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A summerhouse is a place where you can relax, entertain, and connect with the beauty of your garden. By blending it with the surroundings, you can enhance its appeal and create a cohesive visual. In this guide, we’ll share tips and ideas to help you achieve the perfect fusion between the garden and building.
1. A Retreat in the Right Spot
To create a harmonious and functional outdoor space, find the sweet spot. Consider the following points to guide you in making the right decision:
Assessing your garden layout and considering various placement options
Take a step back and evaluate your outdoor space’s layout and available space. Consider the size and shape of your garden. This includes the existing structures, pathways, and natural elements like ponds.
Take into account the natural elements of your garden, such as trees, shrubs, or flower beds. Position the summerhouse in a way that embraces and complements these elements. Explore different placement options. Visualise how the summer house will fit into the overall design.
Sunlight exposure
Observe the movement of the sun throughout the day. Determine where the sunniest spots are in your garden. Place your summerhouse in a location that receives ample sunlight.
Privacy
Think about your desired level of privacy when selecting the location. Consider neighbouring properties, fencing, or any potential obstructions. Position your summerhouse in a way that offers a sense of seclusion and tranquillity. This will allow you to enjoy your retreat without feeling exposed fully.
Views
Take into account the views from your garden. Identify any scenic vistas or focal points you’d like to incorporate into the structure. Consider how the placement of the summerhouse can frame or enhance these views.
2. Architectural Style and Design
Selecting a summerhouse design that complements your garden’s aesthetic is key. Consider the following points to ensure harmony between your summerhouse and the garden:
Complementary design
Evaluate the overall style and atmosphere of your garden. Is it formal or informal? Rustic or contemporary? Choose a summerhouse that aligns with the existing aesthetic for a unified look.
For example, a traditional garden may be enhanced by a classic wooden summerhouse. Meanwhile, a modern garden could benefit from a sleek and minimalist design.
Harmonising architectural elements, colours, and materials
Pay attention to architectural elements such as rooflines, windows, and doors. Aim for a design that harmonises with the surrounding structures. For instance, existing buildings or natural features like trees and rocks. Consider the proportions and scale of the summerhouse to maintain balance.
As for the colour, choose paint or stain that complements the surrounding environment. Opt for earthy tones or shades that mimic the hues found in nature. Alternatively, you can select colours that contrast with the garden. This is great for creating a focal point or making the summerhouse stand out as a unique feature.
Materials also contribute to the overall harmony. Say your garden features mostly natural elements, such as wood, stone, or brick. Select a summerhouse with matching materials. Or, if it has a more contemporary feel, go for a design with modern materials like glass and metal.
3. Landscaping and Softening
Consider the following tips to achieve a harmonious blend:
Utilise plants, shrubs, and trees to create a natural transition
Strategically place plants, shrubs, and trees around the summerhouse. Use them to soften the edges and create a natural transition. Select vegetation that complements your garden’s style and the unit’s architecture.
For instance, if you have a cottage-style garden. Consider using cottage garden plants like roses, lavender, or hydrangeas. Incorporate evergreen shrubs to provide year-round foliage and enhance the visual appeal.
Create a green backdrop
Position the summerhouse against a backdrop of lush greenery. This can be achieved by planting tall grasses, hedging, or climbers behind. The green backdrop not only provides a natural transition but also adds depth.
Soften the edges with climbing plants and flower beds
Install trellises around and train climbing plants to grow along the summerhouse. This will add a vertical element, visually connecting the summerhouse to the garden.
4. Colour Scheme and Finishes
Choose a colour scheme that complements the garden’s palette
Observe the predominant colours in your garden, including foliage and hardscape elements. Select a colour scheme for your summerhouse that harmonises with these existing colours.
Opt for complementary colours to create a striking contrast. Or choose analogous shades for a more harmonious blend. Say your garden features vibrant reds and yellows. Then, consider a blue or green family colour for the summerhouse.
Coordinate paint or stain colours to blend with the surroundings
For this, consider the surrounding foliage, trees, or nearby structures. If you aim for a seamless blending, select colours that mimic the earthy tones found in nature. Warm browns, soft greens, or subtle greys are great examples. This will help the summerhouse appear as a natural extension of the garden.
Consider natural finishes or materials to enhance the organic feel
Opt for wood siding, such as cedar or redwood, to give the structure a warm and natural appearance. Natural finishes can highlight the beauty of the wood grain, e.g. clear stain or a transparent sealant. At the same time, protecting it from the elements.
5. Lighting and Ambience
Consider the following options for outdoor lighting:
There are various lighting options available to illuminate your garden summerhouse.
- String lights: String lights create a warm and whimsical ambience. They are versatile and can be draped along the exterior walls, wrapped around trees, and more.
- Lanterns: Lanterns provide a charming and intimate glow. They look extra magical if they have candles or flickering LED lights inside. They can be placed strategically around the summerhouse or tree branches.
- Spotlights: Use spotlights to highlight specific architectural features of the summerhouse. They can also illuminate pathways or showcase surrounding plants or artwork. This trick adds depth and visual interest.
Consider the function and mood you want to achieve. If you must, layer the lighting to add depth and emphasise pathways and entrances.
Round-up
Blending your summerhouse into your garden is all about thoughtful design and integration. By considering these factors, you can create a harmonious and enchanting outdoor space. Ready to seamlessly merge the beauty of your garden with the charm of your summerhouse?
