With a little flair and imagination, your garden can be a real extension to your home – another room, if you will. And as the seasons change, there’s still plenty of time to make the most of the last of the summer sun and the early autumn warmth and find some idyllic garden furniture that will complement your space.

To turn the garden into your own little haven, we have come up with some great garden room ideas that will spark your imagination and fuel your creativity. From a small balcony to a spacious backyard, here are our top tips to help you transform your outdoor space into a glorious garden room, no matter the size or setting.

1. Accessories are the answer

Accessories can really give your garden or patio a new lease of life and evoke the sense of a room, bridging the gap between outdoor furniture and traditional interior furnishings.

Take inspiration from the rest of your home and style your outdoor space like you would any other room – think cushions, throw blankets and decorative ornaments. No garden room designs are complete without a touch of personality, and accessories are the perfect way to fill your garden room with your own special touch.

Perhaps one of our favourites takes on our ‘glorious garden rooms’ theme is @kateshomelyhome’s truly unique upcycled greenhouse. Using soft furnishings, lighting and greenery, Kate took on the ultimate lockdown project and transformed her unused space it into an idyllic garden retreat.

“I’ve added a rug to make the space feel cosy and the string lighting is soft and welcoming. It’s such a lovely place to relax in.” – Kate.

Top tip – Foliage printed cushions and faux plants like those styled by Kate above are ideal for small outdoor spaces that lack natural greenery.

2. Style for all seasons

There’s no reason to stop spending time outside when summer ends. When the colder seasons arrive, one of the best garden room ideas is to find ways to bring warmth and cosiness into your space.

Layer up with cushions and throws that not only look great but keep you warm during the colder months. An outdoor rug will also provide a warming texture underfoot while giving the illusion of being indoors.

Make life al fresco a little cosier like @melanieamccrindle who has styled her small patio around our Hestia Firepit, transforming the space into an enchanting retreat with an added layer of warmth.

“During the past year or so, our outdoor spaces have taken on the role of an extra room of the home. There’s no better time to give a little love back into these spaces with a fresh, cosy restyle, creating a place to be enjoyed all year round.”– Melanie.

Top tip – A large area rug will make a smaller patio look bigger than it is, while smaller rugs can help create ‘zones’ in larger gardens so you can really make the most out of your space.

3. Bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor living

Being limited by your lack of outdoor space doesn’t mean you can’t create a glorious garden room. City dwellers and apartment residents, take note – there are plenty of clever ways to blur the lines between indoor outdoor living, including our outdoor kitchen ideas, perfect for hosting or a family meal on those warm summer nights.

Our rustic storage and accessories are the perfect backdrop to @mishkashoe’s collection of house plants. Styling with faux foliage is a great way to embrace nature without having to worry about looking after living elements, and you can add more or less depending on how much room you have to play with.

Top tip – Whether you want to create an urban jungle like Michaela or simply add a touch of greenery to your space, opt for planters and pots in wicker or concreate to layer up on natural elements in your space.

4. Create a peaceful office

Home offices are exceedingly popular these days, as work-from-home culture grows. So, why not create a little outdoor paradise that will spark your creativity and get those cogs turning?

As long as you have a desk to work at and some comfortable chairs, any room can be a home office. But a garden room will allow you to work in natural light and make you feel like you’re working in your own uniquely designed forest area – we hope this will make the workday a little easier!

Top tip – Try hanging up some framed pictures or hanging plants, as this should inspire you and make sure you’re not stuck staring at your laptop screen.

5. Design a home bar

One of our favourite garden room interior ideas is turning your outdoor space into a home bar. With one of these, you’re bound to become everyone’s favourite host, and you’ll be able to enjoy drinks and meals with friends and family all while enjoying the last rays of the summer sun.

The great thing about a home bar is how versatile it can be. Style it with ornaments and accessories or even mix and match chairs to make the design personal to you. No matter your design preferences, putting a home bar in your garden room is one of the best ways to utilise your space, and make that cheeky drink after work all the more special!

Top tip – Make sure you have good ventilation in your garden room so the home bar stays comfortable all year and will protect your drinks from any rapid temperature changes.

6. Snuggle up in a reading nook

What’s better than enjoying a good book under the warming shine of the sun? Nothing! That’s what. Which is why creating a reading nook is one of the best garden room décor ideas.

This is a great opportunity to utilise some snuggle chairs so you can curl up with a nice cup of tea and slip away into your story. Tub chairs are also a great option for reading nooks as they don’t take up too much room, and they’re perfect for getting cosy!

To make this the best garden room design possible, you will need somewhere to store your books. Bookcases are the ideal furniture item for reading nooks, as they not only add elegance and style, but your books will also be within arm’s reach. This design is a no-brainer for any bookworms out there.

7. Immerse yourself in a gaming room

Ever wanted a private room just for gaming? Then turn your garden room into a designated gaming pad and let the good times roll!

Having your gaming room separate from the main house makes every poker tournament or console night an immersive experience, and you can enjoy your games nights without any interruptions. Make sure you have a good Wi-Fi connection and access to electricity and set up appropriate heating and lighting to create that perfect gaming ambience.

8. Jam out in your own music room

If you have any future musicians in your house or if you’re looking to pick up an old hobby, turning your garden room into a designated music space can be the perfect solution.

Since your garden room will be separate from your house, you won’t have to worry about crashing drums and screaming guitar vamps. You can also use this opportunity to try out different styles and furniture as you will need ample space for your bandmates, and since it’s like your own private studio, the options are endless!

Want to create your own glorious garden room? Shop our latest collection of must-have garden accessories online now. And don’t forget to tag us in your transformation on social media - @barkerandstonehouse #GloriousGardenRooms.

Or for further info on how to enhance your outdoor space, check out our garden seating ideas and top tips for a cosy winter garden.