#Collaborative
As a busy mum juggling family life and work, I’ve recently found myself drawn to the idea of garden rooms.
Like many of you, I’ve been searching for ways to create additional living space that works for the whole family without the massive upheaval of moving house. With the current mortgage rates and many other costs factored in, moving is not an option for everyone, and we have been looking into other options suitable for the family or the ever-changing way we use our home.
A Space That Grows With Your Family:
Family needs are constantly evolving, and that’s where garden rooms truly shine. Think about all the possibilities:
• Home office during working hours
• Teenage revision space during exam season
• Art studio for weekend creativity
• Music practice room (without driving everyone mad!)
• Cosy reading nook for quiet moments
• Family game room for quality time together
Whatever your need may be, having a little space that is in the home but away from the everyday hustle and bustle could be a game-changer for everyone.
For us, we need a space that we can use for multiple purposes, such as an office for me during the day whilst I am working and somewhere that we can socialise with friends in the evening and at weekends. Done right, a garden room can create that space that works without the planning permission and expensive construction costs.
Creating Your Sanctuary:
We all know how chaotic family life can get. Having a dedicated space just steps away from your back door can be a game-changer.
When the holidays come around, this house is busy, even with teenagers! Having that option to have an office away from the everyday lift noise is a great solution to so many problems. It also allows you the chance to close the door on the work and go home to enjoy your personal life.
If you don’t need it for an office, why not make it a little retreat, somewhere that you can read your book or even do some yoga in the garden in peace? It would also work well for teenagers who just need a little bit of space sometimes.
The Work-Life Balance Benefits:
Working from home doesn’t mean working from your kitchen table anymore. A garden room offers:
• Clear boundary between home and work life
• No more clearing away work stuff for dinner time
• Professional background for video calls
• A proper desk setup that stays set up
• That lovely morning ‘commute’ through your garden
I am a huge fan of making sure your work-life balance works for your needs, and this could be a great solution to so many of the problems many of us face.
Benefits of garden rooms:
If you are still unsure if a garden room would work for you, here are some of the features that make it so popular.
- Year-Round Comfort – Modern garden rooms aren’t just summer houses. They’re built for all seasons. With proper insulation, you are able to have cosy winters, and then if you opt for windows/doors, you can have great ventilation in the summer. The space is usable all year round, and you can enjoy your garden change throughout the season.
- Simple installation – Unlike traditional extensions, garden rooms are relatively straightforward. Most of them usually do not need to go through the long planning process for permission to install. The install is also a lot less stressful as the install process is much quicker, making your space ready to use much quicker.
- Bringing the Outside In – The connection to your garden makes these spaces special. Large windows flood the room with natural light, and they allow you to enjoy the outdoors in comfort! Great for supervising kids playing outside during the summer, too, if you need to catch up on some work.
- Sustainable Features – Modern garden rooms can be incredibly eco-friendly, with many offering energy-efficient design and using sustainable building materials. If you wanted to, there are options for living roofs and solar panels, too.
- Design Flexibility – Your garden room can reflect your style, whether you are going for a modern and minimalist or Scandinavian hygge. The options are there for you to match up with your home’s current design.
Whatever you choose, make sure that when planning your garden room, you think about how your family’s needs might change over the next few years. The most successful garden rooms are those that can adapt as your family grows and changes.
A garden room isn’t just an extra room – it’s a flexible space that adapts to whatever your family needs. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful work environment, a teenage hangout space, or simply a quiet spot to enjoy your garden, it could be the perfect solution for your family.
