Garden rooms and offices have boomed in popularity over the past few years.
For good reason, too.
As more and more people have transitioned to remote work as the new normal, there’s been a scramble for dedicated spaces to work from at home. But nobody wants a sacrifice of style to fit the functional needs.
The good news…
Trends in garden room design are better blending aesthetics and functionality than ever, explains KRS Holdings team. Rather than plain sheds with desks, modern garden rooms are increasingly becoming home extensions that both look amazing and support productivity.
In This Guide:
- Why Garden Rooms Are So Popular Right Now
- Top Design Trends Shaping Garden Offices
- Balancing Style With Functionality
- Key Features Every Garden Office Needs
Why Garden Rooms Are So Popular Right Now
The stats speak for themselves.
As of October 2024, 41% of UK workers engage in remote work at least some of the time. That’s a huge segment of the working population that needs some sort of space to work from. And kitchen tables just don’t cut it anymore.
Garden rooms and offices have stepped up as the solution for homeowners looking to create dedicated workspaces. For those looking for garden rooms Guildford or garden offices UK-wide, the demand has never been higher. The home office subsegment now represents more than 53% of the entire garden rooms market.
What other factors are fueling this growth in garden room demand beyond remote work?
Separation from home life. Creating a mental shift between home and work life is essential. That boundary becomes so much harder to do when you’re working from the spare bedroom or dining room table.
Added property value. Estate agents openly acknowledge garden rooms and offices are one of the more desirable features in today’s housing market. A well-built garden office can add value to a property.
Cost savings. Relative to traditional home extensions or commercial office spaces, garden rooms are an affordable solution. Most installations won’t even require planning permission.
Some pretty compelling factors, right?
Top Design Trends Shaping Garden Offices
Garden office design has come a long way from just basic boxes. Let’s look at some of the biggest design trends at play right now…
Biophilic Design Elements
Biophilic design is on the rise. Homeowners want to connect their garden offices to the spaces around them. This means:
- Large windows, including floor-to-ceiling options
- Natural wood finishes
- Living walls / indoor plants
- Earthy colour schemes
The goal is to bring the outdoors in. The evidence around natural light and greenery reducing stress and supporting productivity has been well documented. No surprise garden offices are leaning into this trend.
Contemporary Minimalism
The look these days is all about clean lines and minimal clutter. Scandinavian-style interiors with neutral tones and simple furniture are big. The logic is simple. Calm environments with less visual noise help to focus.
Minimalism is actually functional because it reduces distractions.
Multi-Functional Spaces
An interesting shift…
Garden rooms and offices are becoming used for more than just work. Homeowners are increasingly looking for spaces that can be flexible in their function. A garden home office by day may become a yoga studio at the weekend. Or a music room in the evenings.
The shift to flexible space use is driving design decisions. Modular furniture, and the ability to convert layouts easily, is becoming table stakes for modern garden rooms.
Balancing Style With Functionality
Style is one thing. Functionality is another. The best garden offices nail both.
Insulation, for example. A garden office needs to be usable in all seasons. Otherwise, it just becomes a shed with a desk in it. Garden rooms need proper insulation for warmth in winter and cool air in summer.
Electrical set up. Remote work needs power. You need lots of sockets, USB charging points and proper lighting. Ethernet sockets for wired internet connections are also becoming more common.
Heating and cooling systems. Air conditioning units and underfloor heating aren’t unusual requests either. Most consider these as luxuries, but they’re necessary for all-year comfort.
The drive for sustainability is also impacting functional decisions in garden offices. Manufacturers are offering more eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient features. Solar panels and triple-glazed windows are no longer unusual add-ons.
Key Features Every Garden Office Needs
Planning a new garden office? Every build should include these must-have features:
Natural lighting. Windows and skylights as large as possible. Natural light cuts down on artificial lighting needs. Also makes a space feel bigger, more connected to the garden.
Ventilation. Good airflow is critical to prevent a stuffy space. Opening windows are one option, as is a ventilation system.
Soundproofing. Video calls have become part of most work. A soundproofed office prevents leaking your calls to the garden. The calls themselves also block out noise from the garden.
Ergonomic planning. Ergonomics matter. The room must support a decent desk and chair set up. Cramped and cluttered spaces are a productivity killer.
Storage options. Storage and cupboards are critical for staying organised. A clutter-free space is a much more productive space.
Here’s the thing…
The most successful garden offices treat these functional feature as design opportunities, not afterthoughts. Hidden storage, designer radiators and statement lighting can all support style while improving practicality.
The Future of Garden Room Design
What does the future of garden rooms and offices hold?
Smart technology integrations are going to become the norm. Automated lighting, heating and security systems are already on the way. Voice-controlled blinds, heating or lighting that auto adjust to personal preferences are already starting to appear.
The global garden rooms market is expected to reach USD 4.38 billion by 2032. That growth will spur more innovation in both design and functionality. Prefab options, faster installation times and more sophisticated designs are all to be expected.
Customisation will also become easier. Homeowners no longer have to accept standard garden office templates. Bespoke designs specific to a home and garden layout are more common than ever.
Bringing It All Together
Garden rooms and garden offices represent one of the most dynamic home improvement trends in play right now. They solve an acute problem for remote workers. And provide value and style to the home.
The key to garden office success is nailing that balance of aesthetics with functionality. A beautiful garden office unusable in the heat of summer or cold of winter is not going to be used. Equally, a purely functional space that looks like a repurposed storage container isn’t going to help you work great.
The best garden rooms manage to deliver:
- Thoughtful design that extends from home to garden
- Proper insulation and climate control for all seasons
- Quality lighting and electrical set up
- Flexible layout options and planning
Whether working remotely full time or just a few days a week, a well-designed garden office can completely change the remote working game. And with trends continuing to point to even better design and more integrated smart features, now’s the time to invest.
