When it comes to garden room or summer house interior ideas, many decor possibilities can be used to improve the aesthetic and feel of the space. Interior design and decoration can not only create a specific atmosphere but can also help to define the function of the space.
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Here are my garden summer house interior ideas to get you started:
Keep The Space Open and Airy
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With an open floor plan and plenty of natural light, your summer house will be the perfect sociable space for hosting parties or entertaining friends.
To keep summer house interiors feeling airy and spacious, opt for light-coloured or white walls and furniture. Whites, creams, and pale blues will reflect the natural light and make your space feel bigger. To add a pop of colour, try using accent pieces like throw pillows or rugs.
What About Small Summer Houses?
For small summer house interiors, keeping the small space open may not be an option, simply due to the limited room that you have. In this case, you just need to get the most out of every bit of space that you do have and make sure every part of your small summer house is as multi-functional and useable as possible.
Even with an open space such as this, If you want to be able to use your garden room at all times of the year, it is important to consider insulating your summer house, office space or play den.
Use Furniture That Fits Your Needs
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If you're lucky enough to have a garden room or summer house, you'll want to make the most of it by creating a relaxing and inviting space. A comfortable sofa or daybed would be the perfect addition to any summer house. You'll also want somewhere to lounge and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. I advise adding some cushions and throws in soft, natural fabrics for an extra cosy feel to the space.
In my opinion, a dining table is another great addition to any summer house. Whether you're enjoying breakfast al fresco or hosting a dinner party, you'll need somewhere to eat. A simple wooden table with matching chairs is a classic look that won't date.
Finally, don't forget to add some storage solutions to your garden building. Shelves are perfect for storing books, magazines and games, while baskets can be used for storing blankets and throws for when it gets a bit chilly.
Pick Lighting to Suit Your Space
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Before you can decide on the lighting to go for in your summer house, It is important to consider the practicalities of the space and the overall aesthetic you want to create. Do you want a bright and airy space, or something more cosy and intimate? Once you have an idea of the atmosphere you're going for, you can start to narrow down your options.
Further Considerations for Your Summer House
Some further things that I suggest that you bear in mind before taking the final decision are, how much natural light does it get currently? What are the power outlets like? And how easy is it to install new fixtures? Many types of lighting can be used to illuminate summer houses, such as candles or fairy lights, for a diffused light. Or spotlights and recessed lights for brighter overall ambient light.
If you want something more unique and quirky, why not go for some funky lighting fixtures in your summer house that will grab your visitor's attention?
Keep an Eye on The Budget
Don't forget about your budget either. There are plenty of beautiful light fixtures out there, but depending on what you go for, they can be fairly expensive. So, by setting a realistic budget before starting your search, you hopefully won't be tempted to overspend!
Taking all of these factors into account, and then of course using personal preference for the style, colour and size. You should hopefully be able to make your decision that much easier. If you are still struggling for inspiration, I have written the perfect article on summerhouse lighting ideas that will certainly help.
Add Soft Summer House Furnishings
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Utilise soft furnishings to add a pop of colour to your summer house decor, this can be done with vibrant pillows and throws. Add a further touch of luxury with velvety fabrics and rich textures.
If your garden room or summer house has a lot of windows, take advantage of them by hanging sheer curtains that complement the colour scheme of the space and other fabrics. Sheer curtains will let in the sunlight while still providing privacy. For a dramatic look, choose curtains with more daring patterns, a colour palette of bold shades or a sumptuous texture. Or for a more timeless look, go for neutral creams, beiges or white.
Utilise Mirrors in Your Summer House
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A mirror or a few mirrors are a must-have in any room, but especially in a garden summer house where you want to make the most of any natural light that you already have. Not only will they reflect light and make the space feel brighter, but they will also create the illusion of more space.
Use Plants for Decoration
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If you are considering adding some plants to your summer house, and why wouldn't you? First, consider what kind of light your summerhouse gets. If it's mostly shaded, try ferns, impatiens, or begonias. Alternatively, if it's sunny most of the time, opt for sun-loving plants like petunias, geraniums, or marigolds.
Next, think about the temperature and climate inside your summer house. If it tends to be hot and humid, look for tropical plants that can tolerate those particular conditions. If it's on the cooler side, go for plants that prefer cooler temperatures like impatiens or coleus.
Finally, don't forget to add a few personal touches with some of your favourite flowers or herbs, to create a beautiful aroma.
Fit Shelves for Practicality
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When it comes to furnishing a summerhouse or garden room, shelves are a great option to go for. Not only do they provide practical storage for your essentials or decorative objects, but they also help to keep the space feeling airy and light. Shelves also provide a convenient place to keep everything within reach.
Make sure that the shelves you choose are durable, can withstand the changeable elements and will also complement the overall aesthetic of your summer house. Also, pick shelves that will be functional and provide ample storage space for your needs.
Another benefit to installing shelves is that you can use the front edges to hang things from, like string lights, bunting or just attach hooks for keys etc.
So, what are the best shelves for summer houses? One option is to go with wicker shelving. Wicker is a great material for summerhouses because it is durable and resistant to moisture. Plus, it has a natural look that will complement any summerhouse decor. Another option is to use metal shelving. Metal is another very durable solution and can withstand harsh conditions.
Beautify the Walls With Artwork
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Adding artwork to summer house interiors can give them a more homely and lived-in vibe, as it feels more like a living space than just an outbuilding.
Before looking into the choices available, consider the overall style and colour scheme of your summer house. Is it more rustic or contemporary? This will help you narrow down your options. If it's rustic, then perhaps an antique landscape painting would be a good match. If the space and interior decor are more contemporary, a bright and colourful abstract painting would be a fitting choice.
Size is an Important Consideration
Another thing to consider is the size of the artwork. You don't want something too small or too large for the space that you have. A good rule of thumb is to choose something that takes up about two-thirds of the wall space.
Finally, think about what kind of mood you want to create in your summer house. Is it a place for relaxation? Then something like a seascape or beach scene would be appropriate. Alternatively, If you want your summerhouse to feel more lively and active, then an abstract painting or some form of 3D textured art would be a good choice.
Turn the Summer House Into a Kid's Den
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If you rarely use your summer house for anything other than storage or the occasional retreat or just need some extra space where the kids can play (and you can get some peace and quiet!) why not consider turning it into a children's den?
Summerhouses can have various uses and are a versatile space, so with a few simple interior design ideas, you can easily turn it into a fun multi-purpose space for your kids to hang out and play. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Give the summerhouse a fresh coat of paint in bright, cheerful colours. This will not only immediately transform the space, but make it more inviting for the kids.
- Add some comfortable seating options like bean bags or floor cushions. This way, they can lounge around and read or play video games in comfort.
- Create a game area with a table and chairs for them to play board games or make puzzles.
Add Bunting for Decoration
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Bunting is a great addition to creating a summer vibe in your space, and it's the perfect way to decorate summer houses on a budget. It can also be very colourful and cheerful, so is a fantastic way to brighten up the space. If you are handy at crafting, you could easily make the bunting yourself using fabric or paper, so it's the ideal decoration for adding a personal touch to your summer house.
Turn Your Summer House Into an Office
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Summer houses and garden rooms are the perfect solution for a place to set up a home office. Just imagine how much more work could be achieved with all the extra peace and quiet a garden office would give you! With a few simple ideas, you can easily create an inviting and productive space that will make working from home a pleasure and not a chore.
Start by choosing the right location for your summer house office space. If possible, pick a spot that gets plenty of natural light and is out of the way from distractions. It's then time to decide which type of summerhouse base to use that best suits the ground conditions and your budget. Once the base and garden summer house build is complete, it's time to move on to the interior.
Storage is Key
Include plenty of storage for all of your office supplies, such as a filing cabinet or shelving unit. This will help to keep your space organised and tidy. Then, set up a comfortable chair and desk where you can fully focus on your work. Finally, don’t forget to add some personal touches, like photos or artwork, to make your summer house office feel like your own.
Bring the Outside In
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Whether there is a plethora of beautiful sunshine or the weather outside is dull and miserable, there's nothing nicer than retreating to your summer house and relaxing on a comfy sofa. But what if it looks more like a storage shed than a sanctuary?
With a few simple tweaks, you can easily turn your summer house into an oasis, that feels like a natural extension of the main house and that can also be used year-round. Bring the outdoor space in by hanging floral prints, using natural greens and earthy shades, or adding other nature-inspired colours and motifs on the walls.
Variety is The Spice of Life
Add plenty of different shapes, sizes and styles of plants to the space, and even some fresh flowers picked straight from the garden, for the ultimate delight for all the senses.
If you are willing to take on a bigger job, and you want a truly seamless indoor-outdoor experience for your summer house, install large windows and doors to let in much more natural light and fresh air. This is a much more involved change to undertake, and may not suit the budget you have to work with. But just imagine how the end result could look.
Add a Rug to the Summer House Floor
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A rug can inject some personality and style into a summer house. It can also help to create a more defined space, which can be useful if the summer house is on the small side. Rugs also protect the flooring from dirt, damage and also keep your feet warm when the weather is on the colder side and cool in the warmer months.
Rug designs, sizes and textures are widely varied, so you're sure to find one that fits your summerhouse's aesthetic and theme.
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My Final Thoughts
With a little bit of creativity and elbow grease, these summer house interior ideas are sure to take your space to the next level, and you'll achieve a beautiful and inviting space that is perfect for entertaining or relaxing. So what are you waiting for? Get started today so you can enjoy your new garden oasis during the summer months or colder British weather periods (if it is insulated).
Author: Matthew Chiappini
