rather than a traditional home office, but that's not the only function of a garden room. This standalone structure can serve as a yoga studio, reading nook, office space, or simply as a place that offers peace and quiet.

Read on why you may want to consider building a garden room and what's involved in creating one.

What's the Difference Between a Garden Room and a Shed?

A regular backyard shed is primarily functional, it is used for storage and not as living space. A garden room is designed to be a comfortable, inviting place, more like a she shed. Insulation is another prominent feature that distinguishes a shed from a garden room. Sheds are not insulated. An insulated garden room can be used in any weather.

The purpose of a potting shed is also merely functional, just like a greenhouse, which is filled with light and optimized for plant growth. Neither one is designed as a hangout for people.

Benefits of Building a Garden Room

A garden room expands the usable square footage of your property (which adds value to your home), but there are other benefits to building a garden room.

• It is much more cost-effective and less complicated to construct than adding an extension for a solarium or a sunroom to your house. You won’t have to worry about construction disrupting life as you would with a home renovation or remodel since all the work is done outdoors.
• There is a good possibility you won't need a permit because a garden room is about the size of a shed. However, depending on your local building codes, zoning regulations, or HOA rules—or if you plan to install electricity, plumbing, or HVAC—you need to check with your municipality or HOA board to ensure you comply.
  
• A garden room offers a retreat from stress and responsibilities, or to have a space to focus while minimizing distractions. This is likely because you’re not only disconnected from daily chores (such as laundry and dishes) but garden rooms are also built to enhance privacy. While windows that let in natural light are encouraged, many people opt to surround the structure with organic fencing, like a row of hedges or a trellis, for an intimate space with a beautiful view.

Uses for a Garden Room

Before you design your garden room, determine the primary purpose of the space. This will be helpful when designing the space, but you can modify the room’s function as your needs, desires, or goals change over time.

• Functional workspace. Design your garden room as a home office, craft room, or a quiet place to read or write.
• Wellness area. If you don't have space for a home gym in your house, turn your garden room into a meditation or yoga studio, or consider installing a home spa with a sauna or hot tub.
• Entertainment hotspot. Build a garden room as a place to host friends, family, and neighbors (complete with a home bar, of course) or a mini movie theater and gaming room.
  

How to Create a Garden Room in Your Backyard

Ready to create a custom garden room in your backyard? These steps walk you through the process.

Note that starting a garden room from scratch (if you don't already have an existing structure) can be a hefty investment and you'll likely need to hire professionals for some or all of the project.

1. Determine the Size and Location

The size of the garden room may be dictated by the zoning requirements or what you’re looking to use it for, which, in turn, may affect its location. Bear in mind how the sunlight falls in your yard throughout the day, especially if you need natural light for work or exercise. This is especially important if you don't plan to add an electrical component for lighting.

2. Create a Design Plan

Whether you’re DIYing this project or hiring a professional to build it, it’s wise to sketch out your vision first. Make sure all the pieces of furniture—like your desk or workout equipment—will fit into the space. Also, now is an excellent time to map out the area surrounding the room to plan for pathways and landscape details such as a gated arbor or outdoor lighting.

3. Choose Materials

Although the foundation may be determined by building codes, when it comes to materials, there is room to be creative. Choose high-quality, durable, waterproof materials, paying particular attention to the roof and windows. If you’d like the garden room to reflect a similar aesthetic, take into account the style of your home.

4. Prepare the Interior

Unless you’re licensed, this is the part of the process that you’ll need to hire a pro to do. From wiring electricity to installing a heating and cooling system, an ideal garden room should be cozy enough to use day or night during any season. If you’re up for the challenge, lay flooring and paint the walls before the real fun begins.

5. Furnish and Decorate the Room

Finally, fill your garden room with furniture and set up storage to organize whatever you need, such as office or craft supplies, exercise equipment, or electronics. Add decorative and cozy touches like cheerful artwork and plenty of pillows.