Everyone needs their own place of solitude to unwind after a long day at work. It should be a place where you can engage in your favorite hobby such as arts and crafts, writing, gardening or curling up with a good book. Contrary to popular belief this space doesn’t have to be inside your home. Do you know that garden shed collecting junk in your backyard? Turn it into the perfect studio she shed. If you do not already have a backyard building, finding and installing the perfect garden shed to turn into your cozy she shed is just as easy! Shedplans.org offers a variety of design plans to fit your needs.
First Things First!
Before you even get started on your next adventure, you have to identify its purpose. What do you expect to gain? Do you need a place to relax and unwind or are you looking for something that allows your creative juices to flow? How you plan to use your new-found space will determine how you design it. There are hundreds if not thousands of options. This article explores the most unique ideas that you can easily incorporate into your design.
Give New Life to the Exterior
Applying a fresh coat of paint to the exterior or the installation of siding will instantly breathe new life into your soon-to-be she shed. Picking your color palette is important. If you’re going for a calm color; grays, tans, and light blues are great options while white offers a clean fresh look. For a feminine appearance, yellows, violets, and pink will give you the look you are going for.
Depending on the material the exterior is made out of, you may be able to paint trim or even install decorative shutters on the windows. Decorative accents will give your she-shed a homey feel and be an aesthetically pleasing addition to your backyard.
The Addition of a Patio
The addition of a patio or covered porch will extend your living space and give you the option to relax or work outside during nice weather. You can choose to either leave it uncovered or if you are someone who enjoys the rain, an enclosed porch might be just the thing to allow you to enjoy the great outdoors while being protected from the sun, rain, and pesky bugs. If you are building your she shed from scratch, choose a plan that includes an outdoor living space.
Hang Flower Boxes on the Windows
If you enjoy gardening or just want to give your retreat a natural splash of color, hang flower boxes on the windowsills and fill them with your favorite flowers. You can even grow certain types of herbs to go into your favorite dishes!
Spruce Up the Interior Walls
Everything you do to the interior should promote the atmosphere you are seeking. As with the outside, a calming effect is good if your she shed will serve as a place to read and write. Maybe more vibrant colors are desired if this will be a space for painting or arts and crafts. If you plan on gardening, organic colors such as greens and browns are a good choice.
Add a little more character by installing wood plank on the walls that you can leave natural, stain, or paint with the color of your choice. Hang your favorite pictures and wall decorations to make the space yours. You can either go out and buy new wall decorations or use pieces that you might already have in storage.
Incorporate Built-Ins
Built-ins are extremely versatile, great for storage, and add character to the interior. You can install anything from built-in shelves and cubby holes to desks and workspaces. Built-in can be painted or stained any color or even made out of reclaimed wood for a more natural look. This is also a great space saver instead of bringing in clunky pieces of furniture.
Built-ins can be used to store just about anything from books to supplies. They can even be used just for decoration.
Add Natural Light
If you crave natural light and want to enjoy it even in inclement weather, you can do so from the comfort of your cozy she shed. Installing skylights into the ceiling and additional windows along the walls will ensure you receive plenty of natural light. Using glass pane French doors will also increase the amount of natural light that comes into your she shed and elevate the appearance.
Cozy Furniture
If the space is going to be used for relaxing, place your favorite pieces of furniture in the space. Maybe a papasan is your ideal reading space or a comfortable couch that reclines. Depending on the size of your space, you do not have to choose just one! If the idea of taking naps is appealing, you can even incorporate a chic day bed.
Dual Purpose
With the addition of light plumbing for a toilet and sink, you can turn your she shed into a dual-purpose space that is great for overnight guests. This allows both your guests and you to have plenty of much-needed privacy while still enjoying your time together.
Flooring Can Make All the Difference
When it comes to how your private space feels, flooring can make all the difference. If you are looking to relax, a plush carpet may be the way to go. However, if you plan painting, gardening, or engaging in a hobby that might be messy, easy-clean flooring such as tile or laminate flooring is a more practical choice. Wood flooring is great for a rustic look. You can always choose flooring that is easy to clean and incorporate an area rug that can easily be removed and replaced if needed.
Last but not Least!
Turning your she shed into your own luxurious retreat does not have to be expensive. In fact, many she shed owners use reclaimed materials such as wood, windows, and doors to add the perfect amount of character for a fraction of the cost.
Photo by Elina Sazonova from Pexels