8 Ideas on How To Use Your Summer House in Winter

While a summer house is most commonly used during the warmer, summer months - you might be pleasantly surprised at how many other ways it can be utilized as a living space during winter, and even all year round!

As tempting as it is to use this outdoor space for storage when summer is over, you’ll find it much more rewarding converting and decorating it into an additional area that you can use throughout the year - whether you decide to keep it for yourself as a work/hobby space or have it as a place the whole family can enjoy. A summer house is extremely multi-purposeful and practical, even giving you the opportunity to set up a room that you may not have space for in your house.

Be inspired by taking a look at some of our summer house ideas we’ve compiled to ensure you’re making the most out of this superb, additional space. 

Transform it into your very own office space and have a quiet place to work - no need to worry about getting interrupted by doorbells or the kids during work calls or zooms. Plus, let's be honest, there are lots of distractions from the snack cupboard to the TV in the house, so choosing to work in your summer house is an ideal way to create a productive and efficient working environment.

As most parents are no stranger to homeschooling this past year, finding the right space for the kids to do their school work is essential. Setting up a classroom in your garden building is a great idea - it will give your little ones a sense of purpose (eating breakfast in the kitchen before making their walk across the garden to their classroom/summer house). Not only that, it will mean the kids are less likely to get distracted by other things in the house, hopefully improving their focus and concentration levels. 

Use it as your study room and allow the serenity of this space to focus your mind so you can achieve hours of productive studying. Add a comfy chair, desk, bookshelf, reading lamp, and other accessories and you’ll have the perfect little study in the heart of your wonderful garden.

Turn it into your gym and avoid cluttering the living room, kitchen, or bedroom with gym equipment. This is such a clever way to use this space during the colder months. Plus doing your fitness routines at home is one of the most convenient ways to ensure you keep fit and healthy; cutting out all the travel time to and from the gym.

If you’re missing your ski trip this year, why not try to recreate a magic Alpine atmosphere in your own back garden. Decorate your summer house with furry rugs, cosy cushions and blankets, mountain artwork, antler decor, and a fire - ok so having a real fire might not be possible but we’re thinking more along the lines of a patio heater outside on the veranda or playing a roaring fire video on your I-pad inside as an alternative to set the scene. 

We love this idea if you own a telescope - use it to enjoy an evening of viewing the stars on a crisp, winter night. For the best results, set up near an open window or folding section of the roof so you can extend your telescope through the window or roof for the most astonishing views. The kids are sure to love this activity!

Set up your own home bar and create your perfect bar - whether it’s a cool Tiki cocktail one or a traditional pub. Kit it out with a mini-fridge, stools, couches, bar decor, and of course your favourite drinks to serve. It’s the perfect place to entertain friends and chill out after a long day at work. 

Make your dream of having a craft room a reality during the winter months by creating one in this additional space. Enjoy painting and craft making with the kids in this little haven with the convenience of all art materials stored in one place and a workstation set up - meaning no more hassle of having to find an area in the house to set up for arts and crafts time.