Garden rooms add a touch of drama to the outdoors, while adding value and functionality to your home. Fully insulated for year round use, they provide a place to entertain, work or relax. From a converted shed to a glass box or a conservatory, there are plenty of ways to create your own bespoke space. However, there are a few things to consider before getting started.

The first step is to decide what the room will be used for and how often. Then you can choose the right style and size. garden rooms range from quaint shepherd huts and mobile garden studios, to contemporary insulated buildings by companies like InFrame. Some styles of garden room require planning permission and the use of certain materials, so it is worth checking with local authorities before beginning any construction.

Another consideration is the location and orientation of the garden room. This will impact the amount of light available and how it changes through the day, as well as affecting the thermal comfort of the building. Ideally, the garden room should be located to frame the best views of the rest of the garden and landscape.

If the garden room will be mainly used for entertaining and relaxing, it may be appropriate to incorporate a kitchen area for catering. This will allow you to avoid running back and forth from the house, while also allowing guests to enjoy the surroundings and atmosphere of your garden.

Alternatively, a garden office can be a useful addition to the household, providing an ideal workspace away from the main living areas of the home. The addition of a hot tub or swimming pool to the garden can be an ideal way to finish off a garden room, and can offer an additional venue for entertaining.

Garden rooms can also be a tranquil bolt hole, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life to sit and read or relax in peace. The addition of a fire pit or barbecue can make it even more of an inviting spot to spend time with family and friends.

The decor of a garden room can be as eclectic or as formal as you like, but the key is to ensure it complements the overall look of your garden and outdoor spaces. A traditional or rustic theme can be complemented by wooden furniture, while more formal furnishings and stone flooring will enhance a classic cottage garden.

Choosing the right paint colour can also help to create a cohesive appearance for a garden room, especially if it will be visible from the house. Pale shades such as white and cream can soften the look of a modern conservatory, while green oak-framed garden buildings can work nicely with more rustic or period property styles. For a more personal touch, choose furniture that features floral patterns and country scenes. For example, the Cath Kidston x DFS collection has sofas and footstools that are upholstered in wild flower illustrations and bucolic meadow scenes.