The garden shed has certainly come a long way from its humble beginnings as a dark and damp lean-to, neglected and weather beaten, used mainly as a dumping ground for storing garden tools and other paraphernalia.
Today’s outdoor buildings are a whole new ball game, and come in a wonderful variety of sizes (anything from 2 to 6 metres in width). Apart from a large choice of doors, windows, and even skylights, they also come with insulation to protect you from those wet and cold winters and can be connected to your mains supply.
The modern day, then, is being reinvented as a dream bachelor pad or smart log cabin. In fact, people have become so passionate about doing up their shed that there’s now a hugely successful Shed of the Year competition on Channel 4, presented by the popular architect George Clarke. If you’re all fired up from watching the programme and are considering converting your outdoor building into something really special, here’s a list of the top 5 uses for a garden building.
- A home office
Working from home is becoming increasingly common, as more companies allow their employees to work remotely for a day or a few days a week. But it can be difficult to find the right space to set up an office in your already crowded house. A shed in the garden could be the perfect solution, as it’s only a few steps from the house.
Here, you’re unlikely to be interrupted and can work in relative peace and quiet. Even the smallest log cabin can be equipped with all you need, including phone, printer and WiFi connections. There are so many office shed designs to choose from and the big bonus is that you get to avoid that dreaded daily commute.
- The perfect man cave
The garden shed has always been an unofficial man cave but now could be the time to make it official and create a dream space for you and all things masculine. The opportunities are limitless – imagine what you could do!
What about the ultimate workshop with a spacious workbench and all your tools perfectly arranged and easy to access. And, of course, you can always make space to fit in a comfy chair in the corner right next to the all-important bar fridge, which may just happen to be opposite the TV, tuned to your favourite sports channel. Everyone needs a rest in between projects, right?
If you have some extra space, why not go large, by adding an interlocking garage? Then you’ll have all the space you could want for that motorbike or classic car you’ve been thinking about doing up. How’s that for a dream space?
- The craft corner
For those who love making things but hate the time it takes to set up and pack away the necessary items, why not ‘craft’ your very own creative space. Set up that easel or your sewing machine, get out the paint and canvasses and those fabrics and make whoopee in your very own studio.
Imagine being able to take your time with each project without having to pack up at the end of the day. So go on, design a shed that’s bright, airy and inspiring. What are you waiting for?
- The teenage hangout zone
What about when your teenagers have their friends over, how fantastic would it be to have a separate space they could go to? You might like to kit out your garden shed with a games centre, a large screen TV and surround sound and who knows, you may never see them again! Except, of course, when they need feeding… Hmmm, perhaps you should also think about arranging a hotline to the local takeaway service.
- Your very own Local
If you like entertaining, then why not turn your shed into a little pub. You could kit it out with a bar counter and two or three small stools. Add a few shelves and optics, fill with the relevant bottles and hey presto you can stay out all night without going out at all!
Not quite the pub type but still want an entertainment room? Then go more luxurious with a comfortable couch, some soft lighting and a great sound system. Heck, if you wanted to go really mad, you could even fit in a hot tub.
This article was written by interior design enthusiast, Sara Bryant an independent content writer working alongside bespoke log cabin manufacturers, Hortons Portable Buildings.
