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There are plenty of benefits in working from home and it’s a bonus if you can have your own dedicated space. This garden home office is designed as a multi-use room: homeowner Paul works in it during the week, while on weekends his wife Paula can use it as an art studio.
Paul worked with his builder brother Matt to complete the three square metre, steel-clad cube in just under a month. “It’s a wonderful asset to have,” says Paula. “Working out there provides Paul with separation from the house, and the comforts of home are just a stroll away.”
Paula’s brief for the studio/office was “a simple box in the backyard that was practical and a little creative.” The corrugated steel with a plain zinc finish won’t need repainting, while standard-sized hardwood decking boards at the front were left unstained to grey off naturally. A pergola-style roof helps frame the space, as do the painted timber planks around the base. For a similar colour, try Dulux Colorbond Monument. The French doors were kept from a former renovation and are a great budget-friendly option that adds character to the office’s clean lines.
Floating timber flooring and Dulux Natural White painted walls bring a bright feel to the studio, while Paula’s artwork adds personality and a vibrant punch. Storage is provided by a cube unit with a mix of attractive, on-show items and baskets to conceal clutter. A pair of pendant lights offer ambient illumination, supplemented by a desk lamp for task lighting as needed. Easy care plants, including sansevieria, cactus and fiddle leaf fig, supply a lively burst of low-maintenance greenery.
To suit the compact floor area, Paul built a desk for the office with an off-the-shelf SpecRite finger-jointed beech panel. For the base, several lengths of Tasmanian oak were cut to size and joined together to create square frame legs. The table was then sanded and given two coats of clear varnish. For year-round comfort and connectivity – a must for any WFH situation – an electrician installed air-conditioning and fitted the office with wi-fi.
Tip: If planning to build your own backyard office, first check with your local authority, as development permits may apply.
Use a timber panel and furniture legs to make your own industrial style desk.
Photo credit: John Downs
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
