During lockdown we realised that our house just wasn’t big enough for the two of us to work at home and so I embarked on the summer house project which I had been planning to do since we moved into our house 6 years ago!

The glorified shed had been a dumping ground for all kinds of things including bits of furniture that we might use one day and all those items you might store in your loft and garage of which we have neither. The summer house was packed tightly, and I had to empty it each time I needed to find something.

Task 1

I had started painting the exterior last summer so this was the first job to finish. I used @Cuprinol Muted Clay on the summerhouse and @Ronseal Charcoal decking stain on the decking and surrounding fencing. The weather was luckily on my side for a while as there was lots of wood to paint.

Task 2

I emptied the summer house and began decluttering. It wasn’t a difficult job, just a couple of hours work.  The L shaped shed space allowed for a section for storage, still leaving a decent size space for the office. Once I had given our unwanted items to the local charity shop, there was plenty of room for kept possessions in the storage area which would be hidden away behind grey linen curtains.

I would repurpose several pieces of old furniture to fit out the new office.

Task 3

Now cleared, the summer house was ready for some TLC – removing nails from walls, adding wood to unfinished panels, and decorating. I wanted to make the space as light and airy as possible and so decided to go for white walls, ceiling, frames, and floor and add colour with accessories. A couple of coats later the space took shape.

Task 4

I wanted to use my new office all year round and so invested in fitting electrics. A couple of double plugs and a simple ceiling spotlight transformed its use. A plugin heater will make it cosy on those cooler mornings that we will soon be having.

Task 5

The final job was to furnish the new office. I already had an old butcher’s block, ideal for a desk, an old leather armchair, a small table, and a great wire shelving unit @Knuku. A quick trip to Ikea to purchase a FRANKLIN stool, LOHALS rug and SKADIS a peg board completed the room.

Task 6

The best part – I moved in and arranged my personal things and of course added plenty of plants in handing baskets and ceramic pots to finish the look.

I love my new office – it’s a great space 😊