Play outside
Latest Interiors ventures outside and creates a play space for all ages to enjoy
Spring is nearly here, heralded by the first snowdrops and crocus blooms. Kids (big and small) can start to run around out of doors again. If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, then it’s time to plan how you’re going to get most out of it this year, whatever the weather. Feeling playful? Latest Interiors tries out some garden play spaces.
Playing outside
Playhouses are great: they’re make-believe palaces for the little ones; a group hideout for older kids; a useful winter store for outdoors toys, or even – later on – luxury accommodation for urban chickens. For an inexpensive option, convert a basic shed into a playhouse with some colourful paint, accessories, and cushions. Many of the big toy and catalogue stores sell bright, plastic versions, but these lack the eco (and visual) appeal of sustainable wood alternatives, and kids will lose interest in them as they get older. If you want something really special that’s built to last, go bespoke. Ask local carpenters for quotes, or commission one of a growing number of specialist companies to build you the playhouse of your dreams. See www.playhouses.com for inspiration.
If you want some sheltered play space out of doors, but don’t have room for a permanent structure, get a tent! Colourful pop-up tents, teepees and wigwams are great fun, and camping in the garden is a safe start for any future enthusiast.
Moving up
Another favourite with small and grown-up children, a treehouse is the stuff of fantasies: a look-out post, chill-out space, gang-base or secret hidey-hole; the majority of us wanted a treehouse when we were growing up. If you’ve got a promising tree, play it safe – for the kids, and the tree – and get professional advice. There are several specialist companies who will quote and build a bespoke treehouse – flick through the marvellous The Treehouse Book by Peter and Judy Nelson (Universe Publishing, 2000) for ideas and some breathtaking pictures.
Work and play
Kids and grown-ups alike can all benefit from a garden room. More of us are creating extra work and play spaces outdoors with the addition of
a garden room or summerhouse.
As well as companies that offer a specialist design-and-build service, some of the big catalogue and high street stores are getting in on the act with off-the-peg structures. Prices range from around £350 for a simple wooden summerhouse (www.tesco.com) to £6,000 (or more) for more sophisticated garden rooms and studios (www.johnlewis.com).
