Create a summerhouse on a shoestring

Turn a shed into a tranquil summerhouse and create space to work and relax outside...

Torquay summerhouse, £469, B&Q. Marchello bistro set, £199 for table and two chairs, Bhs. Floor cushion, £25; baskets, £60 for a set of three; both The White Company. Panama hat, £28, Hen and Hammock. Pads from a selection at Paperchase and Muji. Forage leaves lantern, £19, John Lewis. White plant pots, £23.50 each, The Chelsea Gardener. Shrubs and fl owers from a local fl orist and Homebase. Picture frames, £7.99 each, Ikea. Coastal notecards, £10 for 20, The Beach Hut

Use a simple colour scheme

Soft blue outside and white inside create a feeling of space. Cafe curtains provide privacy but still let plenty of light in.

Beaumont Blue and Pale Jasmine paints, both £19.49 for 2.5L; Garden Shades collection by Cuprinol. Curtains made up in Betsy spot fabric, £22 a metre (½m used), Laura Ashley. Hanging baskets, £6.98 each, B&Q

Add a hideaway home office

This compact desk and chair set fits neatly into the corner. Push in the pull-out desktop and hang the chair on the wall to save valuable floor space when not in use. To add more colour, make a simple pin board using any leftover stripe fabric.

Izzie desk and chair set, £89, John Lewis. Wall hook, £2.98, B&Q

Create a comfy haven

Relax in your garden retreat on this comfortable sofa with washable covers.

Lillberg two-seat sofa, £149, Ikea. Cushion covers made up in Betsy spot fabric, £22 a metre (½m used) and Awning stripe fabric, £20 a metre (½m used), Laura Ashley. ‘Quiet it's me time' door hanger, £5, The Beach Hut. Egeby rug with navy border, £39.99, Ikea

Total: £370.91

All you need to know when painting a shed

If your shed is looking weathered you may need to sand off any existing paint to get a smooth finish before you start. It's always sensible to treat and prime the wood first, as this will give you longer lasting results. For all-over solid colour use an exterior paint rather than a stain. Cuprinol's Garden Shades collection includes a range of subtle colours; they're water based so take less time to dry than oil-based paints.