Katriina’s garden room is always in season: it doubles as a workspace, poolside changing room, and even a winter haven for plants!

“Our garden room was finished about 12 years ago, and over the years, it has served all sorts of purposes. For instance, it’s been a winter refuge for plants and a special place to spend time with loved ones. Our yard just wouldn’t feel the same without our summerhouse.

We had a pool built in the yard when our children were little. Previously, my daughter’s playhouse stood next to the pool, but once she outgrew it, we decided to build something new in its place.

My husband Jose and I built the garden room together. While laying the bricks, we figured it didn’t have to be perfect, since a slightly rough finish suits our style.

We chose brick for the back wall because it faces our neighbor’s lot, and we hoped it would offer some privacy. Overall, we’ve also worked to create privacy in our yard with various beautiful additions, like flower beds.

Built next to the pool, this cabin also doubles as a poolside changing room in summer. Previously, there was a playhouse in that spot, but the family wanted something more versatile.

The wooden-frame cabin’s back wall was built with bricks to offer privacy. The curved wooden door doesn’t lead anywhere, but it adds unique character to the cabin.

After a summer of hard work, we were thrilled with what we’d accomplished. When it was finally finished, the garden room felt almost ceremonial. We didn’t actually cut any ribbons, but looking back, that might have been a fun idea!

I had a clear vision for the cabin and its interior design from the start. The wooden sofa had come with us through a few moves, but until we built the garden room, it never found the right place in our current home. The dresser, on the other hand, is an heirloom from my grandmother’s youth. In addition, the cabin features various affordable finds and some textiles I’ve sewn myself.

The first time we sat in our garden room, my husband pointed out how nice it was to see our yard and home from a different perspective than usual. Indeed, it really does feel like you’re in a whole new place.

When my children were little, we would go on small adventures in the cabin and even spend the night. Even though we were still in our own backyard, it was a fresh experience for them. You really feel closer to nature there—sometimes you just hear a quiet rustling or a bird singing.

Katriina enjoys spending time in the garden room surrounded by her plants.

The garden room is where her geraniums and olive trees spend the winter. They’ve even sipped glögi there during the colder months—whenever there’s space among the plants.

Years later, the garden room played an important role in my children’s graduation celebrations. Held during the summer, these parties often had guests gathering in the cabin. I love decorating the garden room in warm weather, and it’s a lovely place to spend the evening.

I also spend plenty of time in the garden room tending to my plants. In winter, we keep it at about 10 degrees Celsius so my geraniums and olive trees can overwinter there. I enjoy going in to care for them and see if any new buds have appeared.

My children joke that I treat my plants like people. They really are dear to me, and the garden room has its own special role in that.

One of the best things about the garden room is how it adapts to different seasons and uses. In autumn, for example, we might sit there by candlelight to enjoy an evening snack, and on hot summer days, it becomes a poolside changing room. Occasionally, it’s been a workspace or a pleasantly private spot to talk one-on-one.”