Garden Office Blog

Material World - The Garden Office and Textural Variety

Material World - The Garden Office and Textural Variety

By Francesca McGlone on 7th October, 2010

Nature is brimming with texture and colour, where coarse bark runs into the feathery silk of a leaf or petal and gravelly earth meets the shimmering sheen of water. The array of textures catapults our senses into an eclectic environment that makes the outdoors an explorative expanse.

The exterior of the office already showcases a complimentary mix of materials. The Red Western Cedar cladding, aluminium clad timber window frames and the option to have a roof covered in rubber, zinc or sloping sedum, demonstrates how hard and soft textures marry together, as well as smooth and ridged surfaces.

This exciting plethora of textures can be replicated inside the office, so that a continuity of style can occur, matching nature’s offerings of texture as well as the garden office’s exterior. An office does not have to be governed by a sterile interior. Replacing items associated with common materials for an array of touchable alternatives, stripping away the traditional blandness of an office, so that the space comes alive with originality.

Simple buys can include leather wastepaper bins, instead of plastic or wicker creations, metal or glass teacups instead of china and clear, plastic desks instead of solid wood. Weaved basket vases that hold dry flowers and carved wood ornaments add a splash of ornamental difference. A goat hair rug holds natural bounce and is a renewable and abundant product that is refreshingly different to wool, adds a luxurious and homely charm to any office. Swapping materials adds instant character, refreshing stayed creations and breathing inspiration into the space. The same technique can be observed in jewellery, where gold and silver are replaced by plastic, glass and even ceramic designs, adding an edgy feel that breaks the mould. A noticeable difference can be made with materials is by purchasing a computer that has a shell made from bamboo, covering the keyboard, mouse and frame and complimenting the natural look that encases the office.

An office space that embraces novelty and difference is instantly more appealing. As a good proportion of time will be spent in a garden office, it is important to add personal touches that will excite the imagination and push the boundaries, reflecting the innovation that gave birth to the notion of a garden office.


Category:  Garden Offices

Go back to blog index