She-shed.
It’s not a curse word. It’s sometimes a tongue-twister. Try saying she-shed five times fast and see what happens. But it is always a retreat.
What is a she-shed?
A retreat. That’s really the only solid definition of a she-shed. A retreat you can call your own. After that, it can be anything.
A she-shed is your crafting corner. It’s your quiet place to curl up with your latest book. It’s your home office. The beauty of a she-shed is it can be whatever you make it. The whole point is that you remove yourself from the chaos of your house and possibly the people around you and have a quiet space all to yourself.
This does not mean “no boys allowed”, but it does mean you can invite who you want inside, or no one at all.
Man caves have long been a popular name for the area where men hang out in the house in their free time, but she-sheds are quickly becoming the popular equivalent for women.
I have no money, how do I make a she-shed?
For many people, making a she-shed starts with taking an existing space and recreating it. An old shed in the backyard is the common example, but you can also recreate your back porch or remodel the backyard treehouse. It’s about creating a space to your liking.
She-sheds don’t need plumbing or electricity, though they can certainly have that.
All that a she-shed really needs is what will make you comfortable. You can decorate it how you want. You can add the furniture you like. You can make it as sparse or as cluttered as you want. The amount you spend on a she-shed is entirely up to you.
If you need some inspiration, here are some she-sheds that will have you scrambling to get started.
A Crafter’s Paradise
If you’re a serious crafter, you know your supplies take up every available space possible. That’s why this she-shed by Craft Shack Chronicles is just what you’re looking for. Not only does it have a long, wide counter to work on, but it has the space to store everything.
This is the perfect setup if you’re someone who loves doing crafts, quilting, or creating art of any kind. You no longer have to worry about storing your supplies in the spare space in the garage or in odd cabinets around the house; instead, all of your supplies can be stored in your she-shed in the exact order and manner that you like.
Backyard Haven
I am incredibly jealous of what Ella Claire Inspired did with this she-shed. Admittedly she had a little help from a major hardware store, but that doesn’t change the fact that she created a great space to drink a glass of wine with her friends, or take a mid-morning nap.
From the plants around the structure to the beautiful entrance to the simple color scheme, this design is welcoming and cozy. The stone steps that lead up to the entrance practically invite you to spend time in it from the minute you get home.
Porch Turned She-Shed
Tonita did something a little different for her she-shed. The blogger on Shabby Chic Tiny Retreat created this nice little spot to have a drink and watch the sunset. She added lace to her porch, found a few chairs and she was ready to go.
This is a fantastic choice for those who don’t feel like creating a full-blown she-shed in the backyard. Converting a porch into a she-shed can be done in one afternoon and it won’t take much for you to forget that your old porch even existed.
Reader’s Retreat
Curling up with a good book never felt so good. This reader’s retreat created by Kloter Farms offers a place to sit and read, plenty of books to choose from, and a place to write if the mood moves you.
This offers the perfect spot to get away and enjoy some peace and quiet during any season. Feel free to add a bookshelf to hold some of your favorite books in the she-shed so that the interior feels like a mini library that you can enjoy all to yourself.
Perfect Gardening Spot
Mia’s Interior created this little gardener’s haven. It’s surrounded by flowers on the outside. Inside, there’s a place to hang all your gardening essentials and a basket for your soiled clothes. There’s also a place to wash and prep all the fresh veggies you picked.
This is ideal for anyone who loves to spend time outdoors but doesn’t want to have to make the trip to and from the garage over and over again to get new supplies or to clean up.
Writer’s Corner
Sometimes the kitchen table isn’t the best place to blog, which is why this Garden Blog Retreat created by The Devine Life is simply divine. It has all the essentials: a comfy chair, natural lighting, and a great view.
With a little bit of time and effort, you can craft a workspace that feels far away from home and allows you to concentrate on nothing but writing. Forget about going to a coffee shop or library to get some work done. Instead, just head into your own backyard to your private writing retreat!
Rustic Retreat
Kim at Living Vintage Co. created this rustic she-shed that really makes you feel like you’re returning to nature. I’ll admit I like the interior, but it’s overshadowed by the exterior. It feels like you’re discovering a little shack in the middle of the forest. I can picture myself sitting in the rocking chair, sipping an iced tea and enjoying the quiet.
Farmhouse Workspace
This one’s a little bigger than your average she-shed, but The Shabby Creek Cottage really hit a home run with this space. The high ceilings make the space feel immense. Plus, you have a dining area and a sitting area.
The Home Office
This home office space was created by Home Glow Design. If you can’t tell, she’s an interior designer, which really ups the game. I love this home office. It’s open and airy, but still has everything you need to get some work done and take a little time for your side projects.
She-Shed for the Whole Family
Liz at Hoosier Homemade has made an amazing she-shed that can be shared with the whole family. I love the fact that she has a chair just for her, but also has the ability to turn the room into the perfect spot for a family game night. It’s the best of both worlds.
The Beach Away from the Beach
Danielle at Finding Silver Pennies created this coastal she-shed. It’s basically a mini beach cottage in her backyard. With cushioned wicker seating, seashells galore and large doors that open to allow the sunlight in, you can almost hear the sound of the ocean at Danielle’s beach getaway.
Here are 35 more she shed design ideas:
Tips for Making Any She-Shed The Perfect Getaway
Whether you choose to make a writer’s retreat, a cozy reading place, a gardening haven, or some other she-shed design, here are a few tips that you can use on any she to ensure that it’s the perfect getaway:
1. Give your shed a fresh coat of paint.
A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a bland structure into a she-shed dream. Choose a color that fits with the scheme of the shed and give it a makeover in as little as one day.
2. Add plants to the interior of your she-shed.
One of the easiest ways to improve the overall vibe of your she-shed is to add a variety of houseplants. This will make the shed feel more homey and fun to spend time in. Plus, it gives you a touch of nature to enjoy while you read, quilt, or relax.
3. Create an inviting entrance.
One of the most important parts of the she-shed is the entrance. The more inviting the entrance, the more likely you are to want to enter and spend time in the shed. Some simple ways to improve the entrance are to add doors that you love, hang up some lights near the entry way, or create a nice stone path leading up to it.
What would your ideal she-shed be for?
Erike Towne
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