Designer Diarmuid Gavin, who launched the world's smallest garden centre in the windows of Brown Thomas, Dublin, on Wednesday, with all proceeds of products sold going to Temple Street Children's Hospital, is attempting to take the spotlight off the shenanigans on the kitchen countertop to the new room outdoors.

Let's go outside "In the past orangeries and gazebos were seen as only for the wealthy but that thinking has definitely changed over the last few years, " says Gavin. "Now we have embraced the whole idea of enjoying our gardens and increasing the amount of time we spend in them.

"Men were always great with the garden shed and the move towards outdoor rooms and offices is a kind of evolution of the humble garden shed, " he remarks. "Now, one of the main new requirements is for an outdoor room or party space."

The simple wooden structure at his London home that acted as his office in the early days now houses a fold-out bed, loo and shower. "It's the slumber sanctuary of choice for visitors from Dublin, " says Gavin.

Shake a leg Even compact gardens can benefit from outdoor rooms, Gavin contends. "The great thing about garden rooms is that they can allow homeowners a sense of freedom they may not have had in the design of their houses.

"Often people find themselves buying a concrete box or a pebbledashed property into which they've had no input. However, if they can look out from their house to a garden room that they've designed, it's something that they have determined the style of, and can enjoy, " says Gavin. "It's the one place where you can really shake a leg."

Outdoor builds generally won't require planning permission and are cheaper than an extension . . . most good models come in around the 20,000 mark, says Gavin.

"They are great for reflecting light and can lighten the whole feel of the garden."

When it comes to creating a room outside, it's important to provide enough room for your requirements, Gavin counsels. If it's an office you're after, consider the key kit . . .

desk, chairs, storage and other essentials . . . while for a dining zone, ensure that a dining table that will seat six to eight people comfortably can be accommodated.

An element of fun can also work in the design. While some very elaborate styles are available, even a simple shed can be cannily converted with the removal of one of the walls.

Designer spaces "Gardens, and especially 'designed' gardens, are en vogue. The new garden is an extension of the architecture of the house. It's an outdoor room with pre-defined functions, along with each of the other rooms of the house, " says Tim Austen, principal landscape architect, Austen Associates in Co Wicklow.

"These functions are multifarious, ranging from eating and entertaining to sport and play, simple relaxation and, perhaps, even, God forbid, a little gardening, " quips Austen. "These days, gardening . . . the growing and tending of plants in the traditional horticultural sense . . . isn't what the majority of people want to use their outdoor rooms for, and why should they? That's a specialist hobby."

The hankering is for something low-maintenance, ready-made and aesthetically appealing. "The modern garden is typified by extensive areas of hard landscape including paved areas, decking, mixed gravel and stone surfaces, both subtle and spectacular water features and plants grown, not in flowerbeds, but in planters and containers. Even the traditional lawn is taking a backseat, " he says.

"Designs are often minimalist, quirky, and aim to create something unique for each space. Think of the Big Brother house and those outdoor showers. Or what about having your own outdoor jacuzzi? The possibilities are endless, " says Austen.

Blurring the boundaries The boundary between the indoors and outdoors is being broken down with seamless surfaces running between indoor rooms and the terraces and patio spaces of the garden, says Austen. "Floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors that peel back to bring the garden into the house can contribute towards integration of the indoor and the garden space."

As outdoor areas become extensions of our living spaces, sofas, day beds, coffee tables, rugs and cushions are being designed with an 'in out' philosophy.

The proliferation of modern materials means anything goes. "Wood rubs shoulders with recycled plastic, stainless steel and carbon fibre with natural stone.

The trend, however, should be towards the use of sustainable materials with a reduced carbon footprint. Locally sourced, natural materials would be the ideal, " he says.

Calling in a designer Rather than getting down and dirty ourselves, most of us are calling in a garden designer or landscape architect to make the dream a reality.

"Whether it's a small courtyard, roof garden, apartment terrace, suburban garden or country estate, the designer will bring your ideas together in a plan that suits your intentions, aspirations and budget, " Austen says.

"However, whoever you choose to deal with your design, it's important to note that in the same way that the builder of the house is not the same as the architect, the landscaper is not the same as the designer."

Clever ideas Where space isn't an issue, zoning an exterior area and creating raised and sunken areas can ensure a real wow factor. A raised area can provide a spectacular dining area while a sunken area can host a funky playground. "Any change in level will create inherent interest in the garden and a sense of excitement. However, both options are expensive, " says Gavin.

Sprucing up your garden though doesn't always have to involve huge outlays. Railway sleepers or cubes of wood can be used to create the perfect pleasure zone. "Be inventive. Go to your local sawmills and reflect what you want, " he advises.

While exterior lighting can make for a magical ambience, even taking the simple step of putting candles in jam jars or bringing out the Christmas decorations will add a bit of sparkle to summer gatherings.

BROWN ON GREEN

DIARMUID Gavin, along with other well-known faces such as Gerry Ryan, Grainne Seoige, Dave Fanning, Lucy Kennedy and Kathryn Thomas, will man the Brown Thomas window one-of-akind garden centre over the next three weeks.

The windows tell the story of the evolution of different garden styles, each re"ecting a different scene: English, Irish, French and Italian. One window also showcases an illustration of Gavin's entry at the Chelsea Flower Show (22-26 May). Select some potted plants or wellies from the kiosk and do your bit for the development of a dedicated cystic "brosis and respiratory unit at Temple Street.