Discover how to design a garden workspace that feels more like an extension of your home than an office.
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With many people working remotely or running businesses from home, home office extensions are becoming more popular. But how do you make your garden workspace feel like a natural extension of your home?
Crafting a garden workspace design that feels just like a part of the main home can be more of a challenge than you might think. The trick is to maintain cohesion through style and function, which is fairly simple if you’re building directly onto your main house.
But how do you achieve it with a separate extension in your garden?
A few simple steps will help meet your goal, from flooring and plastering to seasonal updates. Here are some ideas for your home office.
Match Materials to the Main House
Wherever possible, match the materials of an external workspace to those used in your main house. This aesthetic choice will help your garden workspace feel like a transitional extension rather than a separate entity.
If your home is built with eco-materials, then it’s essential to consider your extension materials carefully. As an example, you could begin with eco-friendly shed bases that are perfect for external offices and guesthouses. You can then build out the extension with matching bricks or timber siding.
Don’t forget about the style of the roof tiles either, as this makes a big difference to the end result.
Don’t Skimp on the Floors and Walls
A home office extension can be as simple as a shed with some furniture and a heater. However, you will need to give the space a lot more TLC if you want it to look and feel as good as the main house.
After you’ve chosen the right materials and installed a reliable shed base, your next focus should be the flooring and plastering.
Installing wood flooring, laminate or floor tiles that match your home will help avoid the ‘shed feel’. Plastering and decorating the walls may feel like an unnecessary effort, but it will significantly enhance the “room” feel of the extension.
Maximise Light for Powerful Garden Workspace Design
Light is vital for a workspace and can have a significant impact on the people who work there. Studies by the World Green Council even suggest that sunlight could increase productivity by 11%*.
In fact, colour and light are among the best budget-friendly home updates. Bi-fold doors, skylights and large windows are a great way to maximise sunlight in your workspace.
However, if you live in a country that isn’t blessed with year-round sunshine, a combination of natural and artificial light will add illumination and a feeling of warmth.
Using the same style of window frames in the workspace and the main house gives a feeling of continuity.
Build the Space for Seasonal Changes
Designing an extension to function as a home office probably means you plan to work in there all year round. So, you need to ensure your garden workspace can handle anything the seasons can throw at it.
Insulation and heating cooling systems are essential to keep you comfortable as you work. The base and structure need to be firm, and waterproofing is essential, especially in the UK.
Don’t forget the noise of rain falling on a tin roof when you’re planning your roofing materials!
Decorate and Furnish it like Home
Once you have finalised your structure, the fun part can begin!
Your home office is a blank canvas, so you can decorate the space in a way that appeals to you. The visual aspect is crucial, but make sure that your space also provides everything you need to carry out your job.
There are many smart ways to decorate a professional office, but don’t forget about comfort.
Ergonomic furniture is essential for good health. You’ll also need space to take breaks, and home comforts such as a coffee machine and snack fridge.
Of course, don’t forget about your IT requirements and high-speed internet connectivity!
Following these simple steps will help you create a beautiful and long-lasting home office extension. The materials, flooring, lighting and decor you choose for your garden workspace design will help you combine comfort and productivity to optimal effect.