Move over Man Caves, the She Shed is here to stay. Add value to your existing home by creating a gorgeous indoor/outdoor space on a budget. These tips below will help you update an existing backyard shed or convert a pre-fab shed into a sanctuary from your busy life.

The first step in designing your She Shed is picking a style. We chose to design a Modern Farmhouse She Shed, but customizing colors and materials allows these tips to be applied across the board. This is a place for you to explore a unique and creative style that you might not necessarily want throughout your entire home, so have fun with it!

Liven Up the Walls

• Update a boring or run down shed with a fresh coat of white paint on the walls. Then add depth with a charcoal gray ceiling.
• Add texture with a shiplap accent wall. You can purchase pre-made accent wall from the shiplap queen herself Joanna Gaines via Magnolia Home at Home Depot. Easy install in an afternoon!

Pro tip: Save money on flooring by installing floating floors. We love Devine flooring’s “Chateau” wide plank engineered hardwood flooring. This engineered hardwood floor will transform your space and can be ordered online and quickly laid down by hand. 

Let There Be Light

• Natural light is key in making this space feel fresh and open. Consider adding windows or expanding existing frames to let in more light.
• An easy way to introduce multi-purpose lighting is a single track lighting system installed along the ceiling. 
• Lamps with Edison bulbs will add warmth to a side table. 

Furnish & Accessorize

• Working with a small space means you need to be purposeful with your furnishings. 
• We suggest choosing a small sectional in a slip covered fabric for durability and washability. Arrange this flush against the wall across from the main entrance to the shed to maximize space. Deck it out with cozy pillows and a throw blanket.
• A vintage bar cart in the corner can be used to store glasses, wine, and any additional hobby/craft materials. If you don’t want or need a bar cart, opt for a small desk for writing or drawing instead.
• Add a multi-purpose coffee table with a surface for tea, coffee or wine drinking and drawers or shelves for storage. Throw a woven rug on the floor to add texture and warm up the space.
• Soften a simple doorway by hanging sheer cotton drapes. They will add an elegance to the space and look amazing blowing in the wind, as well as help keep bugs out!
• If you have room in the budget, add a built-in window seat along one wall with hidden bench storage. 
  

Pro-tip: For a “built-in” look without the labor cost, purchase a bench with storage and push it flush against the wall. 

Don’t Forget the Outdoors

• Climate control is an important consideration when designing your She Shed. Include a small space heater for the winter and a vintage style floor fan for the summer months.
• The shed should be a continuation of the natural space surrounding it. Bring the outside in with topiaries, urns, and maybe a rustic barrel planted with flowers.  
• Finally, a wrought iron dinette on a stone or brick patio lit overhead with glass bulb string lights in front of your shed completes the look.