4 Ideas for Transforming Your Garden Shed into a Summer Haven

The prospect of summer inevitably comes with grand ideas of how you can spruce up your garden to make the most of your time outdoors. However, let’s be honest, the British weather often has a habit of scuppering even the best laid plans for socially distanced barbecues or hours basking in the sun – leaving you downhearted and destined for yet another day indoors. 

But, what if we told you there was a way you could still spend time in your garden without the worry of the heavens opening up and dampening your plans? Well, if you’re lucky enough to own a garden shed or you’re considering upgrading your garden with one, this could be the ideal solution to getting one up on the UK’s unpredictable weather. With a roof over your head, these typically practical garden buildings could afford you an outdoor space that’s a summer haven come rain or shine – and we’re sharing some stunning garden shed ideas for interior updates to get you inspired.

1. Make it cosy with indoor touches

Using indoor furniture in outdoor spaces is a trend that’s been around for a couple of years now, but there really is something comforting about it, especially in smaller spaces like a garden shed or summerhouse. 

Of course, your choice of furniture will depend on the size of space you’re working with and the desired overall finish, but we love the idea of carving out a cosy and relaxing reading nook that’s surrounded by nature. 

We’re talking oversized armchairs with cushions, floor rugs, side tables, pictures and reading lamps, delivering a mini outdoor living room that’s primed for settling down with a good book. This style is also perfect if you’re looking to pull off a budget-friendly garden shed update as you don’t even need to buy new furniture, simply pick out pieces from inside and repurpose them in your newly designed summerhouse.

2. Pack it with personality 

Garden sheds can be so much more than just a dark and dingy place for storing the lawnmower and other gardening essentials. Instead, think of this modest space as part of your home and apply the same personal stamp you would with any other room, creating a welcoming summer haven that feels homely from the off.

Whether it’s adorning the walls with shelves packed full of your favourite ornaments and family photos or using the same fabrics or colours schemes from other rooms in your home, letting your personality and creativity come to the fore will give your garden shed design a sense of consistency.

You can even use this extension of your home to experiment with bolder interior design ideas that may be too overwhelming for inside, whether that’s bright patterned wall tiles, vivid colours schemes or creating your own wall mural.

3. Keep it cool and contemporary

If you’re looking to use your summerhouse as a cool haven away from the blistering heat, then there’s plenty of opportunity to use modern interior design favourites like grey hues to pull off a sleek and stylish finish. 

We’re thinking white-washed walls, pale grey wicker furniture and soft grey outdoor tiles for gardens that feel cool underfoot regardless of the temperature outside. Complete the look with some indoor plants, mirrors and contemporary artwork to add texture and depth and you’ll have a welcome retreat on hot summer days. 

4. Create an open veranda

Okay, so for those of you who may not own a shed but still crave that summer haven, why not up the ante on your garden design by adding a lean-to or pergoda structure to create an open veranda? With cover overhead, the weather will no longer dictate your time outdoors as you’ll be able to sit out and still stay dry.

Of course, this idea will require a little capital to get the structure built, but once it’s in place you can decorate the space to your liking. More exposed to the elements, we’d recommend using outdoor tiles that are non-slip and easy to clean here to ensure the space stays looking pristine.

We’d also suggest making the space multifunctional with zones for both socialising and relaxing. If space is little tight, you could opt for outdoor furniture that can double up as sun loungers or free up floor space with hammocks or suspended chairs that give any area a relaxed, boho vibe.

Whether you’re tackling a tired old garden shed or looking to invest in a new one that does more than just house gardening paraphernalia and gather cobwebs, we hope these garden shed ideas will help get your creative juices flowing.

Of course, if you’re looking for stylish, hard-wearing and practical flooring solutions to give your summerhouse a long-lasting look, don’t forget to check out our range of gorgeous outdoor tiles. As one of the UK’s leading online tile suppliers, we’ll deliver your tiles direct to your door so you can start bringing your garden shed designs to life.