Garden offices can create the perfect work from home solution, but what do you need to know when planning your build?
Garden offices can be great for working from home, as they offer a tranquil and serene environment that is separate from the hustle and bustle of the main house. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about building a garden office, from choosing the right location to furnishing it. We'll also take a look at the benefits of working from home and provide some ideas on how to make your garden office feel like home.
1. The many benefits of having an office in the garden
Have you ever dreamed of working from home? No more commuting, no more office politics, and you can wear your pyjamas all day if you want to! Well, there are plenty of people who have made the switch to working from home, and they love it. And while there are some benefits to this arrangement, there are also some challenges. One of the biggest challenges is finding a quiet, comfortable place to work. If you have a family, pets, or live in a densely populated area, your home might not be the best place to get things done. That's why more and more people are setting up offices in their gardens. But what if you could take it one step further and work from a garden office? Here are just a few of the benefits of ditching the traditional office for a garden office.
You'll Be More Productive
It's easier to concentrate when you're not surrounded by distractions. When you have your own space in the garden, you can close the door and really focus on getting things done. If you need to take a break, you can step outside and get some fresh air and sunshine. Studies have shown that being in nature can help reduce stress and improve focus and concentration. So if you're looking for a way to increase your productivity, working from a garden office might be the answer.
Save Money on Office Rent
Renting an office can be expensive, especially in big cities. If you work from home, you can save money by eliminating your office rent expenses. You might even be able to write off part of your mortgage or rent as a business expense. Check with your accountant to see if this is something that would be beneficial for your situation.
Save money on travel costs
If you work from home, you can say goodbye to costly train tickets or petrol costs. Working from a garden office will also allow you to avoid the dreaded daily commute. So if you're looking to save some money, a garden office could be the answer.
You can design your own perfect workspace
When you work from home, you're in charge of your own environment. So if you want a peaceful space to focus on your work, or a bright and airy office with plenty of natural light, you can make it happen. Studies have shown that exposure to natural light can boost your mood, improve your sleep quality, and increase your productivity. In a traditional office, you might be stuck with fluorescent lighting and drab grey walls. But in a garden office, the sky's the limit!
Take inspiration from your surroundings
If you find yourself struggling for inspiration, working from a garden office could help spark some creativity. Surrounded by nature, it's easy to feel inspired by your surroundings and come up with new ideas for your work.
2. Choosing the right spot for your garden office
So you're considering taking the plunge and build a garden office. Congratulations! Working from home has so many benefits, and you're about to enjoy them all. But before you get too excited, there's one important task left to do: choose the perfect spot for your new office. Not sure where to start? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are some tips for choosing the ideal location for your garden office.
Consider the sun
One of the main reasons people love working from home is that they can take advantage of natural light. When choosing a spot for your garden office, make sure to pick a location that gets plenty of sun throughout the day. This will ensure that your office is filled with natural light, making it a more pleasant place to work.
Think about privacy
When you're working from home, you don't want to be constantly interrupted by family members or passersby. When choosing a spot for your garden office, make sure to pick a location that offers some privacy. A secluded corner of the garden or a spot hidden behind some bushes are both good options.
Take into account noise levels
If you live in a busy area, chances are your garden won't be completely silent. When picking a location for your garden office, try to find a spot that's relatively quiet so you can focus on work without distractions. If you are limited to a space close by a busy road, consider planting shrubs and bushed around your office, as these help to drown out background noise.
Make sure there's enough space
You might be tempted to put your garden office in a small timber cabin, but trust us, you'll be much happier in a larger space if you can find the space. When choosing a location for your office, make sure there's enough room for all your furniture and equipment. You should also leave some extra space so you can move around comfortably and avoid feeling claustrophobic.
Consider accessibility
If you have young children or elderly parents living with you, it's important to choose a spot for your garden office that's easily accessible in case of an emergency. A location near the house is ideal so you can quickly get inside if necessary.
Don't forget about utilities!
Before you finalise any plans, make sure there are water and electricity hookups nearby so you can easily connect your garden office to them. Otherwise, you'll have to pay extra to have them installed, which can add significantly to the cost of setting up your office.
3. Tips for creating a productive and comfortable work environment in your garden
If you're struggling to focus or keep your energy levels up while working from your couch or kitchen table, it might be time to set up a dedicated space in your garden. With the right setup, it can be a beautiful and inspiring space that helps you get your best work done.
Make sure you have enough light
One of the most important things to consider when setting up your garden office is lighting. You'll want to make sure you have enough light to see what you're doing, whether it's natural light coming in through windows or a well-placed lamp. Good lighting will help you avoid eye strain and headaches, and it will also make it easier to stay focused on your work.
Get rid of distractions
When you're trying to get work done, any little distraction can throw off your whole day. That's why it's important to create a space that is free from distractions like TV noise, family members coming in and out, or even just general household clutter. If possible, try to set up your office in a part of the garden that is shielded from the house so you can really focus on your work without any interruptions.
Make sure you're comfortable
You're going to be spending a lot of time in your garden office, so it's important to make sure it's a space where you feel comfortable. Consider things like temperature, humidity, and airflow when choosing a location for your office, and invest in some good quality furniture that will support your back and help you stay comfortable throughout the day.
Bring in some plants
Not only do plants make any space look more inviting, but they can also help improve air quality and boost your mood. Adding some greenery to your garden office will help you feel more relaxed and focused, making it easier to get through your workday with a smile on your face.
4. What to consider when furnishing the garden office
Think about the purpose of your garden office
Is your garden office going to be a place where you meet with clients? Or is it simply going to be a place for you to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life so you can really focus on your work? Depending on the answer to that question, you'll want to furnish your garden office accordingly. If you're going to be meeting with clients, for example, you'll want to make sure you have enough seating for everyone as well as a table where you can put paperwork or laptops. On the other hand, if it's just going to be a place for you to get away from everything, you might want something more like a cozy armchair or chaise lounge.
Don't forget the little touches
Hang some artwork on the walls, add some greenery with some potted plants, and include some personal items like photos or mementos. By making your garden office feels like its own separate space—a place where you can really relax and focus on your work—you'll be much more productive overall. Trust us; it's worth taking the time to get it right!
Size and Scale
It's important to strike a balance between making the most of the available space and creating a relaxed and comfortable working environment. Think carefully about the pieces of furniture that you really need and how they will fit into the space. For example, a large desk might look impressive but if it means that you can't move around freely or open cabinet doors fully, then it's probably not practical.
Style and Substance
When choosing furniture for your garden office, it's important to strike a balance between style and substance. Obviously, you want the space to look good but it also needs to be functional and practical. For example, opt for a beautiful but sturdy coffee table that can double as a work surface when needed. Or choose bookshelves with deep shelves that can store both books and paperwork. And don't forget comfort! A stylish but uncomfortable chair might look great but it won't do your back any favours.
If you’re considering a garden office, we hope this article has given you some food for thought. There are many benefits to having your own office space outside the home, but there are also a few things to consider before starting your build. We wish you all the best in creating your perfect work-from-home sanctuary!
