A summer house can provide a focal point which enhances your garden making it an inviting multi purpose space. With a little research to find summer house ideas you can change your garden to suit your every desire.
With modern materials or traditional timber to cutting-edge recycled plastics. Whether it’s just for sitting in and admiring those flowers, a quiet space for reading, pursuing your hobbies or for full on entertainment with tv, games and dinner parties there are a vast number of summer houses/garden rooms available in all manner of shapes and sizes to help create your perfect outdoor living style.
When you think of a summer house, you might think of a traditional small, wooden shelter seen in public parks. These kinds of summer houses would be used for relaxation and rest spots.
Another type of summer house may even conjure up pictures of a traditional wooden garden shed.
Nowadays more and more people are able to fulfill their ideals of how they want to use their gardens and build their very own summer houses or garden rooms, for recreation and relaxation and not just to view the flowers.
From traditional victorian to modern sleek designs to fantasy and off the wall organic shapes, in terms of design aesthetics, the possibilities are virtually limitless. Garden rooms can have a minimalist or contemporary aesthetic, characterised by clean lines and neutral colours to bold and vibrant designs featuring unconventional hues like shocking pink.
At OGEL, we offer you unlimited customisation options when it comes to our recycled plastic garden rooms, allowing you to design a garden room to perfectly suit your individual tastes and preferences.
Read on as we’re sharing some of the best summer house ideas to inspire you…
Create comfortable seating areas
- Design different seating areas based on how you are going to use the areas, whether it’s for dining, lounging, or quiet reading.
- Opt for weather-resistant furniture that can be used outside. Rattan or teak furniture with plush, waterproof cushions will enhance the functionality of the space.
Incorporating hammocks and outdoor lounging
- If your structure is strong enough, suspend a hammock from the roof or a stand to create the ultimate relaxation spot.
- Include a daybed or a hanging swing seat, these are perfect for lounging on lazy afternoons or stargazing on clear summer nights.
- Consider versatile lounging options like ottomans that can serve as extra seating, tables, or footrests.
Enhancing natural surroundings
- Use native plants that are not only beautiful and easy to maintain but also increase your connection with nature .
- Introduce a small pond, fountain, or waterfall to add a soothing element to the space and attract local wildlife.
- Design pathways with natural stone or pavers that blend with the environment.
Utilising outdoor lighting
- Use outdoor lighting to enhance the atmosphere and make the space usability into the night.
- Use energy-efficient solar lights for pathways and accent lighting.
Traditional summer house uses
Summer houses also provide a wider range of functions as detached extensions of the main home. Traditionally summer houses have been used for extra storage, serve as a quiet nook for reading or relaxing, and even accommodation for overnight guests.
- Guest accommodation: summer houses are often used as guest rooms, offering visitors a private and comfortable place to stay or sleep.
- Garden retreat: a classic use for a summer house is as a peaceful garden retreat. It provides a tranquil space to relax and enjoy the beauty of the garden away from the hustle and bustle of the main house.
- Reading nook or library: for those seeking tranquillity and introspection, summer houses can function as reading nooks or even a private study or library.
- Storage extension: summer houses continue to serve their traditional purpose but also as storage extensions of the main home.
Functional summer house extensions
- Showcase how summer houses can serve as functional extensions of the main home.
- Discuss ideas for transforming summer houses into home offices, creative studios, or hobby rooms.
- Highlight the benefits of a separate space for work or leisure activities and offer tips for optimising productivity and creativity.
- List all the garden room types as h3’s that would fit under here and write a short piece about each one
Home office
With the rise of remote work, many homeowners are converting their summer houses into garden office rooms. Wifi can be installed in garden office, and a water supply can be built to have a sink, kettle and even a toilet. These spaces offer tranquillity and separation from the main residence, fostering productivity and concentration. Glass can be opaque for privacy or use blinds for more options.
Music studio
Amateur or even professional musicians find the serene settings inspirational to enable their creativity in a garden music studio.
Utility room
In some smaller houses the need for space can be solved by creating a utility room. With running water and waste services these can hold washing machines and sinks as well as household storage.
Art studio
Creatives may transform summer houses into art studios, providing a dedicated space for painting, sculpting, or crafting. These environments foster inspiration and focus, allowing artists to pursue their passions.
Workshop or hobby room
DIY enthusiasts often utilise summer houses as workshops or hobby rooms, equipped with tools, workbenches, and storage for supplies. Whether it’s woodworking, crafting, or tinkering with electronics, these spaces cater to creative endeavours.
Greenhouse
Some summer houses are designed with ample natural light and ventilation, making them ideal for housing plants and vegetables, serving as miniature greenhouses.
A dedicated summer house for working or relaxation can significantly enhance your focus by removing the distractions found in the family home, creating an environment for deep work or creative flow. Such a space promotes mental well-being through a clear separation between your work and home life.
Entertaining and socialising spaces
Entertainment area
Some summer houses are designed as entertainment hubs, complete with seating areas, audiovisual equipment, and gaming consoles. They serve as venues for hosting gatherings, movie nights, or recreational activities.
Outdoor kitchen or barbecue area
Some summer houses are designed with outdoor kitchens or barbecue areas, allowing homeowners to enjoy al fresco dining and culinary experiences. These spaces enhance outdoor entertaining and cooking opportunities.
Garden bar
A garden bar provides an outdoor spot for drinking and socialising, potentially equipped with a grill, sink, fridge, or bar perfect for hosting and enjoying meals or drinks with friends and family.
Man/mam cave
A personal leisure den, themed around your favourite team or game, with comfortable seating, entertainment systems, and a maybe even minibar. We have so many customers using their garden rooms for man caves – and they all love them!
Party time
Your summer house/garden room can be a great place to help entertain family and friends. Your home dining room might be a bit of a squeeze so why not use the summer house!
If you want to hold large parties incorporate fully retracting bi fold doors to create more space and bring the garden into your party, add mood lighting and a background music system to complete the atmosphere and your celebration will be transformed into an outdoor spectacular with indoor comfort.
Movie and cinema
Utilise the space in your summer house and mount the tv or projector screen at one end and arrange the seating to comfortably watch your favourite movies. Don’t forget the popcorn
Music nights
Steal away from the crowds and listen to your favourite tunes in comfort. Immerse yourself in the music. Have speakers all around for that special performance. Alternatively move the furniture and dance the night away.
Adventure and recreation retreats
One thing that springs to mind first of all in the summer house is the tranquillity. With this in mind a summer house is very suited to recreational pursuits such as yoga and meditation. Create your own zen space.
Fitness is big business just now. Why not set up your own gym in the privacy of your own summer house. No need to drive out on winter mornings at 5 o’clock to hit the gym. Pop in at any time. Modern technology can assist with setting the temperature with air conditioning controlled via wifi.
Treadmills and spinning bikes can easily be accommodated in a spacious and airy summer house with all the conveniences of the gym. Is that a fridge in the corner with ice cold water?
Child care is something that young families need more and more. With high costs associated with dropping off the children at nurseries what if you could club together and offer a space where children are safe yet fully engaged in play and learning.
And for older kids to relieve the boredom, create a games room complete with pool/ darts board, electronic games console and board games. And for those even older. How would you like to set up that railway set and not have to go into the loft!
Multi-purpose summer house designs
Many modern Summer house designers and manufacturers strive to innovate and produce multi-purpose buildings that cater for different uses. Internal walls and doors can add much needed storage away from the main living area or even become shower rooms or, again, utility rooms. Folding doors can be used to create a separate area for work or a kitchen, opening up when more space is needed for a fold out bed for instance.
Bi fold doors that stretch from wall to wall can offer unhindered views on warm days bringing the garden inside. These and other doors can also be installed as a level entry threshold giving clear access to wheelchair users.
Summer house with side storage
Combining side storage into a summer house is a great way to maximise the functionality and aesthetics of your outdoor space. This design ensures efficient use of space by combining storage needs with leisure, allowing you to conveniently access garden tools, outdoor furniture, and seasonal items right where they are most used.
Additionally, as the summer house and storage share a unified design, it creates a seamless and visually appealing look that enhances the overall aesthetic of the space.
Smaller summer house ideas
There are a number of bespoke buildings on the market and having a small area in which to place a summer house is not a problem. For a small building to be functionable, say as an office, it does need to be a certain size for some comfort.
If you’re used to sitting at a desk with everything to hand you might enjoy the added benefit of the tranquillity while at work. It also removes you from the dining room table and distractions. If you have a small budget OGEL has a design just like this. It’s called a Solo Pod. A large clear glass door gives light (windows are available) and a built-in desk at the right height without legs for an uncluttered area.
Summer house themes
Beach retreat
Transform your summer house into a relaxing beach retreat, use light, airy colours to capture the feeling of being seaside. Decorate with seashells, driftwood, and nautical accents such as ropes, anchors, and lanterns. Furniture in natural materials like rattan or wicker adds to the relaxed, beachy vibe. This theme is perfect for those looking to create a tranquil space to unwind, reminiscent of a relaxing day at the beach.
Garden oasis
Turning your summer house into a garden oasis can be a delightful theme, ideally incorporate large windows or a skylight to capture natural light. Use the interior space to house exotic plants that need protection from harsh weather, outside, integrate the summer house into the surrounding garden by adding local climbing plants, flower beds, and a pathway leading to the entrance. This theme not only enhances the beauty of your garden but also creates a peaceful sanctuary ideal for meditation, reading, or enjoying nature.
Artist’s studio
An artist’s studio theme is perfect for creatives looking for a space to inspire and house their artistic creations. Keep the decor minimal to allow for creative messes; set up an easel, ample shelving for crafting supplies, and a sturdy table for projects. Perhaps include a cosy nook with a comfortable chair and good lighting for reading, sketching, or thinking about your next creation.
There is no limit to the imagination when it comes to summer house design. If you fancy a traditional victorian style, a fantasy based theme or something more practical there will be a way to make it a reality. A bespoke themed house will be expensive to buy but you could do it yourself if you have the knowledge and resources.
A bespoke theme may be fun but also be restricting in its practical use and once the love has worn off you could be left with something you wish was gone.
A more practical contemporary design, albeit a box shape, can be modified cosmetically the same way you might re-decorate a room in the house. Therefore giving a fresh appeal once you tire of its looks. Changing the surroundings with some simple landscaping can also add freshness even on a small budget.
Summary
At OGEL our buildings are typically rectangular but with imagination, they can become the ideal space for most uses. What we do uniquely is offer you the chance to buy into the environmentally sound ideals that other traditionally built rooms don’t.
With our fully installed, fully reusable modular building system made from recycled plastic waste.
Recycling isn’t a new idea but our building system is a new way to use that recycled waste. Our system is a direct descendant of those items made by grinding up the waste and repurposing it. It is durable and strong and makes a great building material.
Contact us to start your build today.
