Peace and quiet are two of the most rewarding things in the world but it often feels like we get so little of it. One reason might be that we don’t have a dedicated space. But any space inside is just a little too close to chores that need to be completed or the itch of a distraction that just needs to be scratched. Somewhere easy to access but just isolated enough to form its own bubble of privacy is the first step in creating your relaxation sanctuary.
As the garden building experts, we say a Summer House is the ideal building for a peaceful haven right at the end of your garden. In this guide we’ll go through a few options in terms of summer houses and then how to turn that into your corner of peace, quiet and relaxation.
Picking a Summer House for your Garden
What summer house to pick will ultimately come down to budget and size of garden, but not to fret as no matter the garden size or the budget there are many options to pick from.
For instance, the 8x8 Premier Corner Summer House is an ideal choice no matter the criteria, its efficient corner design allows for neat integration into any garden allowing in plenty of light with its French doors and two floor to ceiling windows.
Alternatively the 14 x 6 Maine Summer House with Side Shed offers plenty more space alongside an attached side shed for everyday garden storage or for a change of pillows and blankets.
Defining your Summer House of Solitude
Understanding how you relax is essential if you want to create a space to relax in. A summer house is already an off the grid retreat, leaning into that creating an internet free zone might allow you to ground yourself in the space and truly kick back. Alternatively, linking your summer house to some power (Check out our guide on how to get mains power to your shed) could mean plugging in a TV and DVD player for some sweet movie nights.
If you want your summer house to truly feel like a place out of time and space consider installing some curtains to the sturdy framing, or grow some climbing plants and hedges outside your building to retain a strong connection to nature while keeping the sense of solitude. But if you’d rather look out onto your garden on a summer's day this can also bring a great sense of peacefulness. It’s all about discovering what works for you and then creating a space accordingly.
What furniture for your Summer House
Whether you lie back on a sofa, sink into an arm chair or sit up and read, the furniture is the most important part of a summer house interior. So once again it’s what works for you. If you want to look out into your garden, perhaps a small coffee table sandwiched in between two chairs for some easy to grab drinks while looking out at the sunset.
For a larger summer house a sofa placed into the corner underneath some dangling fairy lights as some gentle music emanates from a speaker sounds like a wonderful way to spend the evening. Alternatively you could turn your summer house into a museum or unique seating options giving you plenty of spaces for guests to join you or allowing you to use a new seat every 10 minutes.
A Summer House of peaceful scents and sounds
Scent and sounds, often overlooked, but very important in creating the right feelings inside your summer house. Of even more importance if you’ve decided on curtains or a climbing plant shroud over your windows, with your view restricted this allows for your other senses to be the focus of a relaxing afternoon.
Some diffusers or scented candles dotted around your summer house mean as soon as you step through the doors your shoulders can relax and your jaw can unclench as the smells of lavender, chamomile and vanilla can wash over you.
Hang drum music is another great way of relaxing, or some soft classical music, a few Bluetooth wireless speakers dotted around to create a surround sound system, or if you’re sticking to the offline aesthetic a CD or even a Vinyl player for some classic tunes.
The Most Tranquil Summer House
Finally, now the work is done, simply sit back in your new summer house and take a deep breath through your nose and a deep exhale out your mouth. You’ve done it, you're a new hub of peace, quiet and relaxation at the end of your garden ready for you whenever you have a calling for a minute away from all the noise and stress.
