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She Shed Design Ideas Transform Any Shed Or Sun Porch Into A Summertime Oasis

All it takes are a few design tricks to turn your small space into a happy hideaway!

Longing for a space all your own where you can retreat and sink into a cozy read, knit, paint or even repot your plants? A “she shed” is the perfect space to do so, says Erika Kotite, co-founder of SheShedLiving.com and author of She Sheds: A Room of Your Own and She Sheds Style: Make Your Space Your Own. “A ‘she shed’ is a place all your own — it instills feelings of calm and joy and sparks creativity,” she says. And you don’t necessarily need a shed to carve out a designated space that’s all your own — whether you’re prettying up a garage, backyard shed or carving out a corner on a sun porch, you can create your own little oasis anywhere, she assures. Keep reading for the easy how-to’s for creating and decorating your very own she shed so it brings you comfort and creativity.

She shed idea: Dress it up with fresh paint and windowboxes

She Shed: Backyard shed painted teal green with flower-filled white windowboxes beneath windows
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If you’re transforming a shed, Sabrina Contreras, co-founder of SheShedLiving.com, suggests making the exterior more welcoming by applying a fresh coat of paint in a hue that makes you happy. “Color can create a serene atmosphere for a more relaxed and balanced life,” she says. For a comforting and soothing color, she recommends green, since it is associated with nature and the outdoors. For a peaceful atmosphere, she recommends choosing blue or teal, which is is well-known to provide a sense of balance.

To finish off the look, try mounting flower-filled window boxes beneath the shed’s windows and placing potted plants around the perimeter of the shed. “Beautiful colorful flowers make your shed inviting and turn an ordinary shed into an extraordinary place for you,” says Contreras.

She shed idea: Create a cozy seating area

She Shed: Modern living room with rustic hanging light fixture above a wooden outdoor couch
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Whether you prefer to read a book or take a nap on a chair or sofa inside your hideaway, cozy seating nooks are key to being comfortable in your space, says Contreras. There are many options for cozy seating, such as a chaise, zipper chair or a small loveseat, she says. Once you’ve picked your furniture and staged it inside your shed, make it even comfier by piling on plush pillows and throws in pretty colors that enhance serenity.

“Adding pillows and throws with inspiring colors and quality material can add comfort and give you joy,” says Contreras. “Soft good accessories can be switched out by season to give your space a refresh.”

She shed idea: Set up an art corner

She Shed: Easel with blank canvas, paints and brushes on wooden table
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“Any creative pursuit like painting or crafting calls for a bit of dedicated, secluded space — and she sheds provide this perfectly,” notes Kotite. To turn any corner into a serene art studio, set up a table near a sunny window so you can be inspired by nature’s beauty outside. Then, simply top the table with an easel and essential art supplies like paintbrush-filled canisters, canvases, paints, paint palettes and more.

She shed idea: Use simple centerpieces to add life

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“Other embellishments such as architectural accents can add character to the shed also,” says Contreras. To create a seasonal tabletop or shelf accent, transform a watering can with a bit of spray paint and moss. To do: Apply two coats of matte white spray paint to can; let dry. Gently buff with sandpaper for a distressed look. Fill can with dry floral foam, then hot-glue craft-store moss on top of foam until covered. Tie jute around can; display.

She shed idea: Decorate with a welcoming wreath

She Shed: Grapevine wreath on blue door decorated with yellow flowers and a bird figurine
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“Our favorite ways to embellish the outside of a she shed is with wreaths,” says Kotite. For a summer-themed circlet, simply tuck craft-store dried florals, grasses, paper flowers and a bird figurine into a grapevine wreath; hang on the door.


For more outdoor decor ideas, keep reading!

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