Take it Outside: The Garden Office

Working from home is something that more and more people are doing in this day and age with the advent of the Internet, but what about those of us who don’t have an extra room for an office or have trouble working with the kids yelling, the dog barking and a pile of dishes waiting to be washed? For you there is the garden office.

What Is A Garden Office?

The garden office craze is something that is only really hitting North America now but has been the norm in the UK for quite some time. A garden office is basically a shed that is converted into an office space. No, we’re not talking about those tiny, rusted tin sheds but rather sheds made of wood, concrete and even brick. Some homes have sheds on the property when you move in and others have them built after wards. You can build one yourself using a kit and design plan (easily found online) or you can have one built. No matter how you do it, it is an inexpensive way to add an extra room to your home without having to worry about contractors and building permits.

Making It Your Own

While these days you can get everything from chalet-style sheds to all out modern sheds that are built specifically as an office, there is still always the relatively easy option of converting your existing shed into a workspace. All you would need to do is add some insulation and wiring.  And if you live someplace warm, then insulation may not even be necessary. Depending on the type of work you do and the hours you’d be keeping, a nice coat of paint, a lantern and your laptop just may suffice.

Decorating your garden office can be just as much fun as decorating any other space. You want to be comfortable where you work so take the time to choose colors that make you feel good, a comfy chair and a good work surface. If you don’t have a window in your existing shed, then any recycling center or even the classifieds can get you a nice one for next to nothing. The space is yours so do with it as you must in order to be productive and inspired.

The Benefits of A Garden Office

By opting for a garden office not only are you able to use your space in the home for rest and relaxation but you also get a private space to call your own. You can work free of distractions and be productive while only having to walk a few steps to spend time with your family or feed the dog. You get all of the perks of working from home without the hassles that it can often bring.