In 2021, Jewellery Designer and Maker, Eleanor Swinhoe decided it was the right time to upgrade her workspace and this led her to Garden Affairs. In addition to needing more room, and a workspace fit for purpose, comfort in the winter was a priority as she makes most of her work during the winter months and exhibits and sells during the summer months.
Like many people during the covid pandemic, Eleanor had been struggling to find her own space in the house to design and create her exquisite jewellery. The lack of privacy and individual space, together with the constant pressure to tidy up, left Eleanor feeling frustrated and like everyone was always on top of each other. Already in the process of selling their home, Eleanor and her husband looked for the perfect house with a garden big enough to fit her new studio. Eleanor contacted Garden Affairs to help her design the ideal creative garden studio space to run her jewellery business from.
Eleanor wanted something that was modern looking and in a colourway that was natural and muted to blend into her beautiful garden. She decided on the Proline model. The main concern was a space big enough to house all her materials, equipment and both her workshop desk and a computer desk. Working with silver sometimes uses chemical processes, this meant Eleanor also needed running water and a sink area. In addition, Eleanor needed a space where she could invite a customer into the garden studio to consult on a custom design in comfort. Despite needing the building to perform many different functions, the Proline was the perfect building to use in terms of size and space for the business but didn’t overwhelm her important garden space. She loved the design Garden Affairs had created so much, she ordered the garden studio before she had even moved house, wanting to get the order on the way. The building was delivered a few months later and was installed by Garden Affairs' fantastic team of installers in just three days.
Eleanor’s new garden studio features low-maintenance Tricoya cladding and is internally lined with tongue and groove MDF. The exterior is factory painted in ‘Pebble Grey’ to blend into her beautiful garden landscape. Her garden studio was fitted with insulation in the roof, walls, and floor to make the space toasty during the winter months and cool in the summer months. Eleanor’s garden studio features windows on all four sides, large windows on the front elevation and smaller ones on the sides and back. As her garden is south facing, this meant that she could take advantage of all the natural light which floods her workspace for her detailed jewellery work.
Eleanor’s garden studio has become the perfect space to run her small business from. The reasons for buying a quality garden studio in which to put your small business remain the same across any small business. A garden studio gives you the opportunity to run your business from your own home thereby ensuring there are no overhead costs and a short and pleasurable commute. It also gives you the ability to enjoy a division between business space and home space together with the ability to have the flexibility to choose your own hours. Garden Affairs can design a custom space for your small business, featuring all the design features you didn’t think you could have and didn’t know you wanted.
Eleanor’s Proline is built to last, will be comfortable and warm and will allow her, as the business owner, to focus on following her business dreams.
Garden Affairs caught up with Eleanor a couple of years later to see how she had kitted out her garden studio space and asked her to share her thoughts on how she is finding her garden studio.
What has this new space meant for you and how has it helped your business on a practical level?
“It means that I have a quiet and private space away from the house (and family and pets!). I am able to think and focus on my work without distraction (well, in all honesty, I'm now distracted by the garden and the birds!). Practically, it has given me a beautifully light and warm space to make my jewellery - previously I had a rather dark room in the house, which I was having to light artificially. I love having a workspace where I can leave half-finished projects and tools, and I know that everything will be in exactly the same space when I return to it.”
What is your favourite thing about your new garden studio?
“The quality of light and feeling ensconced amongst the greenery of the garden.”
Why did you choose a Garden Affairs building for your new garden studio?
“Because Garden Affairs was a local company. I liked the look of this particular structure and thought it would blend into the garden especially as I could choose the paint colour. Also, the ability to design according to my requirements.”
If you want a space to launch your new business idea or work from home, try the easy-to-use 3D design tool to design your very own garden studio. Simply choose the size that fits your space, play around with door and window options, and find the colours that will suit your garden. Once you're happy with your design, send it to the team at Garden Affairs to discuss bringing your design to life.
Click here to design your own garden studio.
For more information about Eleanor’s jewellery, you can find her at:
Instagram: @eleanorchristinejewellery
Talk to the team at Garden Affairs for an obligation-free design and quotation and start planning your garden studio space today.
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