Polytunnel Paradise: How to Turn a Growing Space into a Garden Retreat

From greenhouse to garden hideaway: the rise of the lifestyle polytunnel
Once reserved for rows of tomatoes and seed trays, the humble polytunnel is having a quiet reinvention. As seen at this year’s Ideal Home Show, designers are thinking beyond pure practicality — reimagining these simple growing structures as soothing garden sanctuaries. Picture it: the soft scent of sun-warmed earth, the dappled light filtering through curved plastic walls, and a comfy armchair tucked beside a potting bench.

It’s no longer just about what you grow, but how you use the space around it. Let’s take a look at how a polytunnel can become an unexpected oasis of calm and connection.

Why a polytunnel is the perfect place to unwind
For many gardeners, the polytunnel has always been a place of quiet productivity. But there’s something about stepping inside — away from the wind, surrounded by greenery — that naturally invites you to slow down. At the Ideal Home Show, garden designer, Lynne Lambourne, shared how they’d created a multifunctional corner in their tunnel: a spot for tea, a comfy seat, and a shelf of well-thumbed gardening books.

It’s not just a growing zone — it’s a mood. Think of it as your personal garden retreat, where the smell of ripe tomatoes mingles with fresh compost, and the only sounds are birdsong and the occasional watering can splash.

Create a ‘green room’ feel with soft furnishings and clever layout

• Transforming a functional polytunnel into a lifestyle space doesn’t take much. A few well-chosen extras can elevate the atmosphere entirely:
• Add seating: A simple bistro set, wooden bench or even a weatherproof armchair makes all the difference.
• Define zones: Dedicate one end to planting, and the other to relaxing — use rugs, crates or shelving to mark the transition.
• Introduce fabrics: Throws, cushions, and even lightweight curtains soften the space and help it feel more like a room than a shed.

Lynne Lambourne, the designer behind this year’s show tunnel said it best: “I love the thought of the polytunnel actually being an extra room — part of your home that you can come to when everything else is a little bit too noisy.”

Socialise, reflect or simply potter — the tunnel does it all
This multi-functional approach makes the polytunnel ideal for modern outdoor living. You can chat with a friend over tea, help kids learn about planting, or just escape for a quiet moment alone. It’s flexible, seasonal, and incredibly personal — shaped by your own rituals and rhythms.

Many visitors to the Ideal Home Show found inspiration in the way the tunnel was styled — less like a greenhouse, more like a greenhouse-meets-garden-room. It’s an ideal solution for small spaces or those looking to extend their living area outdoors without the cost of a full garden studio.

Polytunnel inspiration at the Ideal Home Show
If you’re curious to see this garden room concept in action, the Ideal Home Show offers plenty of inspiration — from show gardens to hands-on talks. This year’s polytunnel installation has sparked plenty of conversation about how we use our green spaces, and why rethinking traditional garden structures can lead to more joyful living.

After all, it’s not just about growing plants — it’s about growing comfort, connection, and a bit of calm.

Final thought: A polytunnel doesn’t need to be just for produce. With a little imagination, it can become a year-round retreat — a cosy, green corner of the world that feels entirely your own.