NEWS AND TIPS
October 7, 2026

5 Timeless Exterior Colours for Garden Studios and Granny Flats

Choosing an exterior colour for a garden studio or granny flat can have a bigger impact than you might expect. The colour becomes part of the backyard, sitting alongside the…
NEWS AND TIPS
September 8, 2026

Can You Sell a Granny Flat Separately From Your House?

You have a house, a decent-sized backyard and enough room for a granny flat. You build one, perhaps for your parents or your adult children. Then, a few years later,…
Project in Caulfield NEWS AND TIPS
September 3, 2026

Granny Flat vs Home Extension: Which Is Right for Your Property?

When you need more space at home, the obvious question is often, “How much space can we add?” There is another question that matters just as much: what type of…
NEWS AND TIPS
August 11, 2026

Can I Build a Backyard Studio on an Easement in Victoria?

You have found what looks like the perfect spot for a backyard studio. It is at the back of the garden, away from the house, and there seems to be…
NEWS AND TIPS
July 27, 2026

ABC News Highlights the Hidden Challenges of DIY Prefab Homes in Australia

Buying a prefab home can seem like a simple and affordable way to create extra living space. Many advertisements focus on an attractive starting price, making the process appear straightforward.…
NEWS AND TIPS
July 17, 2026

How Long Does It Take to Build a Granny Flat?

Once you've decided to build a granny flat, also known as a small second dwelling, it's natural to start thinking about timing. One question usually comes up very early: when…
NEWS AND TIPS
July 15, 2026

10 Myths About Granny Flats (And the Truth Behind Them)

If you've been thinking about adding a granny flat to your property, you've probably come across plenty of opinions—some helpful, and some not so much. Many people still believe granny…
Premium garden studio exterior showcasing modern backyard architecture in Melbourn NEWS AND TIPS
July 15, 2026

Can You Rent Out a Backyard Studio Legally in Victoria?

Can you rent out a backyard studio legally in Victoria? It's one of the first questions we hear from Melbourne homeowners. Many people begin by looking for a way to…
NEWS AND TIPS
July 8, 2026

Is Your Backyard Suitable for a Granny Flat?

If you've ever thought about adding a granny flat or garden studio to your property, you've probably asked yourself one question first: "Is my backyard even big enough?" The answer…
NEWS AND TIPS
May 14, 2026

Backyard Studios for Aging Parents: What to Consider

As parents get older, many families begin thinking about how to keep loved ones close without giving up privacy or comfort. That is one reason more homeowners are now looking…
Modern grey garden studio NEWS AND TIPS
May 13, 2026

Why Choose Our Clearance & Ex-Display Garden Studios

If you’ve been thinking about adding a backyard room to your home, but you want it sooner, Clearance & Ex-Display Garden Studios could be exactly what you’re looking for. A…
NEWS AND TIPS
April 27, 2026

The Real Pros and Cons of Granny Flats: A Complete Guide for Homeowners

Granny flats are showing up in more and more backyards across Australia. And honestly, it makes sense. Prices are high, space is tight, and moving house isn’t exactly fun. So…
NEWS AND TIPS
April 10, 2026

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Garden Studio in Australia?

At some point, the idea becomes hard to ignore. You need more space—but not a full renovation or months of disruption. Just something separate, practical, and easy to use in…
NEWS AND TIPS
March 24, 2026

Don’t Get Caught Up in the Bunnings Pod Hype

We’re seeing more people spend serious money on “budget” backyard pods—only to realize later what they’ve actually bought. By then, it’s too late. They could have had an architecturally designed,…
NEWS AND TIPS
March 13, 2026

The Conservatory: A Bright Backyard Studio Filled with Natural Light

Walk into a room filled with natural light and it immediately feels different. The atmosphere is calmer, the space feels larger, and the connection to the outdoors becomes more noticeable.…
NEWS AND TIPS
March 12, 2026

Where Do Guests Stay Now? Backyard Guest Space Ideas

Not long ago, many homes included a spare bedroom that quietly waited for visitors. It was used occasionally when relatives stayed over or when friends needed a place for the…
NEWS AND TIPS
March 3, 2026

Small Second Dwelling Zoning Rules in Victoria

What Every Homeowner Must Know Before Building Small second dwelling zoning rules in Victoria set clear boundaries around what you can develop in your backyard. When you understand those boundaries…
granny-flats-melbourne-AU-trend-blog-image NEWS AND TIPS
February 18, 2026

Granny Flat Trends in Australia

Housing in Australia is getting harder to manage. Finding a place to rent or buy isn’t easy anymore, and more people are looking for practical ways to create space without…
NEWS AND TIPS
February 4, 2026

Planning vs Building Permits in Victoria: A Simple Homeowner’s Guide

If you’re planning to build a small second home (also known as a granny flat), garden studio, or backyard room in Victoria, permits are usually the first thing that causes…
NEWS AND TIPS
February 4, 2026

5 Backyard Spaces Every Australian Home Needs in 2026

Australian homes are carrying more than they were built for. They are expected to function as offices, guest rooms, investment assets, and long-term family support systems — often all at…
why build granny flat | Garden Studios Melbourne NEWS AND TIPS
January 19, 2026

From Blueprint to Backyard: How Clients Co-Design Their Garden Studios

Designing a garden studio is more than picking a size and placing it in the backyard. For many homeowners, creating a garden studio is a shared journey — a process…
NEWS AND TIPS
January 9, 2026

Landscaping Tips for Garden Studios

Adding a garden studio to your backyard is thrilling—but the real magic comes from how you shape the space around it. Even tiny touches—a curved path, a small flowering shrub,…
NEWS AND TIPS
December 10, 2025

Transform Your Backyard With Small Second Dwellings

If you’ve been looking at your backyard lately and thinking, “There’s got to be a better way to use this space,” you’re not alone. All over Victoria, homeowners are turning…
Modern garden studio interior with large sliding glass doors NEWS AND TIPS
December 2, 2025

Granny Flat & Studio Size Guide for Your Backyard

In this granny flat and studio size guide, you’ll find clear size comparisons, real models, layout ideas, and simple measuring tips that help you choose with confidence. Our goal is…
NEWS AND TIPS
November 7, 2025

Granny Flat vs Garden Studio: Which One Suits You Best

Step into almost any Melbourne backyard today and you’ll notice a quiet shift taking place — homeowners are exploring how to maximise space and comfort through smart, modern solutions like…
NEWS AND TIPS
October 30, 2025

Modern Home Office Layout Ideas for Small Spaces

The way your home office layout is designed shapes how you think, feel, and perform each day. Whether you’re setting up a small home office or designing a compact workspace…
NEWS AND TIPS
October 16, 2025

How to Create the Perfect Soundproof Studio at Home

If you’ve ever tried recording at home — whether it’s a podcast, music, or voice-over work — you know how hard it is to get clear, echo-free sound. Cars passing…
diy | Garden Studios NEWS AND TIPS
October 7, 2025

Modular Studios Melbourne | Affordable Small Homes by Garden Studios

At Garden Studios, we believe everyone deserves a beautiful space to call their own. That’s why we’re passionate about creating affordable, well-designed modular studios in Melbourne and small homes that…
NEWS AND TIPS
September 30, 2025

The Best Flooring Options for Prefab Studios

When designing a prefab studio with Garden Studios, choosing the right flooring is just as important as selecting the layout or windows. The right floor makes your space feel comfortable,…
NEWS AND TIPS
September 3, 2025

Creative Small Studio Storage Ideas

A backyard studio can be the perfect spot for working, relaxing, or exploring hobbies. But when space is limited, every corner counts. The good news is, with the right approach,…
NEWS AND TIPS
September 2, 2025

How to Make Your Garden Studio Energy Efficient

Creating a garden studio is one of the best ways to add space, comfort, and flexibility to your home. But to enjoy it all year, making your studio energy efficient…
Opus C Studio NEWS AND TIPS
July 24, 2025

Turn Your Backyard Studio into an Airbnb Rental

Looking to earn extra income from home? Turning your backyard studio into an Airbnb rental is a smart, low-effort way to make it happen. A cozy, self-contained space like a…
NEWS AND TIPS
July 21, 2025

Smart Technology Ideas to Upgrade Your Garden Studio

Smart technology is transforming how we live, work, and relax — and it fits perfectly into the design of a modern garden studio. Whether you're using your studio as a…
NEWS AND TIPS
July 7, 2025

A Day in the Life of a Garden Pod Installation

Curious about how a garden pod installation comes to life in your backyard? You’re not alone! Many of our clients are surprised at just how quickly things come together. So,…
NEWS AND TIPS
July 3, 2025

How to Design a Garden Studio That Matches Your Home’s Style

Adding a garden studio to your backyard is a great way to create more space. But before you pick out colours or finishes, think about how your new studio will…
NEWS AND TIPS
May 23, 2025

Why More Therapists Are Choosing Backyard Therapy Studios

In a quiet backyard somewhere in Victoria, a psychologist opens the door to her garden studio. Sunlight pours through a double-glazed window. Her client arrives, walking past native plants and…
NEWS AND TIPS
April 29, 2025

How to Choose an Insulated Garden Studio: What You Need to Know

If you're thinking about adding a garden studio to your home, insulation should be high on your list. A well-insulated garden studio can make all the difference in comfort, energy…
NEWS AND TIPS
April 24, 2025

It’s Never Been Easier to Build a Studio in Your Garden

If you’ve been dreaming of a stylish, self-contained studio in your backyard, now’s the perfect time to make it happen. Thanks to new rules in Victoria, building a small second…
NEWS AND TIPS
April 8, 2025

Your Perfect Backyard Sanctuary: Designed by Garden Studios

At Garden Studios, we transform backyards into bespoke spaces that perfectly blend style and function. Our recent projects demonstrate how a thoughtfully designed studio can instantly elevate your living experience.…
NEWS AND TIPS
March 4, 2025

An Abode for Young Adults: The Kyoshi

With the acute problem of housing affordability affecting young adults, the need for innovative solutions has never been greater. As rental prices continue to rise and homeownership becomes an increasingly…
NEWS AND TIPS
February 13, 2025

8 Benefits of Building a Home Gym and Why It’s Worth It

Imagine stepping into your own private gym—no waiting for machines, no crowds, just pure fitness freedom. With Garden Studios, building your own home gym is easier than ever, giving you…
NEWS AND TIPS
January 27, 2025

Modular Buildings for Holiday Homes

The clients—an enterprising couple who’d snagged a block of land in Apollo Bay—were on the hunt for a competitively priced builder and were nearly ready to throw in the towel.…
NEWS AND TIPS
January 17, 2025

Explore the OPUS Studio Like Never Before with a 3D Walk-Through

Garden Studios is excited to showcase the OPUS Studio, constructed in Ascot Vale. This interactive 3D walkthrough provides a detailed look at the studio’s free-flowing layout, designed with entrances on…
NEWS AND TIPS
December 30, 2024

Small Kitchen with Big Possibilities

A small kitchen doesn’t have to limit your style or functionality. At Garden Studios, we believe every corner of your granny flat or garden studio should reflect your personality and…
NEWS AND TIPS
July 26, 2024

Garden Studios Revives an Edwardian Weatherboard with Modern Touch

At Garden Studios, we specialize in transforming homes to fit our clients' lifestyles. Our latest project involved updating a charming two-bedroom Edwardian weatherboard in Melbourne’s south-east for Moya Delany, an…
NEWS AND TIPS
July 3, 2024

Ryokan Studio: Where Japanese Elegance Resides

At Garden Studios, we love crafting beautiful, high-quality garden studios that you'll cherish. When you step into our Ryokan Studio, you'll feel transported to a tranquil retreat inspired by the…
NEWS AND TIPS
June 27, 2024

Why Millennials are Turning to Relocatable Homes and Granny Flats

In a recent article by Nathan Mawby, a property journalist for the Herald Sun, the growing trend of Millennials turning to relocatable homes and granny flats to address Victoria's housing…
Modern granny flat exterior in Victoria NEWS AND TIPS
May 22, 2024

Built a Granny Flat without Planning Permit

Great news! Thanks to the Victorian Government's new rules, adding a granny flat to your property has become simpler. Families can now incorporate cozy secondary homes into their properties in…
Mies Granny Flat Studio NEWS AND TIPS
February 28, 2024

Small Second Dwellings in Victoria: What to Know

Thinking about a cosy backyard retreat for guests, extra space for family, or a rental opportunity? Building a small second home in Victoria is now easier thanks to recent planning…
NEWS AND TIPSUncategorized
December 20, 2023

Prefabricated Garden Pods for Everyone

Ready to elevate your personal space? Here at Gardenstudios, we're genuinely excited to introduce Thinkpods – our ready-made prefabricated pods that go beyond being mere structures; they're personalized sanctuaries, carefully…
NEWS AND TIPS
October 30, 2023

Creating Perfect Harmony with a Garden Pod

At Garden Studios, we had the privilege of collaborating with a truly special client. Who had already created the perfect garden space, yet felt that something was missing. After dedicating…
NEWS AND TIPS
September 29, 2023

The Perfect Granny Flat Design

Today, we're excited to share the journey of a client whose dream of creating the perfect interior and exterior design for their Degre Granny Flat became a reality. From the…
NEWS AND TIPS
August 28, 2023

Building a Shed on a Steep Slope

Today, we want to tell you about an exciting project we recently completed. We took on the challenge of building a shed on a steep slope. The clients desire, well,…
NEWS AND TIPS
July 28, 2023

DIY Office Shed

If you’ve been thinking about a home office but don’t want something fully finished or overly expensive, a DIY Office Shed can be a really good option. Some people want…
NEWS AND TIPS
July 5, 2023

Enhance Your Home with a Bathroom Extension

Are you a homeowner with a growing family? Or perhaps you have a parent or dependent who requires care and an additional bathroom? In either case, a bathroom extension could…
Home Office Studio NEWS AND TIPS
May 12, 2023

We Dreamed a Home Office Studio to Life – Then called it Thinkpod!

The idea for this home office studio originated during the Covid pandemic, when limited supplies and restricted access to construction sites sparked creativity. Creating Functional Spaces: We collaborated with U-Build…
Modern backyard garden office in Melbourne NEWS AND TIPS
May 2, 2023

Why You Need an Outside Office

If you're a mother who recently transitioned her office to her home, you might initially feel like you've hit the jackpot. Working from home saves you time on commuting, and…
NEWS AND TIPS
March 7, 2023

Gorgeous Granny Flat

Introducing our Gorgeous Granny Flat "Foster", the perfect customizable living space for seniors and teenagers. Our thoughtfully designed granny flats offer a comfortable experience with a spacious living room/bedroom, modern…
Homeopathic Home Office Studio NEWS AND TIPS
November 19, 2022

Choosing a Home Office Builder in Melbourne

When choosing a home office builder in Melbourne it’s essential to work with a team that will ensure your office addition is not only the perfect match for your needs…
QB 2.4 Studio NEWS AND TIPS
July 13, 2022

The Top Benefits of Investing in a Garden Office Pod

When your home is feeling a little bit too cramped, and you need some extra space to concentrate and get your work done, there’s a perfect solution that won’t require…
Sensei Home Office NEWS AND TIPS
June 1, 2022

Jim Grant’s Small Home Office

Discover the remarkable transformation of Jim Grant's small garden space into a functional and inspiring home office, made possible by the innovative "Sensei"  a Think Pod by Garden Studios. Explore…
Office Pod | Garden Studios Melbourne NEWS AND TIPS
May 27, 2022

A Life-Changing 10 sqm Home Office Pod

Alice Stolz, a devoted homeowner, had never given much thought to modifying her beloved house. However, the unexpected events of last year's lockdown posed a significant challenge for her family.…
Prefabricated Home Extension | Garden Studios Melbourne NEWS AND TIPS
May 10, 2022

Can I Add a Prefabricated Extension to My Home? And Other Common Questions

You're tired of having your kids running around in the background while taking work calls. Or maybe you are finally ready to take back up your beloved hobby of painting.…
Homeopathic Home Office Studio NEWS AND TIPS
February 19, 2022

Homeopath Home Office

This studio was a particularly meaningful project, designed for a husband-and-wife team during a challenging time. The husband first contacted me looking to create a dedicated homeopathic home office for…
NEWS AND TIPS
August 2, 2021

Work Smarter – Build a Garden Office Pod

Working smarter means optimizing what you have. And nothing maximizes your space, your time, or your talents better than a garden office pod. If you’re a homeowner in the Melbourne…
Caulfield Garden Studio NEWS AND TIPS
May 22, 2021

A Beautiful Backyard Studio in Caulfield

We often find ourselves making excuses in life. We say we don’t have: time money knowledge the right connections to pursue our dreams. But deep down, we know the real…
NEWS AND TIPS
September 9, 2020

4 reasons why you should extend your house instead of moving

COVID-19 has seen us all spend a lot of time at home. If all that time has convinced you that your home is too small for your needs, here are…
NEWS AND TIPS
August 19, 2020

Articles Featuring Garden Studios

Embark on a journey of discovery as our articles feature the irresistible charm of garden studios. Would our ancestors be shocked at the "horrors" of modern architecture? - Interesting read. Prefab…
Living Space Covid NEWS AND TIPS
August 5, 2020

Solve your living space problems with 100% Australian prefabricated houses.

From the pandemic, Australia learns the importance of self-sufficiency, reducing reliance on overseas supplies, like from China, and promoting manufacturing within the country, including prefabricated houses in Australia. The alternative…
NEWS AND TIPS
July 18, 2020

Are your young adults still living at home?

The number of ‘kidults’ (young adults) living at home with their parents in Australia is on the rise. According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies, 43% of 20-24 year-olds…
modular home extension NEWS AND TIPS
June 18, 2020

Why Modular Home Extensions are Better

Why Modular Home Extensions are Better The idea of building conventionally (where a builder turns up with his tools in his truck and then waits for his chippies, labourers and…
Relocatable Granny Flats NEWS AND TIPS
February 20, 2020

Relocatable Granny Flats in Melbourne

The archaic reason why Melbourne granny flats need to be relocatable Granny flats have been around since the 1950s. Back then, local governments in Melbourne freely supplied asbestos-sheeted structures for…
Prefabricated Home Extension | Garden Studios Melbourne NEWS AND TIPS
November 4, 2019

Prefabricated Home Extension

Prefabricated Home Extension A great example of how to have your cake and eat it. This home extension takes advantage of the high roof line in the main house and…
garden shed in heaven | Garden Studios Melbourne NEWS AND TIPS
September 5, 2019

Garden Shed in Heaven

A Garden Shed for when you are in heaven. This Studio was built on a solid steel subfloor using structurally insulated panels with an R rating of 2.9. French windows…
Pool Room | Garden Studios Melbourne NEWS AND TIPS
June 7, 2019

Add a Modern Pool Room

When a pool room can add over $ 100'000 to your home. #Poolrooms can be an excellent way to increase value to a property. The main consideration is how relevant…
Garden Room Extension | Garden Studios Melbourne NEWS AND TIPS
March 15, 2019

Garden Room Extension 4.6 x 6.8m

Garden Room Extension 4.6 x 6.8m In the world of home improvements, there's often an inherent desire to maximize space without compromising style or the harmony of the existing structure,…
NEWS AND TIPS
February 4, 2019

Concrete Free Sub floor for your Granny Flat

This is how we construct a concrete free sub floor at Garden Studios , because the foundation is one of the most critical aspects. Traditionally, a concrete sub floor has…
NEWS AND TIPS
January 25, 2019

Prefabricated House in Warragul

Prefabricated house in Warragul, assembled with precision and care. It took us 11 days with the help of two skilled carpenters, to assemble this prefabricated house, and the secret to…
NEWS AND TIPS
January 21, 2019

Prefabricated Studio: The OPUS-28

At Garden Studios, we're always looking for ways to create beautiful, functional spaces that add real value to Australian properties. Building on the success of the popular Opus 22, we're…
why build granny flat | Garden Studios Melbourne NEWS AND TIPS
November 16, 2018

Why Build A Granny Flat? Get 4 Perfectly Good Reasons Why.

Everyone and their, well, granny, seems to be building a granny flat these days— or picking out granny flat designs, or looking for granny flat builders in Melbourne, the rest…
Garden Studios Houzz Blog | Garden Studios Melbourne NEWS AND TIPS
October 19, 2018

House Extension Solutions from Garden Studios Spotlighted on Houzz

A tired, three-bedroom house one day; a stylish and spacious, house extension, the next step. Made possible by Garden Studios Project Team (Inna Schelov and Joseph Cade), this transformation brought…
granny-flats-interior-design-melbourne NEWS AND TIPS
September 20, 2018

Living La Vida Leisure in Superior Granny Flats

Granny flat living is a lifestyle choice. Agree? Because when you choose to build or live in a granny flat, you choose a hip, trendy, free-spirited, dare we say ‘fashionable’…
Garden Studios-Granny Flats Melbourne Buyers'Guide-Image NEWS AND TIPS
August 23, 2018

Buy a Granny Flat? Here’s Our Buyers’ Guide in Melbourne

If you've considered buying or building a granny flat, you're not alone. The soaring housing costs in Australia have led many to find more affordable places to live. Granny flats…
choosing-your-designer-granny-flats-in-victoria-melbourne-image NEWS AND TIPS
July 31, 2018

Choosing Your Designer Granny Flats in Victoria or Melbourne

So many designs, so little time. There are lots of us who can’t wait to move into granny flats in Victoria, or build their own granny flats in Melbourne, but…
garden-studios-news-tips-millenial-housing-crisis-image NEWS AND TIPS
June 27, 2018

Millennial Housing Crisis? Granny Flats Are The Answer

A millennial navigating the complexities of the millennial housing crisis while living in a granny flat. Is it really still a granny flat if I lived there, already fed up…
Affordable Housing Exists NEWS AND TIPS
May 29, 2018

What Is The Solution To Affordable Housing? Garden Studios

A solution to affordable housing in this country does exist. In fact, it would be true to say that it has existed for decades. In the 1950’s, a fibro shed…
What Is A Granny Flat Melbourne NEWS AND TIPS
April 9, 2018

What Are Granny Flats? (And Why You Need One)

You've probably heard of them, but have you ever thought 'what exactly is a granny flat?' and 'why would I need one?' Think of a granny flat as a second…
5 Minimalistic Home Extension Designs for Granny Flats NEWS AND TIPS
April 9, 2018

5 Minimalistic Home Extension Designs for Granny Flats

With the population growing at an increasing rate, more and more people each day are turning to granny flats Melbourne for living space. They can be beautifully designed, however, when the…