Posted on March 17, 2023
Cover image Rixon Architects
Have you ever just wanted a space to call your own, suspended in the outdoors where you can escape to nature? Since the rise in working from home, more people have been exploring how they can use their outdoor spaces and have created garden rooms or pods for work, peace and quiet and as a way to be better connected with the nature outdoors.
In this journal we’re sharing the reasons why we think creating a garden room is a fantastic idea if you have plenty of outdoor space, recommended architects and builders and ideas for decorating.
The perks of creating a garden room
If you love being connected to nature and you have outdoor space to play with, then creating a garden room is definitely an idea to explore. Living in the UK, weather for much of the year can be a little uninspiring. While walking in the countryside in the rain is such a wholesome, therapeutic way to while away time, sometimes you just want to be immersed in the sounds, smells and visuals of the outdoors while keeping cosy indoors. Garden rooms are the perfect solution to this.
Garden rooms open you up to indoor/outdoor living all-year round. In cooler, rainy months you can stay tucked away and warm while catching up on a good book in a space surrounded by gorgeous nature. In the warmer months, throw open the doors and make this your perfect space to easily connect with the outdoors.
A garden room also opens you up to more living space if you’re limited on your ability to renovate or extend your home. Make it your studio, office, chill room, plus if you’ve got some stunning spots in the garden with the best countryside views, then you have more flexibility to create a garden room that makes the most of and takes in those views.
Recommended architects & builders for your garden room
Image credit: Ashleigh Clarke Architects
Depending on your budget, aesthetic and type of garden room you want to build, there are plenty of Cotswolds-based architects and builders to choose from.
Castellum
If you’re living in The Cotswolds and looking to create a garden room extension on your home or convert a space you already have outdoors, maybe even a barn, then Castellum are definitely worth contacting. Their team create beautiful, quality and creative spaces and are experts in agricultural conversions.
Rixon Architects
Rixon Architects in Gloucestershire have a wealth of experience in producing innovative, thoughtful architecture. From converting Edwardian homes into a modern California beach house-inspired space that’s better connected to the outdoors to tiny homes, we’d recommend chatting to their team about your garden room project.
ZOTA Construction
With over 25 years experience creating the highest quality bespoke constructions in and around the Cotswolds, ZOTA are experts in Cotswolds architecture. If you’re looking for a small space outdoors that complements or extends on a traditional Cotswold building, ZOTA should be your first port of call.
Ashleigh Clarke Architects
Ashleigh Clarke is a wonderfully creative and inspired architect, and looks to the beauty of The Cotswolds in her designs for client projects and homes. If you’re looking for a tiny home or space outdoors that’s a modern twist on traditional Cotswolds architecture then get in touch.
The Garden Room Edit - ideas for decorating your garden room
Clockwise from top right:
Bring your garden room to life with artwork
Displaying art into any living space brings it to life. Garden rooms are places to escape, so artwork is a fabulous way to add a little whimsy.
Medium Room is one of our favourites for antique art. These simple linographs are perfect for simple, understated artwork to balance with vibrant soft furnishings or paint.
Etalage collect some truly gorgeous nature-inspired prints and paintings and would be our go-to if you’re looking to continue that feeling of the outdoors to your inside spaces.
Collins and Green specialise in decorative and vintage art that’s full of charm. From natural landscapes to more abstract pieces, there’s definitely something that will catch your eye.
Striped pom pom cushion from Anna Cox Home
Anna Cox Home is your one-stop shop for all homewares that are vibrant. Even if you’re planning a garden room with more natural tones that blend with the outdoors, there are plenty of soft cushions to pick from that add just the right pop of colour. Such as this gorgeous striped pom pom cushion which has been handmade in Morocco.
The Barn - vintage wooten wooden bowl
Lauren Gilberthorpe Interior’s shop “The Barn” is home to a gorgeous collection of natural and vintage homewares that will complement the nature outside your garden room. We love the Wooton Bowl to hold fresh fruit or to display your favourite items.
Amy Kent Rugs - Flowers Orange
Amy Kent is the hugely talented rug designer and all of her rugs are ethically handmade in Kathmandu, Nepal and Bhadohi, India. She’s renowned for her collection of bespoke rugs but she also has a collection of ready to buy rugs which are slightly less expensive, but no less beautiful. This Flowers Orange rug is perfect for adding a little warmth, visual and physically to any garden room.
Osborn Interiors - Ava Lantern
Bee Osborn’s love for natural materials and neutrals makes her shop a go-to for decorating the perfect indoor-outdoor aesthetic. These bamboo lanterns are beautiful to display in your garden rooms or move outside for summer months to create that relaxed ambiance. The glass candle holder also means they’re safe to use with real candles.