The Creative Comeback: Why the Garden Studio UK is the New Artistic Sanctuary

The pandemic has been a blessing to many in the UK as it has made them discover their hidden hobbies. While some reawakened their creativity, others discovered a new artistic skill during the pandemic, one they continued to pursue even after the pandemic.

With a growing number of people deriving joy in painting, writing, and music creation, the need for personal distraction-free spaces is on the rise across the UK, and garden studios have become the go-to solution.

Garden studios are bespoke solutions to artists who cherish a dedicated workspace separated from their regular home setting. By transforming a part of your garden space into a workspace, you can afford yourself the benefits of a traditional office without leaving home.

What Makes a Garden Studio Special?

A garden studio is more than just a regular office; it is a purpose-built creative environment designed to fuel creativity. It is a dedicated work environment to inspire artistic skills and protect hobbyists from home life distractions. Plus, garden studios are sleek and heighten the improved property’s value.

Depending on your hobby, you can design your garden studios to your creative needs while keeping the original look of your home. Whether you are a painter with a soft spot for natural light or a musician seeking a soundproof space, these garden workspaces are designed to let your creative spirit run wild.

It is also worth noting that garden studios are available in different styles, from minimalist to rustic to industrial-inspired units.

Why the North is Embracing the Garden Studio UK Movement

The North leads on the chart of regions with a growing desire to embrace garden studios, which is unsurprising.  The North generally features affordable housing with generous garden spaces, which are necessary for garden studio installations. For example, Towns like Hebden Bridge, Harrogate, and Lancaster contribute to the ever-growing garden studio UK trend, thanks to their ample garden spaces.

Additionally, the North boasts a significant number of hobbyists who seek creativity-inspired havens to bring out the best of their skills.

Large garden areas in rural homes make it easier to install garden studios without sacrificing outdoor space. At the same time, the region’s rich cultural appeal plays a significant role in fostering a desire for a personal, creative workspace.

A Creative’s Dream: Uses for Your Garden Studio

A garden studio is a versatile workspace that suits different artistic purposes, depending on the layouts and designs. Here are a few ways garden studios support different creative prowess:

• Art Studio: designed by bringing in lights to complement natural light for painting or sketching
• Music Recording/Rehearsal Space: the walls are soundproofed to block external noise from entering the space and studio sounds from disturbing the neighbours.
• Writing Space: writing requires a quiet retreat and a dedicated workspace, and a garden studio provides that solution
• Pottery or Textile Workspace: craftsmen embrace garden studios for their ample storage to store hands-on crafts
• Photography Studio: similar to art studios, garden studios offer artificial lighting and backdrops for professional photographers
• Online Content Creation Workspace: content creators are not left behind on the list of creatives adopting garden studios, as YouTubers and podcasters can have a purpose-inspired outlet to create polished content

Regardless of your craft, a garden studio offers the solution to energise your hobby by just taking a few steps from your back door.

Case Study Style Examples

Let’s consider some examples:

Mary is a writer who derives joy from writing fiction stories. However, domestic distractions prevented her from concentrating, as she was using her dining table as her work desk.

She was introduced to garden studios and found the pitch appealing to invest in. A garden studio was designed for her where she now writes thought-filled stories with optimal concentration and improved productivity.

Mary’s garden studio features large windows that invite natural light in. Her studio is also equipped with bookshelves and a vintage desk that makes her tasks more manageable.

Here is also the story of Oscar, a retired teacher who turned to painting as a hobby. Oscar says he has rediscovered his love for colours thanks to a skylight illuminating his workspace. Using his words, “I feel like an artist again and I don’t need to leave my home to put my creativity into practice.”

Design Considerations for Creative Spaces

Designing a garden studio is not a cheap investment and must be approached with careful planning. Making the right considerations ensures your studio is targeted towards your skills.

Lighting

Although artificial lights are a great way to illuminate your space, natural light plays a crucial role in providing your workstation with the natural illumination it needs. Natural light sources, like large windows and skylights, are valuable features for visual artists.

Soundproofing

If your skill deals with sounds, such as music production, soundproofing your garden office will help keep noise out and your studio sound in.

Ventilation and Insulation

Since you want a well-ventilated work haven that you can use all year round, ventilating your garden studio should top your list. Similarly, insulating your studio transforms your work outlet into a comfortable space, especially in the North’s unpredictable weather.

Layout

When installing your garden studio, choose a layout that makes completing your projects easier. Consider the types of furniture, pegboards, and storage options to bring in and select a design that can adapt to your organisation.

Garden Studio UK: What to Know Before You Buy

Here are a few things you should know before committing to installing a garden studio:

Planning Permission

Begin your garden studio installation journey by researching the planning regulations that govern garden studio installations in your area.

Interestingly, most garden studios in the UK enjoy permitted development rights, which exempt you from seeking planning permission to install your studio. Regardless, it is better to check with local permission authorities to be sure you are safe to go ahead with your installation.

Installation Period

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long it takes to complete a garden studio installation, as installations typically depend on project complexity. However, as a guide, expect your garden studio to be completed within a few days or a couple of weeks.

Prices

Like the installation period, garden studios’ prices vary widely. For example, while a basic unit can cost around £5,000, a bespoke design with high-end features, like insulation, electricity, lighting equipment, and Wi-Fi, can gulp more than £20,000.

Hence, you want to discuss your budget with your installer.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Creativity at Home

The demand for garden studios is on the rise, and the UK is expected to witness more of this trend from now on. With side hustles and creative hobbies gaining the hearts of many, garden studios will continue to gain traction.

While they are a blend of creativity and comfort for practising artists, retirees are also investing in garden studios to host their post-retirement passions.

Whether you are an artist, musician, writer, or crafter in a northern urban city or quiet rural village, consider blending practicality with comfort right in your garden with a studio garden today.