Storage is a challenge which haunts us at every stage of life. We start early with the need to store games, toys and other childish things. Later, add surfboards, skateboards, and bikes. If children come into our lives we try to shed a few things, usually unsuccessfully, while taking on the extra challenge of buggies, bike carriers and, yes, finally coming back full circle to games toys and other childish things!
Whichever stage you are at there is never quite enough space. Where does it all go? Cupboards and clever storage solutions from Scandinavia can help. The attic is another option, if it hasn’t been converted.
Then there’s always the cupboard under the stairs. One last resort is the garden shed. If you haven’t taken this over for one of the classic uses, such as writing or thinking space or I-just-want-to-be-alone space, then this can be a realistic option. Sheds come in all sizes and shapes. If you don’t have one already I would say that even the smallest garden has space to fit one in. We design and build sheds specifically to fit into small or awkward spaces.
Rather than accepting a standard shape, which doesn’t quite fit, a bespoke shed can be arranged to suit the confines of a tight corner without ruining the space. A dark corner of the garden is a good position for a shed. This first example is a combination of writing space and storage space. The main shed sits in a shady corner. The roof behind is glazed to let light into the shed. The side wings are easily accessed from the main shed and give ample storage options.
Attached to the side is a small glass bike store (main image). The idea here is to use the space for bike storage during the winter, but to convert to a greenhouse in the spring to raise plants for the garden. In the second example (inset), we made a robust shed with double doors for easy access for bikes. We also glazed the corner to allow sun into the space, which could then be used as a summer house, with the doors closed, or as a shady shelter, with the doors thrown open in the summer.
The bench lives outside under a pergola when the bikes are in winter storage. The options for storage are limited only by your imagination. Recently a customer wanted storage for tools, bikes and garden furniture. The available space was long and thin. They wanted three separate sheds joined together to look like beach huts. Great idea. We looked for some standard units online, but decided that we would make the sheds from scratch, as the units available didn’t come in useful sizes. Once finished, the customer got out her paintbrush and using coloured woodstains gave each beach hut an individual treatment. The final result was cheerful as well as functional.
http://www.allgardendesigns.co.uk/