Garden sheds have come a very long way. Once a basic and unloved timber storage facility for garden tools and other outdoor paraphernalia, these days smart log cabins come in an astonishing array of styles and designs that take pride of place in the privacy of your garden space.

A modern garden building serves as a useful and attractive addition to your home’s indoor space. Cheaper than building an extension, and constructed and insulated for year-round use, it’s a convenient and cost effective way to give you more space at home.

With a bit of knowhow, you can build your own bespoke log cabin, ideally using FSC certified timber harvested from sustainable woodlands, such as the renowned Balcombe Estate in West Sussex. Alternatively, sectional sheds and garden buildings can be purchased pre-fabricated according to your specifications and installed on site.

Whether you need an extra guest room, a hobby room or a retreat from the rest of the family, once you add finishing touches such as electrics, heating and plumbing, it will be a cosy space you’ll love to spend time in.

Here are some great examples of how you can improve your home life with a timber garden studio.

Working from home

Working from home is becoming increasingly common, as more companies allow their employees to work remotely for a day or a few days a week. But it can be difficult to find the right space to set up a home office in your already crowded house. A shed in the garden could be the perfect solution, as it’s only a few steps from the house.

Here, you’re unlikely to be interrupted and can work in relative peace and quiet. Even the smallest log cabin can be equipped with all you need, including phone, printer and WiFi connections. There are so many office shed designs to choose from and the big bonus is that you get to avoid that dreaded daily commute!

Claiming your man cave

The garden shed has always been stereotypically male territory, so perhaps you could play up to that and create a dream space for you and all things masculine. The opportunities are limitless – imagine what you could do!

What about the ultimate workshop with a spacious workbench and all your tools perfectly arranged and easy to access. And, of course, you can always make space to fit in a comfy chair in the corner right next to the all-important bar fridge, which may just happen to be opposite the TV, tuned to your favourite sports channel. Everyone needs a rest in between projects, right?

If you have some extra space, why not go large, by adding an interlocking garage? Then you’ll have all the space you could want for that motorbike or classic car you may have been thinking about doing up. How’s that for a dream space?

But it’s not just men who need a space to de-stress – how about creating a mum-cave too?

Creating your hobby heaven

For those who love making things but hate the time it takes to set up and pack away the necessary items, why not ‘craft’ your very own creative space? Set up that easel, your paints and canvases, get out your sewing machine and fabrics, or whatever hobbycraft you’re into, and give some energy and space to your artistic side.

Imagine being able to take your time with each project without having to put everything away at the end of the session because you need the dining table for supper. Design a shed that’s bright, airy and inspiring and unleash your inner creative.

Giving teenagers a cool hangout zone

Teenagers need a space of their own and sometimes the bedroom is literally just a bit too close to home to have friends over. But with the oldies occupying the living room downstairs, where can they go?

A log cabin in the garden may be the perfect space. You might like to kit out your garden shed with a games centre, a large screen TV and surround sound and who knows, you may never see them again! Except, of course, when they need feeding… Hmmm, perhaps you should also think about arranging a hotline to the local takeaway service.

Gathering friends in a cosy hub

If you like entertaining, then why not turn your shed into a little pub? You could equip your garden building with a proper bar counter and two or three small stools. Add a few shelves and optics, fill with the relevant bottles and hey presto you can stay out all night without going out at all!

If you’re not the pub type but still want an entertainment room, no problem. Go luxurious with a comfy couch, some soft lighting and a great sound system. What about a woodburner for cosy nights in? Hey, if you wanted to go really mad, you could even fit in a hot tub!

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Dakota Murphey is an independent content writer who regularly contributes to the horticulture industry. She enjoys nothing more than pottering around her gardening in the sunshine. Find out what else Dakota has been up to on Twitter, @Dakota_Murphey.