insideKENT Magazine Issue 123 - July 2022 | Page 150

HOME + GARDEN
How To Create And Style Your Garden Room cont ...
TAKE A SEAT
Seating is essential when it comes to styling your garden room space . First establish how you are going to be using the area , as well as how you visualise the room looking . Family spaces will require plenty of seating , but don ’ t go overboard ; introducing a corner sofa or curved places to perch will achieve a flawless look while remaining practical . Make wise decisions when it comes to choosing fabric and colour ; if a space is saturated daily with sunlight , it ’ s likely that materials will fade quickly - creams , whites , and paler colours tend to work perfectly while at the same time contributing to a peaceful and clean look . Rattan , bamboo and wicker are a tick , tick , tick when it comes to furniture choices as they ’ re available in a whole range of styles and designs and are pretty resistant to sunlight . Hanging egg chairs and hammocks are the star of the show however , and will ( surprisingly ) fit into the smallest of spaces ; the perfect spot to sit back and relax with a good book .
Driffield Cocoon Chair , The Cotswold Company ( Kent )
ADD CHARACTER
Inject a little personality into your garden room space with a few statement pieces . Generally when planning your space , it ’ s good to have a theme in mind as this will help when it comes to accessorising . If you ’ re aiming for a rustic , shabby-chic look , investing in a few antique gems could just be the answer . If you ’ re sticking to a tight budget however , charity shops and boot fairs might just have become your best friend ; you ’ ll be sure to find some real treasures while rummaging . Simple , minimalist themes will benefit from a few anchor pieces here and there : a beautifully hand-crafted woven rug , a structured bookcase or sideboard full of knick-knacks , or perhaps a statement vase or ceramic piece . Like all rooms in the house , make the garden room your playground ; have fun and include things you like , but remember to always consider the light – art and photographs won ’ t thank you for placing them in a hot bright room .
DON ’ T FORGET LAYERS
Spaces that feel calm , relaxing and serene are more often than not comfy , and comfy requires investing in soft furnishings . Dress your space with heaps of cushions , and use different fabrics to create layers of interest . Drape furniture with soft blankets , or fold up a selection and pop them inside a woven hamper or basket ; particularly inviting if your garden room gets a bit chilly in the evenings . Pastels and lighter colours will work a charm while also giving off fresh , cosy and welcoming vibes . If you ’ re feeling that you need a little pop of colour , or you ’ re yearning for a more exotic feel add in bold shades - hang Moroccan lanterns on the ceiling , mix-match cushions and fabrics and you ’ ll be left with a tropical oasis ; wonderful on sunnier days .
Drop Bulb Festoon Lights , Sparkle Lighting
ALTERNATIVE SPACES
Garden rooms don ’ t just have to be an extended living room or space to sit , they can be almost anything you want them to be . Now more than ever we are seeing outdoor spaces being used for a multitude of different purposes - extend your kitchen with a pantry or add in an additional sleeping space , a bedroom flooded with natural light will not only be beautiful but will feel as though you are sleeping amongst nature ; opt for simple furniture , and plenty of textures to get it right . Probably the most common in today ’ s world , the home office is another must ! Ditch the dark , back spare room for an inspiring alfresco office , a space that ’ s sure to keep the productivity levels up . Other more unusual uses may include creating your own studio or craft
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