Sometimes, the most important part of self-care is having your own space where you feel at peace. No matter how much you love your home and the people in it, everyone needs to get away here and there. While you might be eagerly planning your next spa day or walk in nature, your place of serenity could be as close as the she-shed in your backyard.
Designing Your She-Shed
Think about it. In our homes, we prioritize everyone but ourselves. Men get man caves and kids get playrooms. That doesn’t mean there aren’t spaces in your house that you love, but you deserve a place for yourself.
Now, it might sound far-fetched to convert your shed into a she-shed. If you already have a shed, forget about the condition of it for a moment. Do you want somewhere to go for hobbies like art or music? Are you craving a cozy area to get lost in a book or share a coffee with a friend? Would a tranquil space to meditate bring you peace?
Factors to Consider for Safety and Durability
Before you get into the aesthetics of your she-shed, focus on the safety and durability of the structure. Treat it like the rest of your home and ensure it won’t be vulnerable to bad weather. You don’t want to put all this effort into a space that collapses during a storm. Choose impact-resistant glazing systems that can withstand hurricane-force winds that can travel at more than 100 mph.
Decorating Inside and Out
Now, you’ll probably need a lot of paint for the exterior and interior. Be picky, as this is about creating your oasis, and you can buy paint in every color you can imagine. In fact, in 2019, consumers used 1.4 billion gallons of paint!
Visualize the exterior of the space and treat it as a clean slate. Relaxing colors like sky blue, lavender, and light yellows will make it inviting. You can plant flowers outside and hang string lights over the entrance too.
The interior is as much a blank slate as the exterior. Again, you’re probably going to be reaching for the paintbrush. Once you’ve chosen your color scheme, you can get to work adding decorative touches like plants, candles, furniture, and lighting.
Decorating doesn’t have to be expensive. Flea markets, thrift stores, and antique stores are filled with unique home decor that will help you individualize your space. Also, don’t forget the furniture. Depending on the size of your space, you’ll be able to fit anything from a full sofa to a cozy rocking chair.
The Power of Interior Design
Interior design affects a room much more than many of us realize. Have you ever been in a studio apartment and been amazed by how big it feels? Or, entered an industrial space and felt like it was encroaching upon you? The world’s biggest container ships might be massive, measuring 1,300 feet long and 180 feet wide, essentially the length of an Olympic running track, but that doesn’t stop you from feeling claustrophobic inside of one. Such containers are ideal for converting into a she-shed!
Lighting can come in many forms. You can install overhead lighting features, use lamps, or, a favorite in many cozy spaces, hang string lights overhead. Remember that you don’t want to strain your eyes too much, so if it’s a space to read or do crafts, you should have enough light to comfortably do those activities without hurting your eyes.
Tying Your She-Shed All Together
Tying together the elements of a she-shed is crucial to making it feel open and inviting. Be realistic about what will work and what won’t. Even larger sheds are smaller than your average room, and light-colored furniture will look smaller than darker furniture.
Prioritize yourself and your needs with a space dedicated exclusively to self-care. Create a she-shed you’re excited about being in and where you can decompress, relax, and rejuvenate.