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Summer house interior ideas speak volumes about how the structure can function year-round. In this guide, we’ve rounded up some summer house decor ideas to help you build your dream outdoor retreat. Use these inspirations to come up with your own style. Ready?
1. By the sea
A coastal interior emphasises lighter tones in shades of blue, green, beige, and white. Shells, sisal rugs, sea glass details, and linen drapes complement this theme. Elements such as reclaimed wood, exposed beams, and natural stones also add to the motif. Invite natural light and create an open-concept floor plan to achieve a bright and airy feel.
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2. The whimsical approach
This fairytale-like summer house is an excellent addition to cottage gardens and will thrill the children. Charming animal figurines and art around it bring a sense of childlike fun. Involve your little ones in the decoration process to add character. Tip: Include a stone fireplace as the focal point to ensure the space is warm and cosy during winter.
3. Palm escape
This summerhouse interior decor draws inspiration from tropical and beachside aesthetics. It focuses on the colour palette that reflects the colours of the sea, sand, and palm trees. For instance, the shades of blue, green, beige, and white. Use natural materials for the garden furniture, such as rattan, bamboo, and wicker. Enhance the ambience with botanical accents like ferns to bring the outdoors in.
4. Woodland retreat
The concept of a woodland retreat revolves around creating a nature-inspired sanctuary. Wood, stone, and rustic metals are perfect for flooring, furniture, and accents. Browns, greens, and muted blues are the best colour shades for creating a grounding atmosphere in a woodland setting.
5. Vintage chic
Complete the look of your country-style garden with a vintage chic summer house. The key here is the soft colour scheme, creating a rustic and cosy atmosphere. To finalise the concept, showcase your vintage pieces, such as vases, rugs, and artworks.
6. Zen-inspired
This interior concept focuses on clear, clean-cut, unfussy lines. It promotes peace and relaxation, with the goal of creating a haven away from the hustle and bustle. Keep in mind simplicity and sophistication, and keep the decor minimal. Choose low-profile sofas or floor cushions and combine the elements of water and rocks to create a tranquil retreat.
7. The English country style
Turn your summerhouse into a modern English country space. This style pairs formal arrangements with comfort and wear. It favours porcelain and china pieces, abundant plants and flowers, and travel souvenirs. You should go for this one if you appreciate a mix of traditional and contemporary elements.
8. Teen’s hideout
It only makes sense to make this theme fun and exciting. Opt for bean bags and floor pillows instead of the usual sofa for comfortable seating. Hang shelving units for books, video game CDs, and board games. Hang posters or wall decals to add their interest and for personalisation. And why not include a small entertainment area with a TV and consoles if space and budget allow?
9. Pink she shed
She sheds are a cosy little hideaway for entertainment and relaxation for the ladies. And an exterior in pastel pink makes for an eye-catching garden room. Check out our guide, ‘She-Shed Ideas: Ways for Women to Use a Garden Workshop’ for more inspiration.
10. Pool house for the summer
Make the most of your backyard pool with a small summerhouse. Include at least a couch for resting and storage for pool essentials like floats. Place a sun lounger or hammock to extend the place and create an unwinding spot after a pool day.
11. Hassle-free corner
You’re lucky if you found a versatile summer house with a modern, pent design in the market. A corner summer house gives the room a spacious feel. Decorate with an L-shaped sofa and free-standing shelves for storage, and you’ll still have enough room for others!
12. The oriental way
Can’t get enough of Asian-inspired summer houses? Have a look at this Japanese-inspired fence work! It’s a remodelled small zen detached shed. The size is small, making the design ideal for tea house gardens. Create a pathway of stepping stones lined by lanterns that lead from the garden to the tea house.
13. Restful reading haven
Pair built-in shelves with comfy seating to create the perfect setup for reading. Soft textiles like throw pillows, blankets, and plush rugs add up to the comfort. Good lighting is essential for reading comfortably well into the night. Tip: Position your seating in front of a large window to take advantage of natural light.
14. Modern and functional WFH setup
Summerhouses make excellent garden offices, too, and a well-designed one is key to achieving a work-life balance. How you decorate the space with equipment will depend on your needs and profession. For instance, if you’re a graphic designer, you may require high-performance computers. Meanwhile, if you’re a writer, an insulated room will help reduce distractions.
Read our guide, ‘Office Design: How to Suit Your Garden Office to Your Job’ for more tips!
15. A humble garden pub
A summer house garden bar is an excellent alternative to a full-blown bar in your home. Make sure the space ticks all the essential boxes, such as funky lighting, comfy stools and beer racks. Check our summerhouse bar ideas for more!
16. Cabin-style guest room
Take this opportunity to offer the best accommodation for your relatives or friends. Choose homey and vintage furniture, such as wooden and stone chairs and tables. Leather is another suitable option, as its colours and textures complement wood and stone.
Curate a palette of rich woodland shades, including burgundy, beige, green, red, and shades of blue. Combine these with the warm glow of your lights to create a cosy, down-to-earth style. Don’t forget to centre your arrangement around a fireplace, even if it’s just a mid-size electric stove heater.
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17. Modern farmhouse
If you love a rustic yet fresh farmhouse interior, this style is for you! It takes rustic elements and combines them with the sleek and simple twist of modern decor. Use white or light neutral colours for a cleaner, more contemporary look. Less is more in this calming and classic twist on decorating your summer house.
18. Vineyard summer home
A vineyard-themed summer getaway should have wine racks, barrel tables, cork displays, and a rustic wooden dining table. You’d love this seating for get-togethers and, of course, for enjoying wine drinking. Set the ambience with wrought iron chandeliers and candles. The addition of an outdoor inflatable hot tub to the view makes the place dreamier!
19. Scandinavian corner seating
There’s an actual art in minimalism with Scandinavian interior design. This corner seating, for one, emphasises clean lines and utility. The simple furnishings are functional, beautiful, and cosy. Plus, the design also maximises natural light and uses a minimal colour palette.
20. The rural retreat
The concept is inspired by country life with a mix of restored 18th-century elements. The interior represents a casual and cosy decorating style. It also alludes to the feeling of simple country life, highlighting the vintage pieces.
21. Sunroom porch
This sunroom porch features brick flooring, making the room feel cosier and ideal for winter hibernation. The stove is a perfect addition for chilly winter nights. Large windows and a skylight fill the space with sunlight. Tip: Connect the sunroom to a garden greenhouse for year-round enjoyment of plants and natural light.
22. Introduce a pop of colour
With all this light and lofty space, you will need some colour. The softer and bolder, the better, such as an earthy green-grey or olive shade. Splash more gentle colours around with cushions, throws, and accessories. Plants surrounding the room can also help make the space pop.
23. Mediterranean interior with terracotta
This aesthetic is a natural match for the mid-century modern style. Around the summer house, decorate with rose pinks, rusty oranges, and red shades and accents. Incorporate the style next to mid-century wood furniture and brick elements.
24. Rafter ceiling
The taller the ceiling, the more the space can feel airy. Match the rafters with the wooden ceiling and wall if you’re building your own summer house. For a double-height ceiling, consider painting the rafters white, especially if you have a crisp white interior. Stick to the natural wood look if you want to add a touch of rustic charm.
25. Cosy built-in window seat
If you have a small summer house, you’re going to love this idea! A cosy nook not only maximises space but also creates a serene spot to relax and unwind. It also frames the beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, a.k.a. your garden. It’s simply a smart, stylish addition to any garden room interiors.
26. Everything Danish
Danish interior design is known for its sleek lines and sophistication. At the heart of this theme is ‘hygge,’ which means creating a mood of cosiness.
Furnish your summerhouse with pieces that contribute to the room without overcrowding it. Start small and build gradually instead of all at once. Focus on clean colour palettes such as light greys, taupe, ivory, and soft greens to enhance the serene aesthetic.
27. A hint of bohemian
A boho interior design revels in playful colours, textures, and patterns. Incorporate the style into your summer house by layering in patterned rugs and pillows. Choose various patterns like stripes, but stick to a similar colour palette to keep the look consistent.
28. Artistic den
Gallery walls, unique sculptures, and creative artworks. With all these creative pieces, you can turn a summer house into an inspiring haven. Mix various art forms and experiment with asymmetrical arrangements. Include displays that resonate with your personal taste for an intellectually stimulating space.
29. Outdoor hot tub extension
Another fantastic summer house interior design tip is to make a summer house hot tub. Even when it rains, you can enjoy a relaxing soak. The perfect spot to utterly spoil yourself and your family! Check our hot tub summer house ideas for more.
30. Retro revival
Transport your summer house to a bygone era with vintage furnishings, retro wallpapers, and nostalgic memorabilia. Curate a collection of retro items and display them throughout the room, but don’t overdo it. Add nostalgic touches to achieve a complete and authentic vintage look.
Round-up
You’re now one step closer to your dream garden summer house! We’ve done our part, so now it’s your turn to come up with ways to decorate in a way that reflects your personality and style.
Choose from our list of interior designs – or mix & match them! – to create a special log cabin summer house space where you’ll want to spend your free time.
Up next on your reading list: How to Insulate a Summer House and Keep It Warm in Winter
FAQs
Do you need planning permission for a summer house?
The majority of summer houses do not require planning permission. But a permission is required for any summer houses which cover over half the garden. Or it's not for domestic use, and it's over 3 metres high with a pent roof or 4 metres high with an apex roof.
What can I turn my summer house into?
A garden summer house can be used as your very own special space. Use it as a studio for writing, painting or other crafting activities. Or it can simply become a space for relaxation and leisure with your loved ones.
What do you put inside a summer house?
Think of anything functional items like furniture, lighting fixtures, plants, and shelving units. Or think outside the box, such as installing a hammock or a fireplace made from reclaimed bricks.
Can you use a shed as a summer house?
A summer house can also be used in various ways, while a shed is most often used as a storage space. If you only need a place to store your tools and outdoor furniture, then a shed may be the best option.
Can you put carpet in a summer house?
A carpet can be a factor in adding comfort to your summer house. You may choose between a based floor one or lay down rugs over wood.
Alternatively, you could keep a few rugs in your home and roll them out in the summerhouse when not in use.
What is the best colour to paint a summerhouse?
The colour of your summer house depends on your taste. But the classic paint scheme is to have the walls in a darker shade, while the doors and windows in a lighter shade.
White, cream or a paler shade of the wall colour works best. Greens, greys, and beige shades also work well with this format.
Where is the best place to put a summerhouse?
Put it in an area that is free from aerial obstructions, such as trees. Although trees can offer shade, an overhanging branch can block out the much-needed sun. Plus, when it falls off, it can damage the structure, especially the roof.
