Ideas for Creating a Stunning She Shed
Last updated September 7, 2023
The man cave has finally met its match in the she shed. The she shed is a private hideaway that gives you a place to relax. It can also serve as a place to work on projects and embrace your hobbies. To create a she shed, you can renovate a storage shed or build new with a shed kit.
This guide offers ideas for creating a stunning she shed.
Table of Contents
How to Make a She Shed
How to Use a She Shed
Make It Cozy
Add Unique Features
Let in Natural Light
Incorporate Landscaping
How to Make a She Shed
Creating a she shed is a great motivator for finally cleaning out and renovating an old storage shed. The building doesn't have to be a traditional shed. It can be any outdoor structure that provides a bit of privacy. You can build a new shed with a prefabricated storage shed kit. You can also transform a former children’s playhouse or an unused detached garage.
The structure itself is less important than the intention of the space. What truly makes a she shed is its intimacy and distinct purpose. Whether you retrofit or start from scratch, you can create a space that caters to your needs and incorporates your style preferences.
How to Use a She Shed
Since she sheds are often small, it is important to define its purpose to make the most of the space. One option is revamping an existing garden shed into a garden getaway. A gardening she shed can be used to store supplies and tools. It can also serve as a place to take a break between gardening chores.
Another popular option is transforming the shed into a private office, complete with a desk, internet connection and lounging space. You could also consider using a she shed as an art studio, writer’s retreat, craft room, yoga studio or entertaining space. The options are limited only by your imagination.
Make It Cozy
Unlike a traditional home office or a man cave, the she shed offers more seclusion and privacy. You can think of it as a miniature home away from home. As you design and decorate your she shed, incorporate features that give it a homey feel.
Whatever makes you feel at home in the space should be a priority.
Add Unique Features
Part of the fun of treating a she shed like a miniature house is decorating it with the same amount of care as you would your home. Consider antique shopping for unique decorations, crafting a homemade she shed sign or installing radiant lighting features.
You can paint the exterior a fun color to add some character. Painting the shutters and doors red is a great option.
Let in Natural Light
Natural light can make a space feel bigger. Letting the sun shine into your she shed might even make you feel more productive. To add extra light, you can install a skylight or a windowed door. Depending on the layout of your shed, you may also be able to incorporate some tall windows.
Incorporate Landscaping
Blend your she shed into the existing landscaping to make it truly feel like a part of your backyard. You can plant flowers or shrubs around the outside walls of your she shed.
Use paving stones to create an inviting pathway to the entrance. If you don’t want to lay pavers, use stones to line either side of the path.
Use the Outdoor Space
For additional enjoyment, extend your she shed space to the outdoors. You can build on a small front porch or create a patio right outside the door. Use outdoor chairs and side tables to match the smaller scale of your she shed. Add a fire pit and you can invite friends and family to hang out at night.
The Playhouse
Once the children have outgrown their playhouse, you can transform it into your own spot. When you convert a playhouse, you can maintain its simple silhouette, while adding a new color scheme.
The Improved Potting Shed
A potting shed can be transformed into a she shed perfect for gardeners. Natural light can provide a place to grow herbs and smaller plants. This greenery can create a relaxing space for yardwork breaks. You can also dedicate part of the space to tool storage, but comfort should be a priority for a she shed.
The Tiny Cabin Retreat
If you can’t make it up to the mountains, try putting a cabin right in your backyard. She sheds are available in many stylized options. Faux log siding can turn a she shed into a charming retreat. Continue the rustic feel inside with mismatched linens, like curtains and camp blankets. Keep the palette neutral for a natural look.
The Reading Nook
If reading is your hobby, your she shed can offer a quiet space to enjoy your favorite books. Make sure there is plenty of light so that you can see the pages of a print book or your e-reader. Add a comfortable chair with cozy cushions and blankets. You can stack your to-be-read pile on a small table or desk.
A Farmhouse-Style She Shed
Even if you don’t live in the country, you can give your she shed a rural style. Barn red exterior paint with white accents can bring a farm to mind. A covered porch can offer a place for you and your friends to sit and chat while enjoying ice-cold beverages.
Inside, you can decorate with furniture that has a distressed or weathered look. You might even try whitewashing a desk or dresser yourself.
Keeping Your She Shed Dry
All kinds of sheds can be prone to moisture, which can cause mold and mildew. Fighting mold and mildew in your she shed starts with keeping the space dry and reducing the humidity of the air. If you’re building a new she shed, putting it on a foundation can help keep water out. You can pour a concrete foundation or build one from patio stones.
Inside a she shed, adding insulation to the walls and ceilings can help keep it dry. If your shed has windows or you add them, make sure they fit correctly and are sealed well. Heat vents in the roof of your she shed can help remove hot air from it. Caulking around doors, windows and vents on the outside of your she shed can also create a barrier to moisture.
You can use a dehumidifier to take moisture out of the air. Products like calcium chloride can be placed in your she shed to help reduce indoor humidity. Running an electric fan can not only cool the air, but also help it stay dry.
When creating a she shed, start with a basic structure. Decide how you want to use the space, then let your personal style be your guide. Both the interior and exterior can be customized to reflect your tastes. The great thing about decorating a small space is that it’s easy to change and update.
Ready to start making your she shed ideas a reality? The Home Depot delivers online orders when and where you need them.