When our client started working from home, he decided to bring his ideas into reality. Combining practicality and flexibility, this garden office boasts a tonne of personality and contrasts beautifully with our client’s Victorian flat. It has been built to meet the needs of our client’s workflow, while also offering a cosy space to sit and relax with friends and family.

My clients knew their house didn't match their modern Scandinavian style. Located in South Charlotte in an older, well-established community, Sara and Ash had big dreams for their home. During our virtual consultation, I learned a lot about this couple and their style. Ash is a woodworker and business owner; Sara is a realtor so they needed help pulling a vision together to combine their styles. We looked over their Pinterest boards where I began to envision their mid-century, meets modern, meets Scandinavian, meets Japanese garden, meets Monterey style. I told you I love making each exterior unique to each homeowner! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The backyard was top priority for this family of 4 with a big wish-list. Sara and Ash were looking for a she-shed for Sara’s Peleton workouts, a fire pit area to hangout, and a fun and functional space that was golden doodle-friendly. They also envisioned a custom tree house that Ash would create for their 3-year-old, and an artificial soccer field to burn some energy off. I gave them a vision for the back sunroom area that would be converted into the woodworking shop for Ash to spend time perfecting his craft. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This landscape is very low-maintenance with the rock details, evergreens, and ornamental grasses. My favorite feature is the pops of black river rock that contrasts with the white rock

For the full portfolio see https://blackandmilk.co.uk/interior-design-portfolio/

David Brown Photography
Inspiration for a small scandinavian shed and granny flat in Other.

This is an example of a mid-sized scandinavian detached studio in Other.

Photographs by Doreen Kilfeather appeared in Image Interiors Magazine, July/August 2016 These photographs convey a sense of the beautiful lakeside location of the property, as well as the comprehensive refurbishment to update the midcentury cottage. The cottage, which won the RTÉ television programme Home of the Year is a tranquil home for interior designer Egon Walesch and his partner in county Westmeath, Ireland.

Timber cladded extension , M
Mid-sized scandinavian attached studio in London.

When it became apparent mid-pandemic that “working from home” was going to be more than a short-term gig, this repeat client decided it was time to seriously upgrade her professional digs. Having worked together previously, this owner-designer-builder team quickly realized that the dilapidated detached garage was the perfect She-Shed location, but a full-teardown was in order. Programmatically, the design team was tasked with accommodating sports equipment, stroller parking, an exercise bike, wine storage, a lounge area, and of course, a workstation for this busy mama.

What should I look for in a garden room? This is probably one of the most searched questions on Google right now, especially since so many of us are still working from home. Garden offices are a great solution for remote workers for various reasons: not only do they give you more space and an extra room, they also allow you to create a clear distinction between work and home. With the right design, garden offices can be multipurpose, flexible spaces that go beyond work, and can double up as a teenage den, guest bedroom, art studio or chill out zone. WHAT DO YOU WANT IN A GARDEN ROOM? Take a little time to think about what you want from your new home office design to ensure that you choose the right option for you and your family. After all, this is an investment so you want to make sure it’s everything you hoped for. Some factors to consider include: How many people will your garden office need to accommodate? How will you get services, such as electricity, to the building? Is your new home office likely to require a planning application? Will you need toilet facilities and if so, how will you get water to and from the office? What is your budget? How will you heat the space in winter? Will you garden room serve more than one function? For example, a guest room or hobby room? Another good starting point is to look at different styles of garden room and identify the shape and design styles you like. Check out our gallery section where you can get inspired by different styles, shapes and designs. WILL YOU NEED PLANNING PERMISSION? For most homes in the UK, the answer to this question is no, as the permitted development regulations for outbuildings make it possible to build a bespoke garden room without first obtaining planning permission. However, the regulations govern important ingredients such as size, height, and intended use. The bespoke garden room is supposed to be ‘incidental’ to the existing home – that means it has to be adding something the home doesn’t have, such as a gym, play room, music studio or office. Adding a bedroom isn’t permitted without obtaining planning permission. Allowing somebody to sleep in your room is a different question, however, and whether that is allowed comes down to the intention — are you renting this out? (see more about this below). Most families permit sleepovers and occasional use sleeps. The homes in the UK that do not have permitted development for outbuildings are typically either listed, in a conservation area, or have had the rights removed for some reason (usually significant previous development work). To confirm that your garden room doesn’t need planning permission, you can apply for a lawful development certificate (LDC). These aren’t compulsory, but there may be times – for example, if you sell your home – when you need a record that your garden room meets all planning rules. Apply to your local council for an LDC via the Planning Portal. THINK ABOUT BUDGET Our bespoke garden rooms have a starting price of £25K… up to the sky’s the limit! And if you’re wondering: Does a bespoke garden room add value? The answer is yes! It can add up on average £50,000! CHOOSE A REPUTABLE COMPANY Choosing a credible company to build your bespoke garden room is of the utmost importance. Inside Out Oxford is an award-winning, eco friendly Oxford garden room builders so you’re in safe hands with us. You can read reviews from happy customers here and on Houzz. And if you have a smaller budget and want to try your hand at building your own garden room, check out our new self build service.

Simon Maxwell
Scandinavian shed and granny flat in London.

Detached sauna building with pine-tar stained shiplap siding and corten roofing.
Large scandinavian detached studio in New York.

Inspiration for a scandinavian shed and granny flat in Boston.

Chris Snook Photography
Photo of a small scandinavian garden shed in London.

Emma Wood
Inspiration for a small scandinavian detached granny flat in Sussex.

Ollie Hammick
Photo of a mid-sized scandinavian detached studio in London.

This modern house was designed by Black and Milk www.blackandmilk.co.uk
This is an example of a small scandinavian detached granny flat in London.

Mid-sized scandinavian detached shed and granny flat in Oxfordshire.

Rory Gardiner
Inspiration for a small scandinavian detached granny flat in London.

We included a lawn as our client wanted to enjoy the scent and feel of grass on a summers day.
Design ideas for a small scandinavian detached greenhouse.