When you sit down to think about adding a shed to your property, or renovating one you already have, what is the first thing that comes to mind? The cost, obviously, but you want to think about the square footage, style, finishes, and, of course, what you’ll be using the shed for.
Do you need it to store your lawnmower and lawn care equipment, or a place to do your woodworking?
Here are 10 inspiring makeovers that will have you grabbing your paintbrush before you finish reading.
1. “She-Shed” or ‘He-Shed’
Imagine your own or shared quiet escape for reading, yoga, listening to music, OR a place to sip your coffee, read the paper, tinker with the flies you’re making for your fishing trip. It’s peaceful and all yours.
For Her and Him:
- Paint the exterior a soft sage or blush pink.
- Add vintage-style window boxes.
- Hang party lights and a porch swing.
- Neon Signs from old businesses or beer.
- Use old farm equipment for decorating, like sickles or milk separators.
Using furniture and finds from yard sales and thrift stores, even the stuff from the local dump, can make your shed unique.
Make a list of what this would look like for you, and make it so.
2. The Mini Greenhouse
Tired of overcrowded windowsills in your kitchen? A mini greenhouse might be just the thing you need:
- Build a living wall and grow some beautiful succulents.
- Install glass doors for more light.
- Pallets would make great shelving material for your herbs and tomatoes.
- Grow lights can help grow in winter.
- A water trough for watering all at once would be cool.
You can get as complicated or as simple as you like. If you’re currently looking at storage sheds for sale, ask if you can build a whole ecosystem if you want to go whole hog!
3. A Fairytale Playhouse
A fairyland meadow or castle, this kind of whimsical playhouse for the kids can boost imagination and create hours of play.
Adorable Additions:
- Chalkboard walls inside and out for scenery changes.
- Secret Niches for notes.
- Sword holders for the protectors.
- Dress up costumes for the story’s characters.
- Plant wildflowers outside the door to romp in.
Set up a recorder to catch the action and watch it later on the floor of the palace or castle with the stars.
4. Backyard Office
Working from home can be challenging as there are many distractions, so a little office might be a game-changer for you:
- Get a good office chair for comfort.
- Try to get some natural light over your desk.
- Use foam boards to insulate the walls.
- A fold-down desk allows space after your meetings are over.
- Peel-and-stick wallpaper can add a personal touch.
- Make sure you have enough power and a good reception.
If you are planning bigger changes that might include an add-on or you are not sure how big your new shed can be without a permit, check your local information for details.
5. A Cozy Artist’s Studio
A creative artist’s perk is that messy projects stay out of the house, and current projects can be left to dry or fire.
Essentials:
- North-facing window for perfect light.
- Pegboard wall for supply organization.
- Epoxy floor for easy cleanup.
Thrift Find: Use an old door as a giant worktable or an old ‘think’ couch for inspiration.
6. Garden Bar
A new summer hangout or winter warm-up.
Star Features:
- Fold-up countertop with bar stools.
- Mini fridge.
- Little indoor BBQ for snacks.
- Winter blankets and a fireplace or a wood stove for winter festivities.
- Mood lighting, colored lights, or twinkle lights.
You can be the talk of the neighborhood or just the breakfast table.
7. A Bohemian Reading Nook
If there is an avid reader in your family, this is probably a little dream they have inside of them. A place you can completely immerse yourself in the story and laugh out loud and daydream about dragons and heroes and the next book:
Cozy Touches:
- Daybed or fainting couch for drama.
- Homemade crafts or beautiful materials covering the walls.
- Costumes for fun.Macramé plant hangers in the corners.
- Pillows to hold onto during the scary bits.
Add some magic with mood lighting and maybe a little electric fireplace for ambiance. Pure bliss.
8. Crafter’s Haven
Everything has a place, and everything is in its place.
Smart Solutions:
- Clear bins labeled by project type.
- Thread the spool rack on the wall.
- Fold-out cutting table.
Lighting Tip: Install daylight LED strips. Amazing for the overall ambience.
9. A Photographer’s Delight
If you are a serious photographer who develops your own film or a TikToker making content for the internet, a space to suit will be heaven.
- Create backdrops from old sheets.
- Bright natural light for filming.
- Sheer curtains for diffused light.
- Dark room for film development.
- Clotheslines for drying photos.
- Prop storage in old ticker trunks or a mannequin.
Use your imagination however you want here. Make sure you have enough power for your cameras and equipment, then let your creativity flow.
10. The “Doggy Palace” Pet Retreat
My favorite idea of all!
Make a little doggie heaven for your pooch..
Paw-Friendly Features:
- Raised floor or raised bed to stay dry.
- Secure doggie door to come and go at will.
- Toy boxes for toy storage.
- Built-in water station (maybe hooked up to fresh water).
- Treat time toy when they can learn to treat themselves.
- Favorite blankets for digging and keeping warm.
Paint an outdoor scene on the walls or put a little mailbox outside the door.
Conclusion
Whether you are doing a renovation of an old shed or starting fresh, your shed’s potential goes way beyond just storage.
Think of it as an extension of your house and get some practical, creative use from it. Build the he-shed, make that fantasy playroom, be imaginative, and still get a useful place to keep your Christmas decorations in the off-season.
You’ll be surprised how a relatively small space can have a great impact on your life, your version!