Outdoor SunSpaces News

 

When the hustle and bustle of homelife gets all too much, a designated outdoor dwelling can not only be a blessing, it can also provide the ultimate means of mental escape.

 

However, escapism can come in many different forms, depending on your general likes and dislikes. Personality and preference can go a long way in determining just which summer house décor is the one for you.

 

In addition to that, situational factors can also affect and influence your choice of garden dwelling, as can the personalities that reside under your roof.

 

With so many moving parts, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to planning your summer house interior.

 

To help get your garden dreams off the ground, here’s some inspired ideas for your summer house décor.

 

Types of summer house interiors

 

While it’s easy to assume that a summer house has to resemble a woody room, decked out in natural timber or decorated in beachy colours, that is merely scratching the surface of what your summer house can be.

 

The choice of interior can truly revolutionise what your summer house is and make it so much more than a simple seaside chalet in your back garden. If you’re after food for thought, feast on these innovative suggestions below.

 

Garden Retreat

 

When the weather is good, the garden can provide the perfect location for destressing and mental respite.

 

But why limit this recreational relief to when the weather allows? Switch off from the stresses of the world whenever you please with your very own summery zen den.

 

In designing this outdoor oasis, it’s important to create a room that is exponentially different from your house. Start by accentuating the organic element of being outdoors by including naturistic materials and colours.

 

Wicker furniture adorned with light coloured cushions is a great way to establish this distinction. Meanwhile, accessorising with subtle greens, mixed with flowery shades of colour, can really help create a soothing colour scheme that is both relaxing and reflective of your outdoor environment.

 

Home Office

 

Bringing work home with you can be an unavoidable burden at times and an accepted part of many 21^st century jobs. However, finding a quiet space that allows you to do these tasks undistracted and attentively can be frustratingly difficult, particularly if you have young children or a noisy household.

 

Rechristening your summer house to a home office can be the perfect solution to this problem, providing peace and tranquillity for the ideal working environment.

 

Meanwhile, the natural setting can also provide a stress-relieving effect, which can be enhanced further by a plain white décor with plenty of natural light and airflow.

 

A mix of modern furniture with traditional office supplies can help create a space that’s both stylish and practical, providing a welcome space that makes working from home a breeze.

  

Home Gym

 

A luxury many Brits would love to have on-site at their property, a home gym can provide the ideal solution for those looking to achieve their fitness goals. After all, it’s hard to justify skipping the gym when it’s a stone’s throw away!

 

Whether it’s a minimalistic yoga studio or your own personal spin cycling classroom, a designated room on your property dedicated to fitness can be healthy for both mind and body. White interiors are commonplace for home gyms, providing an energetic atmosphere, but natural wood can be just as effective.

 

If you plan on incorporating heavy weights into your gym equipment, you may want to invest in protective flooring mats. Rubber jig-saw tiles are the perfect solution, providing functional protection and a professional appearance at the same time.

 

Similarly, sturdy lifting platforms that can withstand impact may also be advisable if you foresee yourself dropping plates and putting weights down with force. The last thing you want for your new garden gym is fresh, man-made potholes in the floor.

 

For heavy barbells, protection could even come in the form of something simple like used tyres, provided they reduce the impact and protect the floor. This can also give your weight room a cool industrial vibe for a raw and gritty feel.

 

Party Pad

 

Whether you want to create a boozy lad pad or a feminine lady lair, the humble summer house can quickly become the perfect location for Friday night fun.

 

To achieve this, accessorising is key. A bar is naturally the first step for most social butterflies (or social barflies) and an essential attribute for any self-respecting party pad.

 

Next up is atmosphere and there’s no better way to set the scene than with a fitting soundtrack, so sound system is key.

 

That’s being said, if you plan on playing music, sound-proofing is probably worthwhile too. A noise complaint from the neighbours could put the brakes on your fun in a flash.

 

As for décor, it depends largely on the taste of the dweller. Girly girls may want to adorn the walls with bright colours such as hot pink to turn their summer house into a girly getaway that Barbie herself would be proud of.

 

Meanwhile, for something a little more subtle, neutral colours will work just as well, while the stained wood-look can help recreate a traditional pub-like ambience with ease.

 

Play House

 

If you have young children and don’t happen to have a playroom in your house, creating a specific space for just that can quite literally bring a child’s dream to life.

 

Children’s furniture is a great way to set the scene immediately, while a play rug can add another playful element that’s both simple and effective. Meanwhile, creamy whites and pastel colours can create a cosy environment that is comfortingly kid-friendly.

 

Even for older children, this can be a fantastic addition to your garden, providing a peaceful place for them to read and relax or play with friends.

 

That being said, as this is an environment aimed at children, it’s important to ensure it’s safe and fit for purpose. Rough, un-sanded boards can be a hotbed for splinters, so ensure all surfaces are finished to a kid-friendly standard before you unleash your youngster.

 

Teen Escape

 

Speaking of kid-friendly space, let’s not forget that your summer house can also provide a home for your teenage off-spring as well.

 

Besides, what better way to avoid the furious wrath of a teen meltdown than by creating a personal space that’s exclusive to just them?

 

Throw in some bean bags and comfy furniture and you have yourself the ultimate adolescent residence for your teens to escape to.

 

In addition to providing them with their own space, it also frees up the house for you to enjoy some peace and quiet that’s free of hormonal rants and pubescent moods.

 

Sports Centre

 

When it comes to sport, it can often be a polarising subject – especially in properties that house numerous individual personalities with a variety of preferences.

 

If you really want to enhance the sport-centric atmosphere, why not add an element of interaction? A pool or foosball table could do just that, while a pinball machine or dart board can also provide an interactive sporting element while saving space at the same time.

 

If that isn’t ample food for thought, we don’t know what is! For more information on transforming your outdoor space, give us a call on 0800 085 8110 or click the button below to get in touch online.

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For many Brits, the garden represents the perfect place for relaxation, recharging and overall R&R.

 

When the weather is great and the sun has its working boots on, there’s nothing quite like kicking back and chilling out in the airy goodness of your own outdoor space.

 

However, for those that like to take things one step further, there are ways to make your garden a true temple of tranquillity.

 

Two words: outdoor spa.

 

If you love relaxing in your garden and don’t have space in your house for additional luxuries, what better way to let off some steam than with a spa in your garden?

 

Soak up the possibilities and warm up to the idea of your very own property paradise as we slide into the toasty waters of Garden Spa 101.

 

 

How do I create a garden spa?

If you’re looking to create a home spa in your garden, there are a few things to consider before you jump in at the deep end.

 

Site for sauna

The perfect location for relaxation is an area that acts as a suntrap but also offers privacy. While those two descriptions seemingly don’t go hand-in-hand, there are ways to achieve both with surprising ease.

 

Hedgerows, trellis and fencing can act as a decent border, allowing for ample sunlight while also shielding your outdoor oasis from prying eyes. However, for the ultimate in garden spa seclusion, nothing compares to a veranda or a garden room.

 

Both offer great solutions in terms of functionality and privacy: verandas offer an abundance of natural airflow ideal for hot summer days, while garden rooms provide protection in the event that the weather isn’t quite California hot.

 

Verandas are perhaps the better choice for summertime enjoyment, providing the complete outdoor experience without the drawbacks of being completely open-air; however, if you’re looking to make the most of your spa year-round a garden room may just tip the scales.

 

On the surface

Like any good house or relationship, the foundation of your garden spa can prove to be make or break, particularly if it’s not fit for purpose.

 

For a garden spa, that means water-proof decking, slip-resistant tiles and generally ensuring your surfaces are skid-safe. This is one area where it pays to invest and a top-quality tile or deluxe deck board can make all the difference in both style and substance.

 

Let there be light

Once you’ve picked the site, decided on the shelter that’s right for your and landed on your chosen surface, it’s time to tie up the loose ends in a beautiful bow of pampery goodness.

 

One of the main things worth considering once you’ve checked off the main boxes above is how you plan on lighting your space. After all, the sun has to go down at some point, so why limit your enjoyment hours to the daytime?

 

There is a cornucopia of options to choose from when it comes to outdoor lighting, from built-in LED lights within your outdoor space to eco-friendly solutions like strategically placed solar-powered planters.

 

Effective lighting can turn your garden spa into a place of enjoyment that’s equally as inviting after sundown as it is during the height of the day.

 

Complete your outdoor oasis

You may also want to add additional accessories to fully furnish your outdoor feature and make your home spa truly complete. Our SunSpaces verandas and garden rooms can be fitted with a variety of features to help ensure your outdoor spa is just that – yours.

 

From sliding frosted-glass doors and UV-protecting shades to remote-controlled blinds and retractable roofs, we offer a number of customisable options to make your outdoor spa as private, comfortable and bespoke as possible.

 

We even offer numerous heating options to ensure your SunSpaces spa area is just as comfortable outside the water as it is within it. These options even include heater/sound system combos with Bluetooth technology, allowing you to truly relax and unwind in a space that’s music to your ears.

 

Do I need planning permission for a garden spa?

Most hot tubs and spas do not require planning permission; however, you may need planning permission to build a large enclosure to house one. This is particularly prevalent when it comes large outbuildings that take up over half of the garden.

 

While it is unlikely you will need planning permission for a SunSpaces product, forging ahead without doing your homework could get you in hot water of a different kind, so it may be worth dropping your local authority a line, just in case.

 

To find out more about planning permission, check out our planning permission blog for further details.

 

For more information on outdoor spas and hot tubs in your garden, click here to see our various options and real-life examples of our work. To talk more about making your spa dreams a reality, drop us a line on 0800 085 8110 or hit the button below to get in touch now.

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Sheryl Crow had the right idea back in 2002 when she told the world she was going to “Soak Up the Sun”.

 

We took that statement to heart and you can too – all from the comfort of your own home – with a gorgeous veranda courtesy of SunSpaces!

 

 

 

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For many office workers, most days are spent sitting in front of a computer monitor for several hours at a time. Even those not perched at a desk for eight hours a day can often find their evenings parked in front of a TV screen.

 

On top of that, many of us are also guilty of spending downtime, bedtime and even meal-times peering into a phone screen, endlessly scrolling through Facebook feeds and Twitter timelines. After all, those cat videos and dog memes aren’t going to “like” themselves, right?

 

Nevertheless, all that screen glare isn’t good for the eyes. Luckily, there’s a simple workaround for this and regular breaks can be a wise move. Better still, switching off completely can have untold health perks, particularly when that time is spent outside.

 

Benefits of being outdoors

Spending more time outdoors can have a whole host of health benefits, with the potential to heal mind, body and soul. These can range from improved vision to increased mental performance, all from simply stepping outside and escaping the confines of your living room or workplace.

 

Now we’re not saying you need to spend your days wandering the Earth with nothing but a pop-up tent for nightly shelter, but a healthy dose of natural sunlight and fresh air can truly work wonders.

 

Don’t believe us? Take a look at these surprising health boosts you can gain by stepping away from the screen and out the front door.

 

Anti-fatigue

While it’s true that being exposed to heavy sun for prolonged periods of time can make you feel tired and drowsy, soaking up natural daylight can be great for energy levels, particularly in the wintertime when days are shorter.

 

According to NHS.uk, lack of sunlight causes your brain to produce melatonin which, in turn, can make you feel sleepy. Taking a break outside can not only help you feel energised in the day, but it can also give you a better night’s sleep later on when you do call it quits.

 

Improve mental wellbeing

Exposure to sunlight can also have a notable impact on your mental wellbeing while being cooped up indoors can have notable adverse effects. This particularly evident in the winter months when daylight hours are notably reduced.

 

Many people in the UK experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) when the clocks go back, bringing summer to a cold, wintry halt. The shorter days and extended nights that accompany it can make for a depressing combination.

 

Mental health charity, Mind, has found that being outside can help benefit your mood greatly and experiencing nature can profoundly affect your overall outlook. This has even been known to include mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.

 

Improve vision

Our increased daily reliance on computers, phones and tablets has meant a notable increase in myopia (or nearsightedness). Throw in a national love for TV and computer games in our spare time and it’s no wonder the UK’s eye-sight is taking a dip.

 

The New York Times has previously reported a strong correlation between eye health and a person’s overall exposure to sunlight. These facts were the result of a sizeable study done by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, King’s College London and several other respected institutions.

 

According to the study, those who had gotten the most sun during their younger years were about 25% less likely to develop myopia by middle age. Exposure to sunlight up to the age of 30 proved to have a protective benefit, notably benefitting eyesight in later life.

 

Enhance focus

Your eyes aren’t the only things that can lose focus – lack of daylight can also cause your brain to lose focus as well. Exposure to natural environments can be just the boost you need if your mind is wandering and your attention is waning.

 

According to AskTheScientists.com, breaking up the working day with time outdoors has been shown to enhance concentration and increase productivity. Meanwhile, creative problem solving and cognitive function has also been known to improve through outside activities, particularly when indulging in prolonged outdoor pursuits.

 

A healthier you

Perhaps the most telling and important finding of all is that being outside has been shown to contribute greatly to overall bodily health – particularly due to its association with Vitamin D.

 

According to medical experts, humans are said to get as much as 90% of their Vitamin D intake from natural sunlight. Vitamin D can be a vital component in helping to maintain healthy bones and teeth, as well as contributing to cardiovascular health, including healthy blood pressure.

 

Vitamin D has also been known to regulate insulin levels and can help aid and prevent diabetes, while it has also been found to strengthen the immune system. With such a profound list of great health benefits, is there any wonder they call Vitamin D “The Sunshine Vitamin”?

 

Spend more time outside

So, we’ve heard all about the health benefits of being outside and worldly goodness that can be gained from being out and about – now what?

 

Getting outside doesn’t mean you have to take up gardening or begin park running every morning. The outdoors can be a great place to simply relax and unwind and what better way to do that than in the comfort and privacy of your very own property?

 

SunSpaces offer a wide range of garden rooms, verandas and awnings for a variety of properties, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of being outside without having to leave your home.

 

Give us a call today on 029 2037 1575 or click below for more information. Alternatively, visit a showroom near you and get an in-depth look at outdoor living!

 

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Ever wondered exactly how much sunshine the UK sees in a year? Or how often in rains?

 

Take a look at our infographic to learn what 'typical British weather' really means...and how SunSpaces garden buildings can protect you from it!

 

INFOGRAPHIC TRANSCRIPT:

Beating the British Weather

British weather can be extremely unpredictable, but whether it's hot, cold, dry or wet, it shouldn't stop you from going outside and enjoying your garden.

Here at SunSpaces, we provide garden buildings that protect you from the elements and help you to stay warm even when the sun's gone down. Read on to find out what our garden rooms and verandas can do!

In the UK, we get an average of...

• 1493 hours (62.2 days) of sunshine per year
• 13 hours of daylight on a spring day
• 16 hours of daylight on a summer day
• 10 hours of daylight on an autumn day
• 8 hours of daylight on a winter day
• 133 rainy days per year

Average Temperature in °C

• January: 6.4°C
• February: 6.6°C
• March: 9.1°C
• April: 11.8°C
• May: 15.6°C
• June: 18.6°C
• July: 20.4°C
• August: 20.1°C
• September: 17.5°C
• October: 14.0°C
• November: 9.4°C
• December: 7.3°C

Using your garden...even when the weather's disappointing!

With SunSpaces, you can utilise your garden space and enjoy the outdoors even when it's cold and/or wet.

Our garden rooms are suitable for all weather types. You can sit and relax in your garden whatever the weather!

The Garden Room: Perfect for British Weather

• Weather protection
• Enjoy your outdoor space in a whole new way
• Ideal for a variety of different uses

Verandas

• An unobstructed view of your garden
• Stay dry when it rains
• Great for outdoor get-togethers

Garden Awning

• Great for spring and summer
• Protect yourself from the sun's rays
• Also shelters you in light rain

Glass Extensions

• Versatile and can be used all year round
• Protection from the elements
• Open the doors when it's sunny
• Great for late evening meals

Please note that we can supply heaters with all of our garden structures.

 

Visit www.sunspaces.co.uk to request your FREE information pack!