Create the perfect shed for the bottom of your garden

With summer fast approaching, now is the ideal time to start thinking about the humble shed in your back garden. For most, it serves only the simple practical purpose... somewhere to house rakes, the lawn mower and the odd spring bulb. There's usually a lot of dirt and dust (and one or two spiders!), but not much colour. We think sheds can be so much more than this and can actually be a cheerful space. So, farewell drab and dreary and hello new and inviting garden room!

Prettify the windows
Just like you would dress the windows in your home, you should give the windows on a shed the same attention. Hang a colourful blind or string some bunting along the windowsill for a pretty look. There's no reason why they need be bare.

Get organised
Love gardening? Then you're likely to have a host of books to guide you. Create a space in the shed to house them during the summer months, and when in use. A simple shelf made from bamboo canes or old piping lends itself perfectly and is a great place for flower pots, too.

Get potting
Every garden shed needs a potting table, so make sure yours has one - a style with drawers is extra handy for storing seeds and small tools, such as shears and scissors. Position some hooks nearby, too, so that you have somewhere to hang forks, shovels, aprons and baskets.

Place to rest
If you have the space, position a small console table or desk under the window and pull up a chair. It's a great place to sit and rest tired knees during an afternoon of gardening - perfect for relaxing with a cup of tea. Plus, it's ideal for sit and look at the garden whilst writing some greenery notes and plans for your outdoor space.

On the outside
Don't forget to pay some attention to the outside of the shed, too. Give it a lick of paint and a spruce up. They don't need to be bare wood, drab and boring so go for a bright colour such as a vibrant blue, green or terracotta shade. Hang bunting along the roof-line to bring some extra colour and pattern, and pot up a window box as well - it makes the perfect finishing touch.