The She Shed – over the last few years, this term has become more and more popular amongst homeowners, renovators and women. What does it mean? It’s a place away from the main home that is a dedicated oasis for the female of the home. It’s a place that is hers; a place for her to do the things she’s passionate about.
It could be a place to paint or do crafts. It could be an office or yoga studio. Or, simply, it could be a place to relax with a good book or a glass of wine with a friend.
Are you sold on the idea yet?
Want to know how to create your own She Shed oasis?
Step #1 : Find the shed
You may have been lucky enough to have inherited a shed from the previous homeowner. If that’s the case, step #1 is pretty easy for you – done. You will want to make sure that it is still structurally sound though. If not, make any necessary adjustments before you get too much invested and for your own safety.
If you don’t already have a shed or structure on your property, there are plenty of ready-made options available. Check out your local hardware store to see what options are available. If you don’t find anything there, go online. Wayfair.ca has some cute ready-made options or you could always go custom.
Always remember to check your local bylaws before you build. Many municipalities have restrictions on size, height and even location for structures. There could be different rules for a permanent structure (built into the ground) and a temporary structure (sits above ground). Depending on what you come across, you may have to get a little creative but knowing before you start will save you time and money in the long run.
Step #2 : Make it Your Own
Now’s the fun part – once you have the shed, it’s time to design your oasis.
Think about how you are going to use it. What things do you need to make the shed function for your purpose? That could be a desk to work from, storage or maybe a little bar. Understanding the function of the space will help you plan the layout and choose the right finishes.
Colours
Part of choosing finishes is picking your paint colours or colour pallet. On the exterior of your She Shed; my suggestion would be to pull from your main house exterior. Making the She Shed look like a mini version of your home will connect the two and give you property a cohesive look. It also adds to the charm of the She Shed – a “mini me” cuteness.
But in the interior, you colour pallet should represent you and the space you are creating. The colours you choose will help create the environment you are trying to make for yourself. Whether that be bright, fun colours for a creative space or softer colours for a relaxing or more focused space. To learn more on setting the mood with colour, check out Colour Moods and Designing Small Spaces.
Finishes
When it comes to the actual finishes – flooring, cabinets or shelving, furniture etc – you’ll want to select materials that are appropriate for the conditions. Things like whether or not your She Shed is insulated or heated in the winter will play a role in what finishes you use. They will need to be able to withstand the environment they are in and the elements that goes along with that.
I am loving luxury vinyl flooring (LVT/LVP) right now. They have come a long way in not only selection and look but also in durability. Most now are waterproof/lifeproof and can be installed as a floating floor. This is a great option in any She Shed environment. You can use it on walls as well *hint, hint*.
As for cabinets and storage, think about going metal. Durable, easy to clean and there are lots of options available now, depending on the look you are going for. Ikea has some great ready-made metal kitchen cabinet in some fun colours. A great way to add storage and a pop of colour to your space.
And as always, adding some touches of natural materials like wood goes a long way in any décor. This could be a wood bench, wicker chairs or even used as wall art. Just make sure they are properly sealed.
Textiles
Adding textiles to any space (indoors or outdoors) adds a sense of coziness and warmth. No matter what your purpose is for your She Shed, adding some textiles will finish off the décor and make it feel…finished.
It could be as simple as adding a little area rug to the floor, maybe some window coverings or just some plush pillows or chairs. You may even want to keep a throw stored away for the chilly nights or rainy days, curled up with a good book.
Have fun with the textiles – choose a fun texture or material. Bring in a pop of colour though these. It’s an inexpensive way to really express yourself. And if you get bored (or inspired by something new) textiles can easily be changed out and refreshed.
Accessories
And finally, add your accessories. This could be some decorative pieces like mirrors and artwork or it can be necessary accessories like pens and paper (or a bottle or two of your favorite wine).
What’s important to remember when designing you She Shed is that it is YOUR space. It should be filled with things that make YOU happy. That relax or inspire YOU. It’s all about YOU.
Step #3 : Enjoy!
The final and most important step in creating your She Shed is to enjoy the finish product! You’ve worked hard to create your little oasis away from the everyday life. Now get out there and enjoy it.
If you’re working on your She Shed and need some advice or guidance, reach out to us at designhelp@designonthemind.com.
