As the line between indoor and outdoor spaces continues to blur, designers have begun to refer to rooms for the garden. Separating an outdoor living space into rooms might seem confusing at first, but numerous homeowners and gardeners have been using many of the same concepts already without realizing it.
So, what are garden rooms, and how can you build one of your own? Here are some of the basics to know:
What is a garden room?
At the most basic level, a garden room is an area of your outdoor space dedicated to a specific activity. Many homeowners and garden designers choose to designate specific "zones" to their spaces for things like dining, cooking, relaxation or entertaining company. A garden room takes this same concept and frames it in interior design terminology.
Components of an outdoor garden room
Garden rooms start with an intended purpose. Do you want a place for children to play, a quiet spot to relax, or a sanctuary for dining with guests? Let this decision guide your design choices. Next, consider the "planes" of a garden room:
- The ground plane or floor.
- The vertical plane or walls.
- The overhead plane or ceiling.
Just like when designing an interior space, you'll want to think about all these dimensions combined. The ground plane could be grass, gravel, pavers or a wooden deck. Walls can come from structures like pergolas, or natural dividers like hedges and trees. For the ceiling, decide if you want an arbor, umbrella or anything else between you and the open sky.
Express your personality with a unique interior design
Outdoor rooms offer an exceptional opportunity to exercise your personal creativity and truly use your outdoor living area the way you want to. Bring your favorite interior design trends outdoors - choose a focal point, establish flow and create a mood.
Experiment with color schemes when choosing elements like plants, flowers and outdoor furniture. Mix different textures and scale of plants to achieve the desired effect. The possibilities are endless.
If you're ready to start building your own outdoor garden rooms, keep these basics in mind as a starting point. Whether you create an invigorating spot for your morning coffee or a mysterious, secluded nook for gathering around a fire pit, use your personal style to guide your next great garden room idea.
About the Author
Ryan Mandigo
Ryan Mandigo is an award-winning professional broker associate with Omni Real Estate. Originally a native of New Hampshire, his love of real estate began 30+ years ago while swinging a hammer on a framing crew. He has always had a strong passion for helping people, whether it be assisting a couple in purchasing their first home, finding a home that fits a growing family's needs, or downsizing for those with an empty nest. He strives to build strong personal and professional relationships with being a true believer in the power of positive thinking and always willing to lend a helping hand.
He is also a co-founder and board member of the Swing Fore the Kids organization. A local charity that is 100% nonprofit and their sole purpose is to help needy children and young adults within Horry County communities. He finds great satisfaction and pleasure in seeing how working hard for a great cause and raising funds can help others in need. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Waccamaw Youth Center in Conway, where their mission is to provide at-risk youth "A Place To Call Home"
When he is not working, he enjoys music, working around the home, spending time with family and friends, turning wrenches on vintage vehicles, getting some wind therapy on the Harley or chilling with their dogs.
Some quotes he lives by - "Do what you like and like what you do" - "You have to be odd to be number one" - "Dreams don't work unless you do" And one of his favorites. "Positive and enthusiastic thinking in all you do"
