Inspiration and Tips for Summer Houses with Side Sheds

Introduction

Ask any Brit with a garden and a summer house - they'll tell you there's no better way to spend a sleepy summer afternoon than in your own space dedicated to relaxation and enjoying the charm of your garden.

Not only does it provide an idyllic retreat for relaxation, but by adding a side shed you can bring heaps of practicality to the table.

Let's delve into the dual advantages of this fantastic fusion and discover how to amplify your outdoor space!

The Dual Advantage: Why a Summer House Needs a Side Shed

If you've ever faced the dilemma of choosing between a summer house and a shed, the answer is clear: why not both? Summer houses offer that cosy escape within your garden where you can lounge, read, or even work. They embody leisure and relaxation.

However, every garden enthusiast knows that along with leisure comes the need for practical storage.

Combining Function with Leisure

A storage shed, combined seamlessly with your summer house, provides an effortless solution. No longer do you need to trek back and forth from a garden shed. With a summer house with side shed, everything is right at your fingertips.

The beauty of a summer house with side shed lies in its dual-purpose nature. The summer house serves as your garden room – a space where you can retreat from the daily bustle and enjoy a moment of tranquility. Picture large windows letting in the warm glow of sunlight, a comfy chair, and your favourite book in hand. Bliss!

Adjacent to this peaceful retreat is the side shed, ensuring your garden remains clutter-free. Whether it's garden furniture, a lawnmower, or that DIY project you've been putting off, the side shed offers a dedicated storage area, keeping everything organised and within reach.

Summer Houses Styles That Shine with Sheds

There are a bunch of styles you can choose from when choosing a design for your summer house, but there are a few in particular that seem to suit the summer house vibe perfectly!

It's a good thing that these designs also lend themselves perfectly to an additional storage space on the side of your summer house, if you so desire!

Let's take a look at some of these styles:

Rustic

For those who cherish the timeless appeal of the countryside, the rustic design is unbeatable. Think weathered wood, perhaps with a slightly distressed finish, and quaint window shutters.

This style often features warm, earthy tones that blend seamlessly with nature. The side shed, in this theme, can feature barn-style doors, enhancing the countryside feel.

Modern Minimalist

Clean lines, flat roofs, and a restrained colour palette define this look. Large, unobstructed windows are a signature of this style, letting in heaps of light. The side shed usually complements with a similar minimalist design, often seamlessly blending with the main structure using uniform materials and hues.

An honourable mention in the modern/contemporary category is Scandinavian design: drawing inspiration from Nordic design, these summer houses embody simplicity and functionality. Light-coloured woods, airy spaces, and practical designs are hallmarks.

The side shed, while simplistic, often boasts efficient storage solutions, reflecting the Scandinavian ethos of form meeting function.

Log Cabin Luxe

Evoking a sense of being in a mountain retreat, log cabin designs are both robust and cosy. Made with thick timber logs, these summer houses provide excellent insulation. The side shed, following the same log-built theme, offers a rugged, yet refined storage solution.

What's beautiful about these designs is how they each offer a unique aesthetic while still prioritising the utility of an attached side shed. Regardless of the chosen style, the aim remains the same: a harmonious blend of leisure and functionality, turning any garden into a sanctuary.

Ideas & Tips

Thinking of your side shed merely as storage? Think again! The possibilities are endless. How about transforming it into a compact home gym? Or perhaps a potting station for those green thumbs?

With some innovative thinking, your side shed can become more than just storage; it can be a functional extension of your leisure space.

The Corner Summer House with Side Shed

Capitalise on every inch of your garden with the trend of corner summer houses. Nestled perfectly into the corners of gardens, these designs offer a splendid view from every angle and make efficient use of space.

When combined with a side shed, this design becomes a beautiful and functional focal point in any garden.

Weather-Proofing: Dip Treated vs. Pressure Treated Structures

Longevity is the name of the game when it comes to outdoor structures. While dip-treated garden buildings are submerged in a protective treatment to coat the outer layer, pressure-treated structures have preservatives forced into the timber.

Pressure treated is typically seen as the more durable option, ensuring your summer house and side shed withstand the elements year-round.

Large Windows for a Brighter Space

A summer house’s charm is significantly enhanced with large windows. Not only do they offer panoramic views of your garden, but they also flood your space with natural light.

Imagine basking in sunlit warmth even during those slightly colder months! Plus, it’s an excellent spot for some indoor plants to thrive.

Storage Solutions and More: Optimising the Side Shed

Your side shed is more than just a bolt-on to your summer house; it's an opportunity waiting to be seized!

Multi-Functional Uses for Your Shed Space

From a mini art studio to a meditation corner, the potential uses of your shed are vast. Gone are the days when garden sheds were simply for stashing tools.

Now, they're spaces of transformation. Fancy a quiet spot for yoga? Or perhaps a home office detached from the main house? Dive into the world of creative shed conversions and find your inspiration.

Garden Tools and Equipment: Organising with Style

Let’s get real; we all have that one spot where garden tools just pile up. With the side shed's storage area, you can incorporate clever organising hacks.

Pegboards for hanging tools, shelves for pots and bins for garden equipment can help you maintain an orderly and efficient shed.

Planning and Positioning: Setting Up Your Combined Structure

Location, location, location! It's crucial in real estate, and it's equally vital for your garden building placement.

Understanding Planning Permissions for Garden Buildings

In the UK, while many garden buildings do not require planning permission, it's always wise to check.

Especially for larger structures or if you're in a designated area, familiarising yourself with the planning guidelines will save potential headaches down the road.

Choosing the Best Spot: Garden and Surrounding Area Considerations

When positioning your summer house with side shed, consider the sun's path, proximity to trees, and the layout of your garden.

You'll want to ensure your summer house benefits from the most sunlight, while your shed is easily accessible for all those garden tasks.

Conclusion

Gardens are a haven, and with a summer house with a side shed, they transform into a year-round retreat. Whether basking in the warmth of summer or seeking shelter from the winter chill, this combined structure offers both practicality and pleasure.

The shed and summer house revolution is here, enhancing outdoor living and elevating our connection to the outside space we cherish.

The Year-Round Appeal of Combined Garden Structures

Summer houses with side sheds aren't just for summer. They offer a cosy escape during the colder months, turning into snug reading nooks or warm spots to enjoy a cuppa.

The side shed remains functional, housing tools and equipment, or even becoming a workshop space.

Enhancing Outside Living: The Shed and Summer House Revolution

With the blend of function and style, these structures are more than just garden buildings; they're a lifestyle statement. They amplify the joy of garden living, bridging the gap between our homes and the great outdoors.

From leisurely summer days to crisp winter evenings, the allure of the summer house with side shed beckons!