7 ways to deck out your bbq hut

How to Deck Out Your BBQ Cabin (Once It’s Been Installed by Scotia Cabins)

Congratulations, mate! You’ve done it! The BBQ cabin of your dreams is sitting proudly in your garden, installed by the wonderful folks at Scotia Cabins. Now, if you’re thinking, "Right, it's in... but what now?" you’re not alone. This is where the real fun begins. The cabin’s built, sure, but now you’ve got to make it yours. Let’s dive into how to finish off your BBQ cabin and transform it into the ultimate garden getaway!

Step One: Unleash Your Inner Interior Designer

When you step into your newly built BBQ cabin, it’s like standing in front of a blank canvas. Except, this canvas smells a bit like pine, and if you leave it for too long, your mate Dave will come in with a bag of charcoal and ruin the whole vibe. So, before Dave shows up with a six-pack and a stack of sausages, it’s time to think about how to decorate.

The Theme First things first – pick a theme. No one wants a half-baked, thrown-together mish-mash of ideas. Think of it like this: when your friends come over for a BBQ, you want them to feel like they’ve walked into a specific ‘vibe’ – something unique to you. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Nordic Cosy – Think hygge, but with a grill. Soft, knitted throws, cushions in neutral tones, warm lighting, and maybe a strategically placed Viking helmet (because why not?).

Rustic Escape – Channel your inner country bumpkin. Rough-hewn wooden furniture, plaid blankets, and mason jars filled with fairy lights. Simple, cosy, and perfect for pretending you know how to chop wood (don’t worry, no one needs to know you bought that firewood from B&Q).

Modern Sleek – Not into all the faff of blankets and cushions? Keep it clean and contemporary. Grey tones, sharp furniture, and a minimalist approach will have your BBQ cabin looking like something straight out of an IKEA showroom.

Tropical Oasis – Maybe you’re more of a sun chaser. Bright colours, leafy plants, and a tiki bar (yes, a tiki bar) could transform your BBQ cabin into your very own paradise. Bonus points if you insist all BBQs are done while wearing a Hawaiian shirt.

Whatever theme you pick, make it consistent. Pick your colours, materials, and textures, and stick to it – unless you’re going for “crazy Aunt Mabel’s attic,” in which case, anything goes.

Step Two: Seating – Because You’re Not a Caveman

Let’s face it, your mates aren’t going to stand around in your BBQ cabin all day. The novelty of being in the great outdoors wears off quickly when there’s no place to sit, so you need to get your seating sorted.

Comfy Cushions and Cosy Corners Here’s the thing: there’s no such thing as too many cushions. Think of cushions as the social lubricant of the BBQ world – no one’s going to complain when they can sink into a fluffy, oversized pillow while waiting for their burger. Go for ones that are easy to clean – because someone’s definitely going to spill ketchup, and it’ll probably be you.

You can opt for built-in benches (Scotia Cabins usually kit out their cabins with some handy seating as part of the package), but let’s not stop there. Throw in a couple of bean bags for a laid-back vibe or a couple of chic deck chairs for a more refined look. Mix it up! If your BBQ cabin is bigger, go for a corner sofa – who says you can’t have garden luxury?

Step Three: Lighting – It’s Not a Dungeon

Now, let’s talk about lighting. You might be thinking, "I’ve got a fire, what more do I need?" Well, my friend, you need ambience. That’s what you need. Lighting makes all the difference when you’re creating a space to relax, unwind, and cook up some grub.

Fairy Lights and Lanterns No one can resist fairy lights. Strung across the ceiling, wound around beams, or draped along the walls, they instantly make your BBQ cabin feel magical. If you want to avoid any wires getting in the way of your masterpiece, go for battery-powered ones. You can get them in all shapes and sizes these days, from dainty stars to rustic-looking bulbs.

Lanterns are another great option. You can get solar-powered ones to keep it simple, or if you want to go all out, you could hang some lovely metal or glass lanterns from the ceiling. Just don’t set anything on fire – especially not your new cushions.

Candles, if You’re Feeling Fancy For that final touch of sophistication, candles are the way to go. However, I’d recommend flameless LED ones, because there’s always that one person (again, probably Dave) who knocks them over after a few too many beers.

Step Four: Fire Up the Grill – The Heart of the Cabin

Now for the star of the show – the BBQ itself. You can’t very well have a BBQ cabin without something to grill on, can you? Hopefully, you’ve opted for a cabin that includes a BBQ grill (like the ones Scotia Cabins install), but now it’s time to think about how to kit it out and make it work for you.

Utensils Galore If you’ve only got a pair of tongs and a spatula, you need to up your game. Invest in a decent BBQ toolset – one with a basting brush, meat thermometer, and maybe even a fancy skewer or two. Get a set with long handles to avoid burning yourself when you’re flipping burgers, and hang them neatly on hooks next to the grill.

Speaking of hooks, you’ll want to install a few along the walls. This keeps everything within arm’s reach and stops you from spending half the night hunting for that one pair of tongs you swore you put down “right there”.

Condiment Station Think of this like your BBQ cabin’s answer to a spice rack. Get yourself a dedicated spot for all your sauces, seasonings, and snacks. A little table or shelf near the grill works wonders. And, of course, don’t forget the napkins. You’ll need them. Lots of them.

Step Five: Warmth and Comfort – Because You’re Not a Penguin

Even on the best British summer days, it can get nippy once the sun goes down. The beauty of having a BBQ cabin is that you can keep the party going long after the sun disappears, but no one’s going to stick around if they’re freezing their bits off. So, here’s how to keep things toasty.

Blankets and Throws We’ve covered cushions, but now it’s time to talk about blankets. Make sure you’ve got a basket full of them for when the temperature drops. Plaid, fleece, or even faux fur, the choice is yours – just make sure they’re big enough to cover the whole gang.

Heaters and Fire Pits If you’ve gone all-in on the BBQ cabin, it’s worth investing in an outdoor heater or even a fire pit (if your cabin allows for it). Nothing says cosy like a crackling fire, and it’ll keep everyone warm well into the night. Plus, there’s the added bonus of being able to toast marshmallows. Who doesn’t love that?

Step Six: Personal Touches – It’s Yours, Own It

Now that you’ve got the basics sorted, it’s time to add those little touches that really make the cabin yours. This is where you can let your personality shine.

Wall Décor If your cabin’s walls are looking a little bare, it’s time to change that. You could go with framed prints, quirky signs, or even a custom neon light (something like "Grill Master HQ" would look cracking). If you’re feeling crafty, you could even make a wooden sign with your BBQ cabin’s name – because obviously, it needs a name.

Games and Entertainment While the grill’s going and everyone’s tucking into their burgers, you’ll need something to keep people entertained. A deck of cards, a set of dominos, or even a dartboard mounted to the wall could be just what you need to turn your BBQ cabin into a proper little party den.

If you’re the kind of person who can’t live without a bit of background music, get yourself a Bluetooth speaker and set up a playlist of BBQ classics. Think a mix of summer anthems, a bit of 70s rock, and whatever gets the crowd going. Just don’t play DJ all night – let the tunes flow naturally.

Bar Area If you’ve got the space (and the inclination), a little bar area in your BBQ cabin can take things to the next level. Get a small fridge to keep the drinks cold, and stock it with everyone’s favourites. Add a few bar stools, some cocktail shakers, and you’re set for the night. You don’t have to go all Tom Cruise in Cocktail, but a bit of showmanship never hurt anyone.

Step Seven: Enjoy the Cabin Life

Now that your BBQ cabin is fully kitted out, there’s only one thing left to do: enjoy it! Invite your friends over, fire up the grill, crack open a cold one, and bask in the glory of your very own BBQ paradise.

The great thing about a BBQ cabin from Scotia Cabins is that it’s not just for summer – you can use it all year round. Rain? No problem. Wind? Bring it on. It’s the ultimate all-weather retreat. Picture this: a chilly autumn evening, a hot mug of mulled cider in hand, the warmth of the fire crackling in front of you, and the smell of grilled sausages in the air.

Who said BBQs were just for sunny days? And when winter rolls in, don’t pack the cabin away! Throw on your fluffiest jumper, invite the gang round for a winter BBQ (yes, they exist), and keep things cosy with the warmth of the grill and some well-placed blankets. There’s something magical about grilling in the middle of winter, surrounded by friends, with snowflakes falling outside. Your cabin becomes more than just a summer hangout – it’s your own little year-round sanctuary. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labour. After all, your BBQ cabin isn’t just an addition to your garden – it’s a whole new way of life. Now, where’s that beer? And with that, you’re all set to enjoy your BBQ cabin no matter the season!

‍