Practical Design Ideas for A Small Garden Office
09 July 2020

Practical Design Ideas for A Small Garden Office

Practical Design Ideas for A Small Garden Office

Working from home has always been popular and is set to become even more popular after the outbreak of COVID-19. In a 2019 ONS survey it claimed a staggering 1.7 million people reported working mainly from home, growing from 4.3% of the total UK workforce in 2015 to 5.1% in 2019.

Working from home has definitely been on the rise in the last five years, as working from home becomes easier and more accepted. In fact, with the government forcing many to work from home for the first time ever, it is likely that the coronavirus pandemic will bring about a long-term change in attitudes toward home working.

Whilst there has been some scepticism about working from home, this situation has proven to many companies that it is actually a very cost-effective and viable option. With no daily commute, being able to ditch the 9-5 routine, no hustle and bustle, no office noise and having a much better work-life balance, there is much to promote it and many are turning to their garden for the ideal solution.

Garden offices are a quick and cost-effective way to create a dedicated workspace that won’t encroach on home life. Garden offices are available in all sizes, so if you don’t think you have the space for a garden office, then the reality is that you probably do. Garden rooms are also a sound investment, adding value to your property and can be financed for less than your money commute costs. With a little creativity, you will be able to create the perfect garden office interior for you.

Garden Office

Illusive Design Tricks

Small one-person garden offices are on the rise as they provide the ideal solution without encroaching on too much garden space. By considering the best use of that space you can easily create a space that does not feel too cramped or enclosed, providing you with all that you need to work effectively and comfortably day after day.

First, we take a look at a few design tricks. By painting your walls in a light colour, you can make the space look larger. Lighter colours will reflect light, making the space seem brighter and roomier. It is best to avoid dark colours in small spaces as they absorb light, making the room feel smaller and more constricting.

Another clever trick to make your space seem larger is to paint any trims a slightly lighter colour than the walls as that will provide the optical illusion of the walls feeling further away than they really are.

Light is another important factor in creating a light and airy space. Add plenty of windows for natural light and don’t forget about airflow – despite many modern designs having a lot of floor to ceiling glass, it’s always best to throw in a couple of opening ones too! Interior lighting is important too and garden office suppliers usually offer a variety of interior lighting, you just need to ensure that you choose the best option to light up your work area. Mirrors are also a great addition to small spaces as they bounce light from windows to create the illusion of space.

Don’t overcrowd the space, too much furniture can make a small room feel cluttered and cramped. That doesn’t mean that you cannot have any sizeable pieces in your garden office, it just means that you need to plan your layout carefully, maximising space is the key with a small office. Always utilise the wall space too, with over desk shelving, you will find that you soon have a compact workable space suitable for everything that you will need.

Go wireless wherever possible as there is nothing worse than wires trailing everywhere in a small space and always keep your office tidy and clutter-free.

It’s also a good idea to include blinds in your office as these can assist in regulating the temperature and security but they can also assist in creating the illusion of the space being larger than it actually is. Vertical blinds will add height to the building and horizontal will add width.

SMART Garden Office Interior

Small Office Layout

The position and layout of your garden home office will define how comfortable the space is to work in. It is key to your productivity and wellbeing that you site it and set it up in the best way possible.

When choosing the location in your garden, it’s best to avoid areas of high traffic, such as right next door to the kids play area or right outside the back door. If this isn’t possible then think about obscuring the view to those elements so that you are not easily distracted.

Think about what you want to look out onto when you are working because let’s face it, facing a brick wall or hedge will not be very inspiring! Finding a quiet corner surrounded by nature will provide a serene and enjoyable haven to work from.

Consider the must-have pieces of furniture and equipment your garden home office will need and plan the space carefully. If you don’t need it – don’t add it! Small spaces can quickly become overcrowded and then feel horribly cramped and stifling.

Thinking about the location, view and interior layout before designing the exterior of the building will be invaluable and will assist you in deciding where the best locations are to place your door and windows.

Practical, Space-Saving Office Equipment

With a small garden office, there are lots of space-saving furniture options available in the marketplace to create your perfect workspace. There are lots of inspiring, stylish designs out there.

Wall-mounted furniture is a great way to utilise smaller spaces, by adding a floating desk surrounded by open shelving, you will create the illusion of depth whilst also adding all the space you need to work comfortably, making the room look brighter and airier.

Desks with exposed legs will also make the space look bigger and why not swap a wooden tabletop for a glass one which will give you the same workspace but will trick the eye in to feeling like it does not.

Under-desk drawers are also a great option in a small garden office as they will maximise the floor space.

It’s a well known fact that sitting too much is not good for your health so you might also like to consider an adjustable desk to promote healthier working and without the need for a cumbersome chair, you can really utilise the space.

Instead of cramming every wall with shelving add a large whiteboard to one as this will create a focal point in the room and help keep the room tidier.

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Get in Touch Now 

There is no denying that it is possible to create a workspace of sorts within your home, if you have the space to do so. It is however far more beneficial to create a dedicated workspace away from the house and this is where SMART can help you.

SMART has been creating thousands of small garden offices over the past 19 years. With 7 beautiful and diverse ranges available in up to 64 sizes, there is a SMART to suit every taste, garden size and budget.

With a SMART garden office, you have the ability to create a garden office that is bespoke to you, configured exactly as you would like. With a whole host of optional extras and upgrades, the only thing that will limit you is your imagination.

All SMART’s boast full thermal insulation, UNLIMITED double glazing, a 10-year structural warranty and professional installation, with prices starting from as little as £10,525

Start planning your SMART garden office today and order a copy of our brochure, where you’ll discover what makes our garden offices the SMART choice.