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Get Cozy With These She-Sheds for All Seasons

Brilliant she sheds you'll want to recreate

By Sally Coffey · October 11, 2023

Originally published on lovePROPERTY

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@Gosel / Airbnb

Idyllic outside spaces for the ultimate retreat...

Move over man caves, these days it’s all about she sheds. These tiny spaces are dedicated to joy, hobbies and self-care – a little oasis for ‘me time’ or a beautiful workspace with fabulous décor filled with brilliant DIY ideas. Click or scroll through and take a look at some of our favorite she shed ideas and be inspired to create your own... 

Green Retreats

Maximalist outdoor living room

From the outside, this boxy garden room shed looks like any other contemporary design. But once the sliding glazed doors are rolled open a yard lounge like no other is revealed.

Green Retreats

Maximalist outdoor living room

Wouldn't it be lovely to enjoy not one but two reception rooms on a budget? Tattoo artist and Interior Designer, Nicola Smith, has cracked the idea by transforming her garden room into a maximalist-style she shed bursting with color and pattern. Even the air-conditioning unit has been wrapped up in a fabulous leopard print pattern. 

Lights4fun

The garden party shed

Make your she shed the focal point of a garden party by turning it into a welcoming and intimate break-out zone. A sheltered area is always handy when the weather is unpredictable. Marry the inviting structure and outdoor space together with vintage-style festoon lighting. 

Lights4fun

The garden party shed

Utilise the small space by installing a high shelf for cottagecore, spring-look accessories. This will leave the lower area free to bring in rustic-style bench seating. Dainty fairy lights and paper lantern lights will ensure an ambient and cozy atmosphere that will continue after dark. 

Wayfair

An inspiration station

Working from home is the new normal for many but it helps to create a separate space to balance work and home life. This home office/summer house belongs to British TV presenter, AJ Odudu. We love how the shed's walls are left natural so color and personality shine through using simple furniture pieces and accessories. AJ says: "Paint is the most affordable way to update a space, but other options are going large scale with art, adding touches of gold/metallic accessories, candles and fresh flowers is a great way to blend high and low-end pieces".

Wayfair

An inspiration station

AJ Odudu's she shed is also set up for stylish relaxation. AJ explains: “I have added insulation, electricity and internet connection into mine so that I can maximise the use of my room all year round. Be it for Zoom meetings, workouts or chilling with a drink in the seating area, we’ve created a really versatile space for use... and beyond.”

Thorndown Paints

The blue cocoon shed

A she shed may be the ideal place to curate a pink decorating idea but don't be afraid to go dark too. Thorndown paints 'Cavepool Grey' transforms this glass-fronted garden shed into a dramatic and stylish cocoon. Contemporary horizontal slate fencing and a display of plants balance the rich tone. 

Thorndown Paints

The blue cocoon shed

Continue the cool and classy vibe inside with a darker-toned navy shade as well as on the ceiling and fill the space with Scandi-style furniture to create a modern extension of the home to hide away. 

Laura O'Mahony / Cuprinol / Shed of the Year

The pamper cabin

A Shed of the Year 2023 nominee, lucky Laura O'Mahony gets to go to work in her beauty cabin – what a pinkster's (pink lover's) dream! Laura was fortunate to acquire the building when she purchased her house, so was ready with a pot of pink paint during lockdown to convert the space from a Pilates studio into a pamper palace her clients love. 

Laura O'Mahony / Cuprinol / Shed of the Year

The pamper cabin

As not to make customers feel nauseous from too much candy color, inside, a calming scheme of white, cream natural wood creates the ideal atmosphere for a bit of well-deserved pampering. A feature pink floor and neon light add elements of fun to the little retreat.

@life_of_isatu / Instagram

A lovely lean-to potting shed

This adorable lean-to-style potting shed was a genius lockdown project created by @life_of_isatu and her husband. It made a fabulous garden upcycle project as they were able to repurpose many materials including windows and doors they already owned in the build. The mix of black, white and natural finishes is perfectly in keeping with Isa's quiet yet luxurious style. 

@life_of_isatu / Instagram

A lovely lean-to potting shed

Inside, the workbench and flooring are made from old scaffold boards. The butler sink for potting is a great find from a local reclamation yard. Natural baskets, coordinated ceramics and neutral-toned dried flowers fill the space with modern country charm. 

Alex Dodman / Cuprinol / Shed of the Year

A ski chalet cabin

Fancy whisking off for a while to a landscape-filled Alpine forest and snowcapped mountains? This A-frame she shed seems to have been plucked right out of a ski chalet village. Another Shed of the Year 2023 nominee, the cool cabin with a built-in veranda is set beside a DIY yard pool in England rather than Aspen. 

Alex Dodman / Cuprinol / Shed of the Year

A ski chalet cabin

Repurposed from the wood of an old but large standard shed, The A-frame ski-chalet doubles as a pool house. Inside the pitched-roof wonder has a TV and Wi-Fi installed so it makes the ideal hang-out to dry off after a fun swim. 

Nicola House / Cuprinol / Shed of the Year

Rustic family retreat

Another Shed of the Year 2023 nominee, Tin's House's Tin Shed is positioned under a willow tree at the back of an award-winning garden. A retired curtain workshop, it has been lovingly built from reclaimed finds. The owners needed a retreat so their son with complex special needs could feel like he was a million miles away on holiday without actually leaving home. 

Nicola House / Cuprinol / Shed of the Year

Rustic family retreat

Eat your heart out Little House On The Prairie, stepping inside this tin shed's new interior is like time traveling back to a simple and carefree life full of wood cabin charm. It sleeps four comfortably, has a working stove and there is a gap under the summer house for wildlife to live and to harvest rainwater from the roof. Bliss!

Alice in Scandiland

The idyllic shed sanctuary

For some, she sheds offer much-needed space, a sort of extension of your house, while for others it is a private sanctuary that once experienced life cannot be imagined without. For Alice in Scandiland, her she shed is like a little slice of heaven.

Alice in Scandiland

The idyllic shed sanctuary

The wooden cabin, created almost entirely from recycled pallet wood, provides a climbing frame for Alice’s children outside, while inside it is both a working space and a place of refuge. Copper framed mirrors reflect the foliage of outside, while the neutral white painted walls against the wood and the birch ply of the desk, create a calm atmosphere.
Mary Fudge / Cuprinol / Shed of the Year

A war-time throwback shed

Restrictions mean that Mary Fudge is only allowed a small shed on her allotment in Kent. But good things come in small parcels and this charming package which is another Shed of the Year 2023 nominee is delightfully named Ethel after the owner's grandmother. Mary wanted a create a "nice place to relax and have a cuppa", and as the original Ethel loved a cup of tea and gardening, the name was a natural fit.

Mary Fudge / Cuprinol / Shed of the Year

A war-time throwback shed

Inside the 'land-girl' look continues the tiny shed's adorable vintage vibe. Metal drawers and yard chairs are family hand-downs and a friend of Mary's made the curtains. "Everyone comments that it feels like going back in time inside my lovely shed," says Mary. We can see why. 

@Gosel / Airbnb

Cheery shepherd's hut

With the cheery rainbow bunting and sky blue exterior, this perfect little shepherd's hut was made for unplugging and getting away from it all. Located in Cornwall, this rural retreat would be the perfect base camp for anyone who loves to spend time outdoors, whether enjoying the sunshine or stargazing at night.

@Gosel / Airbnb

Cheery shepherd's hut

Inside, the handmade hut has a perfectly curved ash beam ceiling, a cute kitchenette for making endless cups of tea and a cozy double bed for curling up in with a book at bedtime. Available to rent on Airbnb, we think it's all the inspiration you'll need to get building your own she shed.

Rachael Taylor / Cuprinol / Shed of the Year

The rainbow shed

It's not fair, Rachael Taylor's colorful haven is better than our house. A former Shed of the Year entry, called Rainbow Daydream, the creative space is a testament to two of Rachael's biggest passions in life: color and patterns.

Rachael Taylor / Cuprinol / Shed of the Year

The rainbow shed

Inside, Rachael's love for bright colors and bold patterns is evident but as a working print designer and creative stylist, it's no surprise. There are bespoke touches throughout, including the vinyl floor design, which features all her own patterns and makes her "want to do a happy dance".

Artemis Russell / Junkaholique

The sewing shed

For many of us, the need to create an extra room in the yard serves more pressing needs, such as creating a much-needed workshop. Artemis Russell has us green with envy over her clean, usable studio, which she uses as a sewing shed.

Artemis Russell / Junkaholique

The sewing shed

Of course, if sewing is part of your job, then you need to store all your essentials nearby. Little hooks to hang items such as your camera or spools of wool is a great space-saving trick, that will make your shed feel a lot less cluttered.
Anne / Cuprinol / Shed of the Year

The tea and cake shed

Staying with the vintage theme, albeit with a slightly more contemporary spin, how about building your own she shed for hosting tea parties? Just think of all that space to store your old china, and there's a table outside for when the sun makes an appearance.

Anne / Cuprinol / Shed of the Year

The tea and cake shed

To be honest, though sweet, this shed is crammed with owner Anne's hoard of old teacups and tea tins, which is why this outdoor seating area around the back comes in handy. After pouring your beverage, just put the radio on in the shed and then retire here for a little alfresco tea party!

Kloter Farms

The reader's retreat

When it comes to building your own, it’s important that you create a she shed that suits your interests, which is why this cute cabin from Kloter Farms had us from the off. Designed as a sanctuary for book worms, the large double doors can be flung open to let sunlight pour inside while you get lost in a good book...

Kloter Farms

The reader's retreat

Inside it has everything a good reading corner should have: a comfy sofa, a table for placing your cup of tea, and a well-stocked bookshelf for when you finish your book and want to move onto your next. Oh and peace and quiet, which is also hugely important for us readers.

Lobster & Swan

The rustic tea shed

We love the shabby chic feel of this garden house – a sort of all-season take on a summer house. In fine weather you can keep the doors open, listen to birdsong and let butterflies flutter in, while in fall and winter, close the doors behind you and cozy up on the sofa. We can almost feel the crunch of autumn leaves beneath our boots.

Lobster & Swan

The rustic tea shed

Blogger Jeska at Lobster & Swan sometimes refers to this little hideaway as her ‘tea shed’ as she and hubby sometimes like to escape from their home office and come here for G&Ts. Sounds pretty divine to us!

Lucy Hynes / Cuprinol / Shed of the Year

The upcycled beach hut

If you're not quite ready to let summer go, then this seaside-inspired shed named Cod N' Chips may appeal. It's based on a traditional beach hut but this one comes with electrics, lighting and even room for a sleepover.

Lucy Hynes / Cuprinol / Shed of the Year

The upcycled beach hut

Owner Lucy Hynes and her dad (who did the building) kept costs down and their carbon footprint low by making the shed out of recycled materials where possible, including repurposed wood and windows. Nautical touches such as a ship’s wheel and model lighthouses give the cute interior a distinctly coastal theme. 

Waltons

The stylish summerhouse

Of course, not all of us are creative or handy enough to build our own she shed, so does that mean we should miss out? Of course not, there are lots of options for purchasing she sheds, which can be erected in your yard, such as this smart example from Waltons.

Waltons

The stylish summerhouse

You can have the shed or summerhouse delivered and even pay for the installation service so you can take the stress out of building your garden room and simply enjoy the benefits. The clever design includes French doors that open up the interior to the fresh air, a small-scale terrace and a side storage area for outdoor essentials.

Greg Whale / Cuprinol / Shed of the Year

The she-pherd hut

For a more rustic and romantic feel, why not follow Greg Whale's lead who built this shepherd hut she shed for his wife to mark their 25-year wedding anniversary. Greg says he has never undertaken a project like this before but he persevered for six months to present his lucky wife with this wildly romantic bolthole. Now that is love for you!

Greg Whale / Cuprinol / Shed of the Year

The she-pherd hut

Once the outside was done, Greg kitted out the cozy interiors with sheepskin rugs, cushions and even a wood-burning stove. Greg says the hardest part of the project was sourcing the 100-year-old wheels but it was certainly worth it!

Susan Lowe / Cuprinol / Shed of the Year

The super shed

On first inspection, this may look like any other rustic she shed but actually it is a space that performs many functions. Sheddie Susan Lowe designed it to provide a dining area, office, bar, as well as storage space all rolled into one.

Susan Lowe / Cuprinol / Shed of the Year

The super shed

One of the shed's main functions is to provide a safe place for her daughter to come and hang out with friends when she is older. In the meantime, it's a great space to play in now and includes a swing, sandpit, basketball net and chalk boards. We think this is a super shed for a super mum!

@megan_ballarini / Instagram

The pastel pink shed

This very pretty pink cottage is a lovely haven for craft maker Megan Ballarini, and its name Mermaid Cottage suits its coastal style. We can picture ourselves sat out front on a deck chair reading the paper on a lazy Sunday morning.

@megan_ballarini / Instagram

The pastel pink shed

Inside the wooden interior has been painted a brilliant white and decorated with a trio of handmade wooden roses. There's a desk with storage for working and a comfortable cane armchair for kicking back and relaxing - complete with a mini wooden footstool so you can put your feet up!

Kristen Whitby and Devan Jacobsen / Home Depot blog

A country-style cabin

How about this for something a little more upmarket? Interiors designer Kristen Whitby had a shed installed in her yard and then set about adding her own unique vintage charm to it with the intention of making it feel like an extra room to her house.

Kristen Whitby and Devan Jacobsen / Home Depot blog

A country-style cabin

If you didn't know this was the inside of a she shed, it could easily be the interior of a country-style cottage. Whitby has stacked books in the gable to give a timeworn feel while the white sectional sofa with dusty blue and striped cushions is an incredibly tempting place to put your feet up.

Lowe's

The yoga shed

If you decide to buy a shed and install it in your yard then the good thing is, it is like a blank canvas to play with. Want to create a yard library? Sure, go ahead, or perhaps like this one here, you would like to make your very own yoga retreat.

Lowe's

The yoga shed

Imagine waking up each morning and stepping out into your yard for an early yoga session? With a zen-like she shed, you can lay down your mat and choose between closing the doors to the outside world, or leaving the doors open and letting the sounds and smells of the natural world in.

Reference links to original sources may not appear in this version – to view the piece in full, please see www.loveproperty.com

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