Take our climate into account; if you're going to have a garden room, site it in the most sheltered spot you can find.

2.) Install a hard floor surface that's easily washed and maintained - either stone or tiles.

3.) Decorate in pale colours: your garden room shouldn't be at war with the garden proper.

4.) Don't forget to include practical features: electric lighting for when it grows dark; plenty of sockets; music speakers (although do remember your neighbours).

5.) If you're going to glaze your garden room, either in part or whole, ensure as many of the windows as possible can be opened fully. Otherwise the place will grow uncomfortably stuffy.

6.) Make sure you fill the room with durable, and relatively cheap, furnishings made from wicker or the like. And, in addition, make sure you have a designated cupboard indoors for storing all those extra cushions and loose covers.