Say hello to the She Shed. These hot outdoor rooms, created from storage and garden sheds, are cropping up in backyards everywhere—providing stylish havens just steps away from the house.
And what’s not to love? She Sheds offer everything a girl dreams about: privacy, a cozy place to curl up with a good book, and a chance to express her personal style.
Recently, during their Garden Party Weekend & She Shed Style Showcase, Ethan Allen designers in Lynnwood, Washington, showed dozens of guests how they transformed one shed into a chic guest bedroom and another into office space.
We asked them to share the ideas behind their designs and some tips on how to get started designing a She Shed of your own.
WHAT WERE THE VISIONS FOR THE SHE SHEDS AND HOW DID YOU CREATE THEIR STYLES?
We wanted to create functional, cozy enclaves that would make visitors feel as if they were transported to another place.
We transformed a 10’x 16′ shed into a guest bedroom with seaside-chic style. To evoke a coastal retreat feel, we used a cool blue palette and beach-themed accents.
We repurposed a 10’x 13′ shed to create an inviting, global-chic office space. We used warm tones, textures, and animal prints to give it an exotic feel.
WHERE SHOULD SOMEONE START WHEN LOOKING TO CREATE A SHE SHED?
First, define the purpose of your She Shed. Do you want it to be a hideaway for you? Or an inviting retreat for overnight guests? Then, research the technical requirements—such as electrical, plumbing, and building permits—and consider the architectural style and placement of the shed.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE DESIGNING A SHE SHED?
Think carefully about the comfort and function of the interior, including climate control and the appropriateness of materials in relation to that. Paint and built-ins play a big role in most sheds. Once the technical questions have been answered, you can move on to the fun part—designing your space!
ARE THERE ANY UNIQUE MATERIALS OR REQUIREMENTS TO CONSIDER?
If you have an existing structure, you must make sure it’s sound and sealed. Think about the climate in your area. Will you need heat or air conditioning? Make sure you choose appropriate materials for your furnishings. Ethan Allen’s performance fabrics and outdoor furniture perform well anywhere. We recommend using fabrics and furnishings designed for interior use only in a climate-controlled shed.
Of course, She Sheds don’t have to be just for her. Kids and significant others might want to come out to play, too—but only let them in if they know the secret password.☺
