Fun Summer House Ideas for Your Garden

Introduction

Whether you already own a summer house and are looking to shake things up with a decorative revamp, or thinking of building a summer house and want to get an idea of what to get, this blogs for you!

Designing and decorating your summer house is great fun, but it can be stressful if you aren't sure where to start, which is quite common. In this blog we've compiled a list of some of our favourite summer house design ideas to hopefully get your creative juices flowing!

And don't miss our interior design blog, for a collection of our favourite interior design concepts.

Summer House Styles

There a bunch of different styles to choose for your summer house, however there are a few classics that stand out as being the perfect canvas that you can customise to achieve a personalised summer house that fits your precise vision.

Importantly, each of can be tailored to fit different garden sizes and styles:

Octagonal

Octagonal summer houses are known for their classic and elegant design. This shape allows for panoramic views of your garden, making it perfect for those who wish to immerse themselves in the beauty of their outdoor surroundings.

Source: gardenaffairs.co.uk

The eight-sided structure not only provides a unique aesthetic but also creates extra space, offering a versatile setting for a cozy reading nook or a serene meditation space.

Hexagonal

Hexagonal summer houses strike a balance between form and function, providing extra space within a visually appealing design. The six-sided shape offers multiple windows or glass doors, ensuring natural light fills the interior.

Source: tuin.co.uk

This layout is perfect for those looking for a distinctive garden feature that combines aesthetic appeal with practical usability, such as an outdoor dining area or a creative studio.

Modern

Modern summer houses break the mold with their innovative designs, characterized by sleek lines, flat roofs, and large glass elements. Not limited to small summer houses (which some people imagine), this approach to garden architecture focuses on minimalism and connection with the outdoor environment.

Modern summer houses often feature expansive sliding doors, open-plan layouts, and a seamless integration between indoor and outdoor spaces. They are the epitome of contemporary elegance, providing a versatile and stylish solution for those looking to add a touch of sophistication to their garden.

Unique Ideas for Summer House Design Inspiration

1. The Traditional Summer House

The classic British garden room, crowned with an elegant apex roof, is a timeless choice. This style combines the charm of traditional design with the practicality of modern construction.

The apex roof not only adds an architectural element but also provides additional headroom and space inside. It's perfect for those who appreciate a vintage aesthetic but want the durability and comfort of a contemporary garden building.

Imagine this summer house decorated with climbing plants and surrounded by a lush garden, creating a picturesque retreat right in your backyard.

2. Contemporary with a Pent Roof

One of our favourite summer house ideas, the contemporary garden rooms with a pent roof is a modern and stylish addition to any garden.

This design features clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic, creating a sleek look. The pent roof is not only visually appealing but also practical, efficiently channeling rainwater away.

Inside, the space is bright and airy, thanks to large windows that flood the room with natural light and offer stunning garden views. This setup is ideal for a variety of uses, such as a home office, a quiet reading nook, or a creative studio.

The exterior can be finished with contemporary materials like composite cladding, complementing the modern look while ensuring durability. A contemporary summer house like this serves as a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, making it a versatile and attractive addition to your outdoor space.

3. Corner Summer House

Maximize your garden space with a corner summer house. Ideal for smaller gardens or as an extra room, these garden rooms cleverly fit into corners, providing a cozy and efficient use of space.

Whether you're looking for a reading nook or a dedicated space for crafting activities, the corner summer house is a versatile and stylish choice.

4. Business Place: Work from Home!

Transforming a summer house into a business space offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs.

Whether it's a nail salon, a photography studio, or a small office, a garden summer house can be the perfect setting. This idea merges the tranquility of your garden with the functionality of a professional workspace.

It's an ideal solution for those seeking a short commute and the peace needed for concentration and creativity. With the right interior design, this space can be both inspiring and efficient, embodying a balance between work and nature.

5. Personal Gym 

Why not turn your summer house into a personal gym? With ample space and the potential for large windows to let in natural light, it's the ideal setting to stay fit and healthy.

An insulated summer house can provide a comfortable environment year-round, making it a great addition to your everyday life.

6. Small and Cosy

A small summer house can be a haven of tranquility in your garden.

These snug garden buildings are perfect as a secluded spot for quality time alone or with loved ones, offer a calming colour palette and soft furnishings. They prove that you don't need a lot of space to create a special and incredibly stylish summer house.

7. Open Summer House: Embracing Natural Light

With its emphasis on large windows and natural materials, this kind of garden room invites an abundance of natural light.

This design is ideal for those who wish to feel connected to the outdoors while enjoying the comfort of an indoor space.

The blend of fresh air and bright light creates a feeling of serenity, perfect for a garden studio or a relaxed living area.

8. Yoga Studio

Create a peaceful oasis with a garden room dedicated to yoga and meditation. The calming cabin ambiance, accentuated by rustic schemes and earthy tones, makes it a perfect place for mindfulness.

Large windows can enhance the connection to nature, ensuring a serene environment for your daily yoga practice.

9. Eco-Friendly with Solar Panels

Embrace sustainability with an eco-friendly summer house equipped with solar panels. This garden building not only reduces your carbon footprint but also offers a modern design element.

With the added benefit of being energy-efficient, it's a smart choice for those looking to contribute positively to the environment while enjoying their garden space.

10. Sleek Design with Big Windows

A summer house with a pent roof and big windows offers a sleek, contemporary look. The large windows ensure that your room is bathed in natural light, making the space feel open and airy.

This style of summer house is perfect for those who love a modern design that connects the indoor and outdoor living spaces seamlessly.

11. Chic Spare Bedroom

Transform your garden summer house into a chic bedroom space. This is an excellent way to provide extra room for guests, offering them a unique and stylish place to stay.

Source: Pinterest

Furnish it with floral fabrics, a comfortable bed, and soft furnishings to create a beautiful retreat that feels like a home away from home.

12. With Decking

A summer house with decking is a fantastic idea for those who love outdoor living. This concept combines the comfort of an indoor space with the pleasure of being outdoors.

The decking area extends the room, providing a perfect spot for dining al fresco, lounging in the sun, or hosting barbecues and garden parties.

The summer house itself can be a simple, cozy structure, with large doors that open out onto the decking. This creates a seamless flow between the inside and the outdoor deck, making it ideal for entertaining or relaxing. The decking can be furnished with outdoor seating, potted plants, and soft lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

13. Children's Playhouse

A summer house converted into a children's playroom offers a delightful and imaginative space for kids to play and learn.

This dedicated area can be designed as a wonderland, where children's creativity and imagination can flourish. Bright, cheerful colors on the walls, along with playful decor, can set a joyful tone.

Inside, the summer house can be equipped with various zones – a cozy reading corner with bookshelves and comfy seating, an arts and crafts area with tables for drawing and painting, and a play zone with toys and games.

Safety-proofing is key, ensuring that all materials and finishes are child-friendly and non-toxic.

14. Home Theatre

Convert your garden room into an exclusive home theater. This is the perfect place to host movie nights, enjoy sports events, or binge-watch your favorite series.

Source: Pinterest

With comfortable seating and a place for a large screen, your summer house can become the go-to spot for entertainment.

15. Artistic Space

For those who love art, a summer house can become an artistic haven where creativity flows.

Source: thegardenroomguide.co.uk

Whether it's for painting, sculpting, or other crafting activities, the natural light and tranquil environment of a garden studio are ideal for artists.

16. Garden Pub

Transforming your summer house into a garden bar creates a unique and personal social hub right in your own backyard. This room can be the epicenter of social gatherings, parties, or simply a relaxed spot to unwind with a drink after a long day.

To create the authentic pub feel, you can install a classic wooden bar counter equipped with stools, offering a genuine pub-like experience.

Above the bar, shelves can be arranged to display a selection of spirits, glasses, and bar accessories. You might also consider installing a mini-fridge or a wine cooler to keep beverages chilled and easily accessible.

Comfortable seating is key for a garden bar. Cozy armchairs, lounge sofas, and bar stools can provide varied seating options for your guests. For an added touch of fun, include entertainment options like a dartboard, a pool table, or a jukebox filled with your favorite tunes.

17. Dedicated Office Space

In today's work-from-home culture, a dedicated office space in your garden can significantly enhance your productivity.

Source: sheshedz.com.au

Insulated summer houses ensure a comfortable working environment all year round. With this space, you can work in peace just as you could in an indoor living space, except away from the distractions of everyday life.

18. The Calming Cabin

Design a summer house that serves as a calming cabin. Use a calming colour palette, soft furnishings, and natural materials to create a space that promotes relaxation and well-being.

Source: Pinterest

This garden retreat is perfect for unwinding after a long day, reading a book, or simply enjoying some quiet time.

19. Game Room

Transform your summer house into an exciting game room.

Whether you're into video games, board games, or pool, having a dedicated space for gaming can be a dream come true. It's a great way to have fun and relax within the comfort of your garden.

20. Garden Room with Attached Gazebo

In addition to its dual-functionality, the garden room with an attached gazebo is a versatile feature for any garden.

The gazebo part can be designed with lattice sides or retractable shades for privacy and sun control, making it adaptable to various weather conditions. This area is perfect for setting up a grill for barbecues or a table for outdoor games.

By integrating both an indoor and outdoor area, this design caters to a wide range of activities, from peaceful reading sessions to lively garden parties, making it a valuable addition to your outdoor living room.

21. Reading Nook

A summer house can be a peaceful sanctuary for book lovers. Design a cozy reading nook with comfortable seating, good lighting, and shelves for your favorite books.

Source: curatedinterior.com

Easily one of our most tranquil of our summer house ideas, this quiet corner is perfect for immersing yourself in literature while surrounded by the beauty of your garden.

22. With Bifold Doors

A summer house with large windows is a celebration of natural light and garden views. These windows not only brighten the space but also offer a stunning view of your outdoor surroundings. To take this a step further, integrating large bifold doors can elevate the experience.

Source: homeglaze.co.uk

Bifold doors complement the large windows by creating a seamless transition to the outdoors. They allow for an open, airy feel, extending the living space and blending the inside with the beauty of your garden.

This design is ideal for those who enjoy entertaining or simply want to merge the comfort of the indoors with the natural splendor of their garden. The combination of expansive windows and bifold doors transforms the summer house into a panoramic haven, perfect for enjoying the changing seasons in style and comfort.

23: Indoor Pool House

Not exactly a British garden classic, but if your garden as a bit of extra space then this design is undeniably cool. This compact yet stylish structure offers a multifunctional space that enhances the outdoor swimming experience.

Source: pittsburghmagazine.com

Designed with the unpredictable UK weather in mind, the summer house provides a sheltered space to relax before or after a dip, regardless of the elements.

Ready to Create Your Dream Garden Room? Get a Quote Today!

As we wrap up our exploration of our favourite summer house ideas, the next exciting step awaits you!

If you're inspired to have your own unique, tailor-made summer house that reflects your personal style and meets your specific needs, we're here to make it happen.

Specializing in top-quality bespoke summer houses, our team is ready to transform your vision into your very own special space in the garden!

Begin Your Bespoke Summer House Journey with Us

Visit our website to request a personalized quote. Our experts are dedicated to providing you with a seamless experience, from the initial design to the final installation. We take pride in crafting each summer house with precision and care, ensuring it becomes a cherished part of your garden.

So why wait any longer? Embark on the journey to your dream summer house today. Discover our range of options, get inspired, and let us guide you through creating a space that's uniquely yours.

Your bespoke garden retreat is just a click away - start by getting a quote from us now!