Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<p>Ahh, the sanctuary of a dreamy garden room. If the arrival of spring has you yearning to get into the garden, now is the perfect time to think about a garden room. Cheaper (and way less faff) than an extension, a great way to bring the outside in, and lightning-quick to build, it’s no wonder there’s a garden room boom right now.</p>



<p>Enter the experts: Nottingham-based <a href="https://www.cosygardenrooms.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cosy Garden Rooms</a> builds some of the best, with a totally bespoke design service and a build that typically takes just 3 to 6 days to build (yes, really). Muddy tapped them up for their tips on how to create a game-changing garden room.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/LBB-CGR-woman-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="woman standing at the doors of her garden room" class="wp-image-16953" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/LBB-CGR-woman-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/LBB-CGR-woman-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/LBB-CGR-woman-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/LBB-CGR-woman-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-location-location-location-nbsp"><strong>Location, location, location</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Got a spot in mind for your garden room? Time to think about aspect and how you might be able to maximise the view, privacy, and light.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/LBB-CGR-black-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="cosy garden room in corner of a cottage garden" class="wp-image-16939" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/LBB-CGR-black-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/LBB-CGR-black-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/LBB-CGR-black-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/LBB-CGR-black-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>‘Always maximise your view,&#8217; advises Louise Jones, at <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/cosy-garden-rooms-nottingham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cosy Garden Rooms</a>. ‘We sometimes use floor to ceiling windows and doors to do this.&nbsp;Try to naturally draw the eye to the outside. If the views are to the south east, it’s a win-win, with morning light, bright without overheating, comfortable all year. But even a north-facing room with a beautiful outlook will beat a south-facing room with a poor one every day of the week.’</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boring-but-necessary-nbsp"><strong>Boring but necessary</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The good news is that planning permission is rarely needed for garden rooms as they fall under <a href="https://www.cosygardenrooms.co.uk/planning-permission" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">permitted development rights</a>. ‘About 95% of the garden rooms we build don&#8217;t need planning permission or building regs (two very separate issues),’ says Louise. ‘If you have the space, you can put a garden pretty much anywhere in your back garden. For a front garden, you&#8217;d always need planning permission.’</p>



<p>Conservation area or listed buildings come with their own set of rules and regulations but, if that’s you, the team at Cosy Garden Rooms can walk you through the process with their full planning service.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-will-you-use-it"><strong>How will you use it?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/LBB-CGR-inside-games-room-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="games room garden room" class="wp-image-16946" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/LBB-CGR-inside-games-room-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/LBB-CGR-inside-games-room-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/LBB-CGR-inside-games-room-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/LBB-CGR-inside-games-room-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Think about how you want the space to work. Is it for something specific like the bar and games room above? Or is it a space you might want to grow with you over the years, morphing from teen hang-out, to home office or yoga studio? </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Robert-Twins-photography-studio-1024x683.jpg" alt="photography studio in a garden room" class="wp-image-16948" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Robert-Twins-photography-studio-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Robert-Twins-photography-studio-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Robert-Twins-photography-studio-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Robert-Twins-photography-studio.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-think-about-lighting"><strong>Think about lighting</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/L-Shaped-Evening-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="cosy garden room lit up at dusk with firepit outside" class="wp-image-16937" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/L-Shaped-Evening-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/L-Shaped-Evening-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/L-Shaped-Evening-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/L-Shaped-Evening-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>There are all sorts of ways to let natural light into your garden room. ‘We can fit roof lanterns, bi-fold doors, floor to ceiling windows, and letter box windows on the back to let light in,’ says Louise. ‘We did one (pictured below) by a reservoir on a lower level patio and put windows on the back, so when sitting on the patio you can see through the garden room windows and still enjoy the view.’</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Cosy-Garden-Rooms-picture-window-1024x683.jpg" alt="cosy garden rooms picture window" class="wp-image-17028" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Cosy-Garden-Rooms-picture-window-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Cosy-Garden-Rooms-picture-window-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Cosy-Garden-Rooms-picture-window-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Cosy-Garden-Rooms-picture-window.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image / Cosy Garden Rooms</figcaption></figure>



<p>Think outside the box with your designers. ‘We&#8217;ve done specially-designed triangular glass gables to match the style of a house,’ adds Louise. ‘We can also build with a pitched roof, which changes the whole feel and makes it very light and airy inside.’</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-make-it-work-year-round-nbsp"><strong>Make it work year round</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/LBB-CGR-autumn-main-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="cosy garden room in autumn" class="wp-image-16942" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/LBB-CGR-autumn-main-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/LBB-CGR-autumn-main-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/LBB-CGR-autumn-main-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/LBB-CGR-autumn-main-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Give some thought to how your garden room might change through the seasons. In high summer, that sunlight might be too much. In winter, how will you keep it warm?</p>



<p>Underfloor heating is worth considering anywhere you plan to go barefoot. And if you want to do your downward dog outdoors, maybe tack an outdoor deck onto the front. A composite decking which feels good under bare feet and, unlike wood, doesn’t deteriorate and stays splinter-free.</p>



<p>Cosy Garden Rooms also offers infrared heating panels, usually mounted on the ceiling. ‘These are great as they heat the objects in the room, rather than the space, so they get warm and toasty very quickly,’ explains Louise.</p>



<p>They can do air conditioning, both heat and cool. And if you need to cast some shade, windows can be manufactured with integral blinds (opened and closed by a slider with magnets &#8211; super neat and won&#8217;t get dirty).&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-let-s-talk-aesthetics-nbsp"><strong>Let’s talk aesthetics</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/cedar-clad-x-1024x683.jpg" alt="cedar clad L shaped garden room" class="wp-image-16943" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/cedar-clad-x-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/cedar-clad-x-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/cedar-clad-x-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/cedar-clad-x.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A cedar clad L-shaped garden room with hot tub / Cosy Garden Rooms</figcaption></figure>



<p>This is where Cosy Garden Rooms comes into its own, with a massive menu of durable materials and finishes. Because they do everything bespoke, you can have it designed and built just as you want, brimming with unique touches. Think wood burners, a swish bar, underfloor heating or a living roof for added insulation and ultra-eco style.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/LBB-CGR-workman-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="man working with sander on wood" class="wp-image-16944" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/LBB-CGR-workman-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/LBB-CGR-workman-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/LBB-CGR-workman-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/LBB-CGR-workman-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>So, what tends to work well? ‘Corner windows are nice and can work particularly well with a desk underneath,’ says Louise. ‘A roof lantern is great for flooding the space with natural light &#8211; artists love these. Bi-fold doors work well and an L-shaped room is great for creating different zones. I personally like a green roof too.’</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/gym-and-games-room-1024x683.jpg" alt="a grey slat clad gym and games room garden room" class="wp-image-16945" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/gym-and-games-room-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/gym-and-games-room-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/gym-and-games-room-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/gym-and-games-room.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A grey slat clad gym and games room / Cosy Garden Rooms</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-connected"><strong>Get connected</strong></h2>



<p>Unless your garden room is going to be your off-grid escape, <a href="https://www.cosygardenrooms.co.uk/post/how-to-get-good-wi-fi-in-your-garden-room" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decent Wifi</a> is essential. &#8216;Think about internet connectivity early in the design process,&#8217; advises Louise. &#8216;Planning ahead makes it easier to route cables discreetly, position equipment sensibly, and avoid compromises later.&#8217;</p>



<p>Happily, there are various strong options, from simple extenders and Mesh boosters to an outdoor wireless access point or a hardwired Ethernet connection (running a network cable directly from the main house to the garden room). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-about-cost-nbsp"><strong>What about cost?&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>There is a huge variation on price, depending on what you’re after, but you might be surprised with how affordable a garden room can be (and it will almost always be cheaper than an extension). Cosy Garden Rooms start theirs from £10,000 and price inclusively with base, electrics, heating, flooring, decoration and everything you need to start using the room. The price goes up with size and finish. An extra tall roof or pitched roof is more expensive than a flat roof for example. Extras like air con, premium or specialist cladding, and bathrooms will up the cost.&nbsp;</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.cosygardenrooms.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cosy Garden Rooms</a>, Unit 12 Bailey Brook Business Park, Amber Drive, Langley Mill, Nottingham, NG16 4BE</em>.<em> Get a free quote <a href="https://www.cosygardenrooms.co.uk/contact" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> or call 0115 896 6103.</em></p>


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