If you’re the creative type and enjoy creating art, sculpture or photography, you know how much room is required for all your necessary equipment, tools and storage. Easels and tripods, paints and backdrops—they all take up a lot of space. Many of us don’t have a spare room or studio space in our homes, and it can be difficult for an artist to find inspiration when working from the living room or at the kitchen table.
A contemporary garden room solves all of these issues. A custom-built studio allows you to take advantage of any garden space on your property while also setting a clear physical boundary between where you work and your main house.
In this piece, we will look at why you may want to set up an art/photography studio in your garden room, either for personal or professional use. We will also explore what goes into the planning of such a space, and look at how the Garden Retreats pod could be a great choice for this.
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Why set up an art/photography studio in your garden?
Setting up an art studio in your garden allows you to take advantage of extra, unused space outside rather than renovating a room in the main house which may be needed for something else. This creates a safe and secure building to work and store your projects, away from other members of your household.
In a garden room, you will be able to immerse yourself in your work without distraction. It is much easier to channel your concentration when surrounded by your art and photography, rather than by clutter and the hustle and bustle of a busy household. You are also able to set your own schedule outside of the typical nine to five, without disturbing your family with noise or flashes during a photoshoot if you keep early or late hours.
Another incredible bonus for artists is that your garden will have a lot of natural light, and you can design and decorate your space to suit your tastes and style. If you want to enjoy the light and be in a minimalist environment, you can. If you want to hang inspirational works, you are able to do this too. All without having to pay for and commute to a shared studio space!
You may, however, want to use your garden building for other purposes, such as a general office space, a gym, or a games room for family time. It’s entirely possible to meet all these applications with your garden room because these spaces are so versatile and can be designed to suit the interests of you and your family. More on how to plan for this below.
Planning an art/photography studio in your garden
When planning a garden art studio, you may feel overwhelmed by the task at hand. There is definitely a lot to think about before taking the plunge. But there are some simple considerations to think about in order to make the process less stressful and complicated.
Firstly, you will need to think about the size and space you require. You want your garden studio to be big enough to work in, but not so big it takes up the majority of your garden. Depending on your art form, you need to consider the different work areas you could need, and what equipment you will require, including how much space this is likely to take up. For example, you may need easels, tripods, paints, canvases, lighting, backdrops and props, or even a separate dark room for developing photographs.
Aside from this, you must decide whether your art and photography is just a hobby that you love or a business you want to pursue. If it is a business, you may have to consider where clients may sit or visit, and how this might impact the layout of your space. If it is a hobby, you might want to make the room multi-purpose and allow it to function as a family room or office during the day. In which case your supplies will need to be stored out of the way to accommodate seating, entertainment and other facilities.
If you choose the Garden Retreats pod, you can take advantage of the optional roof terrace with spiral staircase and decking to paint outdoors during the summer months, so that you can truly capture the light, no matter what time of day it is.
The Garden Retreats pod
When looking for the ideal garden room for your business or personal use, the Garden Retreats pod could be exactly what you are looking for. These zero maintenance modular pods come in three sizes, each individually priced to suit your needs. You can add more pods if you require extra space now or in the future, and can even move the pod with you when you move. So you never lose out on your investment!
Made from sturdy carbon fibre rather than traditional wood, the pod will not expand or deteriorate, and each pod is clad in composite material so you will not have to worry about condensation.
The necessary electrics are included, such as sockets with USB ports, spotlights both in and outside, and a mains hook-up point. Heating is also included internally, which is handily smartphone-controlled for ease of use. This means you can enjoy your garden studio all year round. You also have the choice between bifold or patio doors, and a selection of wipe-clean wall panels and floor tiling so that you can create a space which really reflects your style and creative interests.
With a 25-year warranty, you can enjoy your Garden Retreats pod for years to come.
Frequently asked questions
Where in your garden should your studio be positioned?
In order to get the best natural light, your studio should be south-facing. However, the best position depends on the time of day you typically work. For example, you might want your studio to be east-facing if you paint primarily in the morning, or west-facing if you tend to work in the afternoon and evening.