When a home extension proved too costly for photographer Abbie Newton (@thejoyfulchapter) and her husband Matthew, they began searching for more unconventional ways to add extra space. What they landed on, somewhat improbably, was a shipping container, pitched up at the bottom of their garden in the Chiltern Hills.
'We wanted to free up an extra bedroom in the house for working space, but the cost of an extension wasn’t something we could even entertain. A DIY garden office seemed like the best way to capitalise on space at a more affordable cost,' says Abbie.
Having tackled some pretty impressive DIY projects – a camper van, sauna and plunge pool amongst them – the pair were unfazed by a challenge, and when the opportunity arose to buy a bright blue, 20ft shipping container, they didn't hesitate.
'The container arrived in December, which was a challenge because the ground was so muddy and the weather was miserable,' explains Abbie. 'Thankfully we didn’t need planning permission as it came under permitted development.
'The first steps were to insulate it and board it up, which we hired someone local to do. Then it was all about getting electricity in there – luckily we had a friend who could help.'
Taking it from blue to black with some hardy outdoor paint meant that it blended with the surrounding farm buildings, and installing stylish French patio doors from Leader Online made it feel less industrial.
'We couldn’t keep the original doors as they were extremely heavy to open, and we wanted it to look less like a container and more like a room,' adds Abbie. 'We made sure to place the office right where the sun hits, and it’s glorious when the sunset light floods in through the patio doors. Plus they allow us take in the countryside views that drew us to the property in the first place.'
Inside, Slaked Lime and Olive paint by Little Greene covered the walls and ceiling, and a cost-effective laminate from B&Q was laid underfoot. LED strip lights were tucked neatly overhead, joined by antique brass pendants from Pooky for a more decorative touch.
The back wall was dedicated to Matthew's DJ decks, with bespoke cubbies to store his collection of vinyls and a curtain fashioned from tapestry-style fabric. Whilst at the front sits Abbie's desk and compact photography space.
'It’s a really creative space,' says Abbie, 'and proof that smaller spaces can still pack a punch.'
