Explore AJ Odudu’s summerhouse makeover
TV presenter AJ Odudu collaborated with Wayfair on her stunning new summerhouse turned home office space. Wayfair’s Resident Style Advisor, Nadia McCowan Hill, talks us through working with AJ to create this enviable outdoor oasis…
A space for all seasons
A summerhouse is perfect for the warmer months but also provides shelter from the unpredictable British weather. It’s a space that, when designed correctly, can be used throughout all of the seasons. This was really important to AJ in the design: ‘I wanted a reason to be in my garden all year round, so creating an insulated space where I could retreat to rain or shine was ideal.’
Photo: Wayfair
Bright and bold
One of the key aspects of creating an area which is specific to you is to surround yourself with things that make you happy. AJ, who describes her style as ‘bright and bold’, opted to include plenty of uplifting artwork and quirky eye catchers like monkey table lamp. Other ways you can achieve this are by pinning up magazine clippings, postcards or prints using masking tape.
AJ adds: ‘I like to work with a blank canvas that I can add my personality to. I’ve figured that if I use bright, strong patterned palettes that I love to wear, I’ll never bore of seeing them in my furnishings.’
Photo: Wayfair
Home working hub
With many companies keeping home working and flexi office hours a regular thing post-pandemic, a summerhouse turned home office is top of many of our wish lists. AJ has already considered this by adding insulation and electricity to enable her to use the summerhouse as an office all year round.
Plant power
Plants will uplift any space, and AJ clearly believes this mantra, too, as she has plenty of little green pots dotted around her summerhouse. Create a balanced feel by placing them at different levels, with some on shelves or hanging from the ceiling and others at ground level.
‘I also added a potting station, mainly for my dad’s benefit as he is a keen gardener. He’ll be able to come over and grow plants and herbs with me, so we’ll be able to come together to use the space,’ says AJ.
Photo: Wayfair
Wellness corner
Health, fitness and wellness are all really important for AJ and this is shown within her summerhouse. Whether it’s a post-work training session or some lunch break stretches, she is well equipped with a comfy yoga mat, set of weights, and blankets and cushions ready to go. She has also set up a wellness corner complete with a rattan balloon chair.
‘It was really important for me to factor my love of health and fitness into the design, as a space to unwind and do post-workout stretches,’ says AJ. ‘The eventual plan is to add more gym equipment into the summerhouse to maximise my workout area, but I also want to incorporate a little bar area for summer BBQs – it’s all about Yin & Yang.’
Photo: Wayfair
Be smart with storage
Making the most of the space within a summerhouse is essential to get everything you want out of it. Multi-use furniture can work wonders in this regard, like AJ’s desk which provides room for a laptop and notebook whilst doubling as storage space with it’s built-in shelves.