Oak Open Plan Garden Room Creates a Spectacular Family Entertaining Area

At the start of 2023, the final stage in renovating their family home for Sarah and Aaron was a revamp of the garden. The couple had been renovating and upgrading their home for some time and this would be the icing on the cake!

They needed an entertaining space that would lead from their homes beautiful kitchen/dining space to the outside.

After speaking to a friend, who had used Oak By Design on numerous occasions for her full house renovation, Sarah spoke to Jamie about her ideas for the outdoor space.

Together with Aaron they sat down to discuss their idea’s for the garden living area. Their main aim was to provide a space outdoors that could be used to bring family and friends together in the fresh air.

Sliding oak doors from the dining area, and oak French doors from the snug area of the house, would provide easy access to the garden space.

A large structure, built on brick walls at 2 sides, would provide the bones of an oak framed outdoor kitchen and entertainment area. Chunky oak timbers at 240mm square would create an impressive structure.

Aaron, who is a keen cook, wanted the full works in his outdoor kitchen. This would include a pizza oven, barbecue, hob, sink and fridge, all built into a brick built kitchen.

To let natural light into the oak framed outdoor kitchen, a roof lantern with toughened glass would be installed.

For darker nights, lights in the oak rafters would provide ambient lighting for entertaining. For cooler evenings, overhead heaters would keep the area warm and cosy!

Watching the stars through the roof lantern was also planned.

Next to the covered seated area they planned a sunken fire pit area. With oak seating around the four sides they would be able to sit and enjoy the fire with family and friends.

To continue the oak theme, a bespoke oak dining table and prep table would be made.

Jamie provided a quotation for an all-inclusive service, and they accepted this. Their order was placed and the project commenced! All the oak was finished with Osmo Polyx UV oil – in 420.

Once everything was ready, Oak By Design’s installation team were on site for a few weeks and the entertaining area was complete in time for summer.

The large oak table, together with the couples oak bench seating, now provides a fabulous dining area for 10 people. Aarons oak preparation table can also be called upon for larger gatherings.

Already the family have hosted many an enjoyable evening with family and friends. Having a ‘proper fire’ in the fire pit seating area seems to draw people in to the space to sit around and chat.

After speaking to the couple, and other clients who have similar outdoor areas, overwhelmingly the main benefits are:-

Family enjoying the fresh air and garden.

Providing an extra ‘room’ for entertaining and general living.

It encourages more quality time for younger children away from modern day technology and engages them in conversation.

Having a purpose built, and well designed kitchen makes for easier and spontaneous cooking and entertaining (no having to drag the barbecue from the shed!).

The external lighting and heating ensure the space is used regularly and not just on sunny days.

Overall these spaces seem to enhance family life through eating and chatting together. They generally provide a sociable environment to create memories with family and friends.

To see other outdoor structures being used for entertaining areas, see here