I’m a real working-from-home enthusiast. I’ve done it for over a decade and I find it so enjoyable. Not only is my commute very short and eco-friendly (yes, I walk the ten yards to my home office!) but I also have a fun space to work in that’s personalised to me.
Even though many people like the office environment, it’s possible to create a space that’s equally as productive as your desk at work even when you’re working from home. In fact, I find that I get more work done at home because it’s nice and quiet, plus there are no distractions from colleagues chatting or needing me to take on extra last-minute tasks.
The main issue with working from home is when you haven’t got a dedicated office space to work in. If you need to pack away your laptop after working at the kitchen table, or if you’ve not got space for your files at your under-stairs alcove desk, I’m sure you’ll find WFH easier and more enjoyable if you create a proper home office.
But if you don’t have a spare room, where can you work? The garden! If you’ve got a patch of space outside, no matter how small, you can make use of it for your own home office. Perhaps you can convert a garage or you could try adding one of these options:
My little vintage caravan
For many years, I’ve had a vintage caravan in my garden that I converted into my home office. I bought it for £100 delivered, repainted the outside and repaired the windows to make sure it’s weather-proof. I then redecorated it to create a space that I love to work in.
Removing most of the interior of my little vintage caravan gave me more space for my paperwork and books, and I kept the bench seating and table to work at, which enables it to be converted into an extra spare bedroom if really needed – although I’ve only stayed in it once!
It was a handy WFH solution for me because I didn’t have to lay a concrete base – it just sits on slabs – and the wheels mean it’s technically not a garden structure so is less likely to need permission from the local council – but do check the regulations in your area if you fancy having a little vintage caravan for a home office.
A dedicated garden office
If that option feels a bit too temporary for you, you can check local planning regulations and see if you’re permitted to build a dedicated garden office instead. This building can be insulated so that it’s usable all year round and will have electrics fitted so that you can add lights and your tech essentials.
A garden office doesn’t have to be expensive – they’re usually made from timber, which makes them more affordable and less likely to require planning permits than a brick-built option. They can be clad in wood, metal or durable composite materials to create different looks from traditional to modern. You can visit this website to get some ideas on the different garden office options available.
The joy of having an office in the garden is landscaping around it so that it fits into the space seamlessly with trees, shrubs and potted plants. I’ve got a cherry tree and rose bushes right outside my garden office and one of the things I personally love about working there is fully opening up the window and hearing the birds singing while I work almost-outside amongst nature.
This type of structure is more permanent and weather-proof so you can decorate it the same as you would with a spare room office – choose your favourite wallpaper, paint colours, soft furnishings and practical desk. It’s your chance to make the space unique to you and create an office that you actually want to work in!
Image by Life of Isatu – I’ve written about her lovely home here.
Beach hut
Finally, a fun idea is to use a beach hut as a garden office. I’ve known a few writers who work from home in beach huts, sheds, shepherd’s huts, summerhouses and everything in between. Basically, it’s about using a cheap timber structure and making it a handy space for work.
You’ll probably need to do a lot of work to an existing shed to turn it into a workspace because it won’t have electrics, the interior walls won’t be insulated or lined with plasterboard, and the roof will definitely need to be more substantial than felt-covered board.
Even so, if you just want to escape to somewhere quiet with your laptop, there’s no reason why a summerhouse wouldn’t be a nice place to work when the weather is nice. Again, you can throw the doors open and let the fresh air in. Just don’t forget to also position a bird table just outside the window to attract some garden birds and provide that lovely soundtrack of birdsong while you work!
image by LucyLovesYa – I’ve written about her beach hut garden room here.
What do you think of these ideas for a unique garden office? Would you enjoy working from home in one of these options? Please let me know in the comments below if you have an interesting garden office or have hacked an office space in your home, I’d love to get your WFH tips!
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