Designing a creative garden office environment

Designing a creative garden office environment

Any space where you can open a laptop could be considered an office. Maybe free space in a shed, a couch by the window, or a makeshift table under a gazebo, if you can get an internet connection there, then you can work there. When it comes to investing in a dedicated garden office it is important to consider what the space will be used for and who will be using it. This will help to define how to approach the creation of the most productive space and how much space will actually be needed.

Each Mybridity project is personal to the customer and starts with a discussion about their ambitions and how the garden office investment will serve those ambitions. Here are three headline interior design topics which help to match the vision with the practical realities.

The workspace

Let’s not forget that being the most productive and creative in the hours you choose to work is the reason the investment in a garden office is being made! The current world of work is dependent on remote communications so special consideration should be given to video and audio needs: how many screens are needed, what size, where should they be placed and how flexible do they need to be, especially if you want to maintain a clear desk space.

There are many options for monitors including desk standing, free standing poles, and flexible arms attached to the wall but why not consider suspending the monitor from the ceiling and removing all clutter both from your desk and from your eyeline? 

Video interactions are commonplace today so let’s think about what sound insulation will be needed to ensure the best quality video calls and decisions which might influence the background of video calls to give your audience the best window on your world.

‍The ergonomics

The focus here will be on the chair where you are likely to spend most of your time. It is worth taking time to research options with a view to investing in a chair that will support you for the long term. Other ergonomic considerations include the height of shelves to best suit the prime user of the workspace and the height of the desk. The addition of a separate standing desk is very effective for refreshing posture and breaking periods of monotony perhaps caused by end to end video calls!

Subject to space and budget, why not include an external space to give the option of sitting outside when the weather allows. It doesn’t stop being work just because it’s pleasant although I recommend keeping your shorts and G&T out of shot on your video calls!

The furniture 

There are numerous furniture decisions to make which impact directly on the layout and optimal size of the garden office. Most people will have a vision of how the space will be used which starts with the size, position, and shape of the desk. Consider if it is worth investing in a custom designed desk. This is where you will spend most of your time and while a rectangle shape, fixed at a standard height, might be acceptable, the reality is that we are not all a standard height nor do we naturally work at right angles!

Other considerations include lighting, storage for important (and unimportant) materials and other tech such as printers and device chargers along with their cabling. You also may want space for a fridge and kettle because let’s remember, you are investing to separate home and work so why plan to head back into the house each time you need a caffeine fix? 

Individually these are small matters but the design stage of a project presents an opportunity to create a space with everything where it is needed and doesn’t require you to clear a path each time you need to get something done.

Margin notes

There will be many more topics to think about before you commit to a project with each decision offering an aesthetic benefit as well as a positive impact on your working environment. 

Your project offers the scope to make something of your personality visible and accessible, an extension of your personal brand, while staying true to the objective of creating a workspace where you can be your most creative and productive. Mybridity will help you find the right balance. For a free, initial discussion about your individual workspace, contact Wayne at wayne@mybridity.com.