10 Tips For Turning Your Garden Room Into A Home Office

When I’m not writing articles for Lukeosaurus and Me or posting on my social channels, I spend a lot of my time helping other people run their small businesses with my Virtual Assistant services. In most cases, my clients are running their businesses straight out of their homes, juggling home life with business ownership and, at times, finding it hard to expand their empire due to restrictions on space. It’s at this point that I usually suggest that they either rent an office space or use their housing situation to their advantage and create the office of dreams by opting to invest in a garden room.

Now I hear you; you may be wondering, What is a garden room?, or How do I choose the right garden room for my home office?

Well, worry not, because in this blog post, we’re going to be talking all about setting up your own garden room office to ensure you have the perfect environment for productivity and business growth. So let’s get into it! 

What do I mean by “garden room”?

Firstly, you may be wondering what on earth I’m talking about, so let me give you the low down on garden rooms and what they can do for you. 

Garden rooms are pretty self-explanatory. To put it simply, they’re free-standing buildings that are erected in your garden. Due to the innovative design of garden rooms, you do not need planning permission to build one. Garden rooms are luxurious spaces that are fitted with windows, lighting fixtures, and, of course, an electrical supply for plug sockets, which makes them ideal for home offices. 

Garden rooms can be used in a number of ways, but some of the most popular choices include home gyms, spare bedrooms, home offices, and studios. 

1. The First Steps To Choosing Your Garden Room 

The first step to creating your dream home office is to find your ideal location within your garden, and then select a garden room that works for you. There are many things to consider when selecting a garden room, therefore you will need to think about your specific business needs, as well as any additional fixtures you will require.  Of course, you will also need to consider your budget and strike a balance between comfort and functionality. Garden rooms come in various shapes and sizes, and you can even opt for customisable options to suit your style and preferences.

2. Insulation and Climate Control

For your garden room to serve as a year-round home office, proper insulation is crucial. You’ll want to stay comfortable and focused when working, regardless of whether you’re experiencing the sweltering summer heat or freezing winter temperatures. Make sure that you find a reputable company that knows what they’re doing when it comes to constructing your new home office to avoid any small cracks that will let in a drought or rainwater. Additionally, ensure you install double-glazed windows, insulation boards, and efficient heating and cooling systems in order to maintain the optimal working environment.

3. Design and Decor

When creating your ideal home office, the aesthetics of your garden room office matter too. In fact, I would say that creating a space that inspires and motivates you is the key to staying productive and growing your small business. When considering your design and decor options, choose a colour scheme that promotes concentration and creativity. Add personal touches, such as artwork, plants, and comfortable furniture to ensure you allow yourself some down-time every now and then. Don’t forget about lighting; natural light is ideal, but you may need additional fixtures for overcast days or evening work, especially if you’re using your garden room to design and create products.

4. Technology and Connectivity

Running a business, no matter how big or small, requires some seriously robust tech and a reliable internet connection. In order for your garden room to function as a place of work, you need to ensure that your office is equipped with high-speed internet, as well as all other necessary technology that will help your business to thrive. Imagine having to trudge through your garden in the rain because your wireless printer is inside and you’ve got 100 shipping labels to print out! What a nightmare. Instead, I suggest considering setting up a dedicated Wi-Fi network for your garden room to avoid connectivity issues and to keep all essential technology with you.

5. Storage Solutions

Next, we are talking about storage solutions. It’s likely that one of the reasons you’re even reading this blog post is that you are looking for ways to maximise your productivity when it comes to your home business, but you’re finding it hard to expand due to spacial restrictions. Investing in a garden room alone isn’t enough, you need to put your ‘professional business owner’ hat on and think about storage solutions that help you keep your workspace clutter-free. When choosing a design, envision where everything will sit, including storage solutions such as shelves, filing cabinets, and storage boxes.

6. Get Comfortable

Your garden room home office is going to get a lot of use, so it’s vital that you do not overlook the importance of ergonomics in your setup. My number one tip here would be to invest in a comfortable chair and a suitable desk. If you choose to do anything from this list to help you to stay focused and healthy, I would recommend these things as they will help to promote good posture and reduce the risk of discomfort or injury in your back, neck, and shoulders. Proper ergonomics can seriously boost your productivity and well-being.

7. Distraction Management

It’s likely that you already know this, but working from home can come with its own set of distractions. Trust me, I know! Whilst this may be the case, it’s important to establish a schedule and set clear boundaries if you want to maintain your focus and efficiency. My advice would be to inform family members about your working hours and use techniques like time blocking to maximise your productivity.

8. Landscaping and Greenery

One of the benefits of a garden room office is the connection to the outdoors. Make the most of this by incorporating your garden into your workspace. Position your desk near a window with a pleasant view, and consider adding potted plants or a small garden outside the room to create a soothing atmosphere. 

9. Privacy and Security

If your garden room office contains sensitive or valuable information, you will need to ensure that it’s secure! It’s my advice that you invest in security measures like locks, alarm systems, and outdoor lighting to protect your workspace, equipment, and sensitive documentation.

10. Create a Work-Life Balance

Finally, maintaining a work-life balance is essential when your office is just a few steps from your home. It can be very easy to become lost in your work, which could ultimately lead you to spend less time with friends and family. In order to maintain a harmonious work-life balance, set boundaries for work hours and make time for breaks and relaxation. Remember, your garden room office should enhance your life, not consume it.

Final Thoughts On Converting Your Garden Room Into A Home Office

Turning a garden room into a home office offers a unique and relaxing space that can increase your productivity, foster creativity, and improve your work-life balance. By carefully planning your garden room setup, you can create a professional and comfortable workspace that allows you to run a successful business while enjoying the benefits of working from home. So, get started on your dream home office today and take your home-based business to new heights! 

*Collaborative post.