By Siobhan Brier

You might have heard of man caves or man dens before, but there is a new term that has been going around called a ‘she shed’. It’s a space where a woman can have some time to herself to relax, work on hobbies, or just enjoy nature.

Many people regardless of age decide to build a she shed, whether it’s to escape a hectic work life, or mend a marriage.

In this article we will go in detail about what a she shed is, how you can use it, and how to make one yourself!

She Shed Ideas

For a long time the idea of ‘man caves’ have been popular; a place where men can go to get away from stress and have a space dedicated to them. But what about women? Women require the same kind of space for many of the same reasons.

A she shed is essentially a special spot that women can use as a hideaway to relax or engage in activities they enjoy.

Many women balance busy careers as well as their families and homes, with very little time to take a breather. Even women who stay-at-home and don’t work are burdened with endless responsibilities, making every kind of woman deserving of a sanctum and space that rejuvenates her spirit. Caregivers sometimes face burnout, especially those who live with the person they are caring for, as they often feel very tired and weary from the effort they put in every day. They can also find it hard to reconnect with their passions and interests, as they may feel fatigued, or just may not have the necessary space or time. If this is something you can relate with, a she shed might be a great way to have a private, quiet space just for you.

Things To Consider When Designing Your She Shed

Choosing the furniture and decor for your shed is largely dependent upon what you would like to use it for. Some people might only need to get a couch and a few chairs with a rug, and some people might need specialized equipment. Consider these questions before you start to design your space:

1. What do I want out of my she shed? Is it supposed to be a tranquil space, or an area full of energy and spirit?
2. Is it for personal use only, or will I want to invite friends in as well?
3. Do I want to use it for a specific activity that requires specific items?

Many people already have sheds in their backyards, where they may be currently used for storage or outdoor gardening materials. There are many ways you can spruce up this space to be used for a better purpose. Here are a few ideas for a great she shed:

Breakfast Nook

Eating breakfast outdoors, where you can breathe the crisp, cool morning air is an experience like no other. And being able to do it in your own backyard can be a real treat to look forward to every day. Setting up a cozy space inside your she shed with a few lounge chairs, sofas, and a small table can make it a perfect place to enjoy breakfast, or even evening tea, while enjoying the sunrise or sunset.

Reading Room

Many people love to read but find it hard to relax enough to read when their responsibilities are catching up to them. You might find yourself constantly distracted by urgent notifications or worries about how much work you have to get done. In this case, you can find it easier to read if you have a dedicated reading space, somewhere close to nature, with a cozy environment: in your she shed. You can even set up some antique bookshelves and pretty candles to really bring your reading nook to life.

Greenhouse/Gardening Shed

Gardening is a therapeutic activity for many people of all ages. Doing hands-on practical work, knowing your efforts will pay off by creating something beautiful is a great feeling. However, having a musty, old, dark shed with a pile of gardening supplies that you rarely use is hardly a great motivator. Converting a shed to have larger windows that bring in natural light and adding bright colors to the space with indoor planting areas can completely change your attitude towards gardening, and motivate you to engage in the activity more often. Features that would be great in a gardening shed could be floor-to-ceiling windows (to let as much sunlight in as possible), tiled floors, supplies for flower arranging, and boards along a wall where you can try out vertical gardening!

An Art Studio

Lack of space can also be an issue for many people when they want to revamp an old passion. Traditional art is one of those hobbies that especially requires a large amount of space and storage. It also requires a space that is okay to get dirty and paint-splattered. Thus, an outdoor art studio can be a great use for a shed. You can set up a large easel, store all sizes of canvases, and have drawers filled with your favorite paints and brushes without worrying about making a mess or taking up too much space.

Home Gym

Physical activity is a go-to for many people to clear their minds and keep themselves feeling good in their body. Physical activity can be dancing, yoga, running, weight training, or just simple floor exercises. Like art, physical activity also requires a considerable amount of space, especially if you are using equipment. You might not have the space for this in your home, or large bulky equipment just might be an eyesore in your living room. It can also be hazardous if you live with people prone to tripping or falling. Moving all your physical activity to a separate dedicated space can help your focus as well as give you the privacy you might desire when working out.

No matter what you decide to convert your shed into, at the end of the day, it should be a place where you feel calm and peaceful. If you are feeling like you are not able to connect with yourself as of late, and you feel burdened by your daily responsibilities, then a she shed can help you find your personal identity again, just by giving you the space to do so.

How To Make A She Shed

There are many ways you can make your own personalized she shed. You can decide to hire a professional designer and crew, or use recycled materials that you find in your garage to make your own.

The cost of the she shed is largely dependent upon which avenue you take in building it. The average cost is usually around $900 and up. If you are creating your own then you may be able to limit the cost to be below $1200.

How to Build a She Shed on a Budget

If you would like to stay within a budget, going DIY with your she shed is a great option. If you already have a shed in your backyard, this is a great starting point, as all you may have to do is some repainting and cleaning.

Here is a basic guide if you are designing your own she shed:

1. Build the basic structure of the shed. If you already have a sizable shed, then this step is easy. Clean out your backyard shed, and remove the things you don’t use anymore to clear up a lot of more space. Donate what you don’t need and organize the rest in a more compact way. If you don’t have a pre-existing shed, then you will have to look for power tools and materials like wood and flooring in a local store. As a shed is not a large space, you will not require copious amounts of materials, and you can even try to reuse materials you find in your garage. However, make sure everything you use is in fairly good condition, as the materials you use to build the shed itself must last the longest!

Many of the steps involved in this part of the process typically require some expertise. If you are a handy person, you might not need a lot of help, but if this is new territory for you, do have a specialist on call!

• Make sure the foundation is level and sturdy, with significant protection from moisture.
• Choose the doors and windows you would like to install in your shed carefully, or build your own (although this can be time consuming).
• Decide what kind of flooring and wall type you would like. You might need to install your own drywall or panelling.

2. Painting. A repaint can completely change the energy of a space and bring in some character. If you would like a simple look, then white or warm earthy tones are great. Some people might want to go for a more eclectic look, in which case you can look into more experimental colors. Pastels like mint greens or blues, or brighter shades of pink or yellow can make a place feel inviting and fun.

3. Furniture. Furniture is one place where you can cut corners to stick to your budget. If you have extra chairs or tables around the house that are not being put to good use, you can just move these over to the shed. Finding other decor items from antique stores or flea markets can actually provide you with some very unique items while being very affordable.

She Shed Kits

She shed kits are less of a pure DIY option as they come with most of the parts you would need to create a sturdy shed (although they do require assembly).

Most kits come with paneling, windows, doors, and roofing. These kits are designed to be easy to assemble and are usually simplistic. However, as this is a readymade kit, the cost is around $3000 – $5000 for a typical shed kit. This is significantly higher than it would be if you were creating your own, however, a she shed kit does save time and considerable effort. If they are within your budget, a shed kit can be one of the best ways to set up your personalized space with the least amount of hassle. These are often readily available at a Home Depot or a local tools store.

Conclusion

She sheds have revolutionized the way women can approach dedicated time for themselves, where they are free to relax and do the things they love. Disconnecting from a hectic and stressful daily life for a few moments of the day is more important than ever; everyone needs quality time for themselves!

A she shed allows for unlimited customization, so you can make the space cater to you in every possible way. Many options are readily available to you if you would like to make your own shed, as its popularity has steadily increased around the world. Deciding to invest in a she shed can be just what you need to take on each day with a spring in your step.

Sources: 

1. She shed, what it is and how you can make one, Today, https://www.today.com/home/she-shed-what-it-how-you-can-make-one-t20601
2. 8 Reasons You Need Your Own “She Shed” Right Now, PopSugar, https://www.popsugar.com/home/Benefits-She-Sheds-43064099
3. 8 Easy Tips for Creating Your Very Own Backyard She Shed, Country Living, https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/a35458/how-to-make-your-own-she-shed/

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This post was previously published on My Caring Plan.

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