Tagged: garden pod
Interior x
The interior of the garden studio will be a new building with an old soul. Nature, natural, re-claimed, loved and lovable will be the theme pulling it together. Soft edges, patina and unprecious the by-lines.
The space will not be big, but that does not exclude character.
The walls will be exposed wood, the floor wood, covered by a jute rug.
Down the left side of the sitting room, on the adjoining wall to the office, I will finally have the perfect place for the remains of my Cado storage system I originally bought for the sitting room for TV and has remained under a bed ever since – we only needed one section, but I bought…three! It’ll provide much needed storage, a place for a record player and an extra desk space – always useful.
The pod will divided into two – a small office room with storage on the left side, a larger sitting room on the right. Both will have stoves as heaters; this has been a moot point – I would love proper, wood burning stoves – but we live in London, and I don’t think it’s fair on neighbours or the environment, so they will be electric, but cunningly disguised to look the business.
The office room will be a vintage homage, simple desk, anglepoise wall lamp, pictures and storage.
At the far end will be a door leading to floor to ceiling storage for things like our tent and paddle boards.
Still to be finalised is the ceiling – I would like to do something to suggest a bit of drama – nothing on the scale of these – but possibly some narrow cross beams, to add shadow and interest, a miniature of these above.
Further indecisions are whether there will be space for a small mezzanine level – a place for children to hide. Or will it eat too much into the space?
And whether to go for build in bench sofas with storage – or something else.
I suspect budget will be the dictator.
Laters, Kate x
Designed x
It’s taken longer than I ever anticipated, but I’ve finally finished the design for the pod; there’s such a freedom to be able to design something for yourself, but when, barring council restrictions and budget, the sky is the limit, choices can be overwhelming. But bit by bit, by concentrating on what is allowed and what would benefit the space available, I think I’ve got there. The main inspiration is this garden studio above – I love the simple shape, but there’s also beautiful and subtle detailing that suitably elevates and adds vital character.
I would love to have the more elongated, pagoda style roof, but the width of our garden won’t allow it. But there will be a hint. Unlike the inspiration, we will have a green roof and I hope to encourage plants both to grow up and hang down. The driving consideration behind the design is because we don’t have a panoramic view to frame, why not go with private, enclosed, quiet and chapel like? A secret, hidden space for gently moving light and contemplation. So the doors will be Georgian panels, the overhang shaded and the design understated.
The plan is for planting to cover and encroach, from the sides, from above, from below and even inside the overhang, to create a blur between garden and building.
The overhang will also protect from the sun and act as a privacy screen. In ours will be fitted the salvaged stained glass panels, to cast colours and patterns and draw people out.
The whole building will be painted a bronzey brown as a foil to the plants and to visually push it back into it’s environment.
The overhang will be wide enough to contain a swing chair positioned to catch the last of the evening light. And if space allows, I would love a dramatic porch light.
Now for the inside….
Laters, Kate x
Windows x
Ebay is not a safe place for me at the best of times, but now with an official project – let me write that again with capital, authoritative letters – Official Project – as my cover, it is very dangerous; our kitchen is beginning to look like a reclamation yard. But oh, the pleasure! These are the stained glass panels I have snaffled – genuine Victorian, everything between £50 – £60 (which I think is good value, though they do need work). I have visions of them over the doors, at the back of the pod, even in the apex space between the roof. Who knows where their final resting place/places will be, but I am loving the colours – the pale pinks, the greens and then the contrast of the strong blues and reds. I can imagine sitting on something comfy with a cup of tea, looking at the garden, with the late afternoon light sliding through making patterns on the floor. The real bonus was finding painted centres as well – look! A duck!!
(little cough..I have three of these…all slightly different. All insanely gorgeous)
This is possibly my favourite – a caterpillar! Such a great metaphor for life, the universe and everything…
Little glowing bits of handmade, re-cycled, re-loved heaven.
Now for the lights…..hehe
Laters, Kate x
Decision x
The Pod will be a 5m x 3m structure at the bottom of a South London garden. But that doesn’t stop the dreaming. And whilst the pull to modern is strong, stronger is the call of the old, timeless, batty and slightly battered, which is possibly best encapsulated in these pictures, a cedar cabin in Wyong Creek, Australia, from The design files.net, the home of Natalie Watson, because pictures always speak.
(All pics The Designfiles.net and Pinterest)
Strength and gentleness. Gentleness and strength. Age and ageing. Peace and quiet.
Simple and honest.
Laters, Kate x
Garden Pod Planning..
In moments of lull I return to the task of designing the pod for the garden: This summer is on it’s downward slide, which should be the siren call to have it planned and built all ready for next so I wonder why I haven’t yet done it. Is it because there’s an acceptance that the journey is the richest bit? In my mind, the excuse I’m offering up is that I’m tussling between two strong statements – modern and boho. I don’t know if it can be both. I take each element on it’s own and turn it round, looking at it from every side, weighing up the pros and cons. Do they cancel each other out? I know I want two thirds to be a seated pergola with a covered roof but with walls that would filter the light, to provide respite and privacy. Is the choice modern simplicity that’s kind on the purse? Or is this a last hurrah that requires something a little more?
(All pics Pinterest)
Laters, Kate x
Pod luck..
This is more of a dream than a reality, but it’s something The Husband and I keep talking about..converting our slowly decaying shed into a state of the art office pod.
Given we live in London, it’s never going to be very big. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be well designed.
Nows the space to make a list of all the features that appeal, just in case the green light happens – like noting the slatted wall on the left for future reference.
Not practical for a garden, but the shelf-desk across the large window ticks the boxes.
As do these simple modular seating cushions.
(All pictures Pinterest. Somewhere!)
And black. It must be black..
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 