Summer House Ideas to Spruce Up Your Garden

Tamsyn Morgans, Interior Blogger Getting a summer house was one of the best investments I made when I moved to my house three years ago. It’s like having another room to style and fill with beautiful things and makes a great place to sit with a glass of wine and ponder the day. I’ve gone for a very colourful, eclectic look in mine, as I wanted it to have a beach house vibe. Painted and reclaimed vintage furniture is mixed with jewel bright velvet cushions for maximum lounging, and storage is provided by old trunks and cabinets. I’ve also hung fairy lights for a truly magical outdoor space.

Hester Van Overbeek For me, a summer house is all about simplicity, a back to nature space where you can relax, switch off and not look at your phone or computer. I would have a lot of timber cladding and some comfy seats with a massive stack of magazines so I can waste my time away. Some simple shelving will hold some plants and other decorative bits. Ideally, the house would have a small veranda with an outdoor kitchen so you can have your friends over and cook simple meals on a wood fire while seeing the sun set.

Gemma Gear, Interior Blogger Master the art of minimalism and utilise space to the maximum with fold-out tables, clever shelving displays and storage boxes. Keep the decor light and bright to avoid making your summer house interior feel any smaller than needed. Displaying mirrors is a great way to create an illusion of more space, and adding a plant or two will help bring the outside in, to create a calming, botanical atmosphere.

Danielle Natalie, Interior Designer

Transform your summer house into a peaceful haven, a simple, uncluttered space perfectly designed to relax and watch the world go by. Choose warm wood, set against light, clean colours to create a fresh and cosy atmosphere. A comfortable day bed and statement swinging chair take centre stage, accessorised with beautifully detailed cushions. Enhance the calm atmosphere with scented candles and a few favourite books – so inviting you won’t be able to stay away.

Lucy Heath, Interior Blogger

I grew up always thinking that glass conservatories were a thing of mystery, and not in a good way. Freezing cold in the winter to the point that I’d run through at breakneck speed to avoid frostbite and then like a sweaty sauna in the summer months that bleached everything in sight. But times and the technology has changed and so has my perception of these glass wonders. Now I couldn’t imagine anything more magical than sitting in my very own glass summer house, nestled amongst the apple and cherry trees in our garden. In my dreams, there’s whitewashed floorboards, greenery hanging from ceramic planters from the roof beams and an oversized armchair, with a butler tray to one side and a basket bursting with my favourite magazines to the other. And maybe a bed…bliss.

Radosveta Yaneva, Interior Designer

Minimalistic style interior, warm, wooden cladding walls and ceiling, big glass doors which could be open or closed depending on the weather and of course a fireplace. This is the perfect combination for a cosy and easy to maintain summer house.

Anna Palmer Interiors

I always think summer houses should be light and airy, bringing the outside in but ensuring they also have that cosy feel. Rather than plastering the wall and ceiling, consider putting in wood panelling to add interest and then paint over. Laying a real wood floor will not only warm the room but will add character too. Adorn the room with large potted plants to help bring the outside in. Make sure you have plenty of side lights for ambient lighting. Lastly, add a large comfy sofa or two, ideally facing a large sliding door, and you’ll never want to leave.