How to Create Your Own Outdoor She-Shed

Photo Credit: Scott Lewis via Flickr under License

Do you dream of your own private space outside your home?  Whether you need a practical space to work or a relaxing place to wind down, a she-shed is the perfect outdoor escape. She sheds are a growing trend amongst women who want a space to call their own.

Don’t know where to begin? As long as you have a usable structure to work with, creating a she-shed isn’t difficult. With a clear purpose in mind and some inspired decor, you can make it as luxurious as you’d like. Follow these simple steps to create your very own outdoor she-shed:

Determine the Use of Your Shed

Before you can start designing your she-shed, you need to have a clear idea of what it will be used for. This will help you determine what needs to be done and what your budget will be. A she-shed can be anything you want it to be. From your very own art studio to a cozy sleep- out, the possibilities are endless.

Find a Usable Structure 

The next step is to find a suitable structure to create your shed. You’ll need a strong, durable structure that is capable of holding what you need. If you don’t already have a garden shed to work with, a used shipping container is the most reliable and cost-effective option. Made from steel, they will last through the toughest weather conditions and stay in great condition over time. Shipping containers are commonly repurposed as workshops due to their strength and mobility. But they can also be transformed into mobile homes, mini office spaces, outdoor gyms, and garden sheds.

Customize Your Shed

Shipping containers can be heavily customized to suit your needs. Most open side shipping containers come with two sets of double doors, so you won’t have to worry about fitting in your own door. You can ask your supplier for extra modifications such as insulation, shelving and electricity. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time inside your shed, you’ll want it to be as comfortable as possible.

Image Source: Pxhere

Do Some Hardscaping

If you really want to take your she-shed to the next level, consider hardscaping the outdoor landscape. The addition of brick, stone or concrete paving will make the landscape more visually appealing. You can use hardscaping to build a patio for your shed or a garden pathway that leads to the entrance.

Decorate Your Shed

Here’s where the fun part begins! Once the hard parts are over, you can start decorating your shed and really make it your own. You’ll definitely need to add some fresh paint to the outside and inside walls. A fresh coat of paint will bring your she-shed to life. Get creative with colors and use it as an opportunity to express your personality.

After you’ve painted your shed, you can start shopping for stylish furniture. Look for compact furniture options that will save space in your shed. You don’t want to feel cramped when you’re relaxing inside your she-shed. To finish off the decorating process, get some fresh plants to surround the landscape. If you have extra wall space in the she-shed, vertical planters a great way to incorporate a variety of fresh plants into the space. This will complement the natural outdoor setting beautifully and add a pop of color to the space.

The process of creating your very own she-shed can be very rewarding. There are really no limitations with what you can do, so have fun with it!  If you take time and care to create your dream she shed, it is sure to be the envy of all your neighbors!

Author bio:

Harper loves almost anything related to homes – interior design, furniture, art and décor, and owns her own little library of design magazines on top of her growing book collection. Follow her on Tumblr.