She Sheds – Ideas for Garden Rooms and Garden Offices

Tuesday 31 August 2021 Filed in: General

Move over man caves, the she shed is the hottest new trend as women are reclaiming the back garden to create the perfect spaces for working, relaxing and socialising. An additional garden room can be used as a recreational retreat, a place to work from home, or the two can be combined, offering a sanctuary that women can finally call their own. Here's a little bit of inspiration giving you practical ideas on how to create a she shed of your own.

Top uses of the she shed

Office

The pandemic has seen a huge increase in people seeking to work from home more frequently or even permanently. A garden office gives you a place where you can work undisturbed and can get that separation between home life and work life. Without the interruptions from whining children and partners who can't find their socks, you can increase your productivity and shorten your working day considerably.

Hideaway/Studio

Create a space dedicated to your hobbies and creativity. Maybe you just need a quiet space where you can escape the pressures of family life and curl up with a good book and a glass of wine, surrounded by your favourite objects and accessories. Or your she shed can be a hub of activity as you make and create your "thing". The quiet and relaxing vibe of the she shed also makes it the perfect place for yoga, whether it's a hobby or a you're a teacher running your own classes – no need to hire out external studio space when you have your own at home!

Socialising

What better place to have your gal pals over than a she shed! If you've thrown your heart and soul into creating a stunning interior then you'll probably want to show it off. The fun and safe environment of the she shed can recreate the excitement of childhood sleepovers. Stock the shed with party essentials and impress your friends by installing a mini-fridge, or even a bar, so you don't need to keep popping to the kitchen. During the summer months you can take the party outside onto the decking, and don't forget the fire pit to help create some magical moments.

Top she shed ideas – inside and out

Make the space useable all year round

With all the effort you'll have put into creating your perfect garden room you'll want to be using it whatever the weather, especially if it's your own home office too. Make sure it's just as cosy and inviting during the winter months by having it ply lining on the inside, and investing in a heating source. Most garden rooms will need to be fitted with a power supply not just for heating, but also for lighting and sockets to run your gadgets from. Wood burning stoves can add a cosy cottage feel to the she shed, and can pump out a lot of heat when it's really cold out there. As long as you have the correct flue and fitting, wood burning stoves in sheds are perfectly safe, cost effective and very efficient.

Lay decking and decorate the outside space

Enjoy the space surrounding your she shed, for both relaxation and socialising. Decorate the outside of the shed with string lights, lanterns or romantic outdoor curtains. Invest in some outdoor furniture so you can sit out the front of your shed and enjoy the sun. Surround it with plants and flowers in stylish pots and baskets - you can also bring the nature vibe inside your shed with pot plants, cut flowers and floral prints.

Let in the light and enjoy the view

Patio style doors can be incorporated into the design of the she shed to create a seamless fusion of indoors and outdoors. If you have great garden views then make the most of it with large glazed sliding or bi-folding doors - these will also let in lots of natural daylight and sunshine. Being connected to nature aids relaxation, well-being, and offers respite from the fast pace of modern life. Blinds or curtains to match the decorative theme of your she shed can be fitted to the windows for the times you need privacy, or when the sun is a bit too much.

Big ideas don't have to mean a big spend

When it comes to furnishing and decorating your she shed anything goes. It's a place unique to you that reflects your tastes and interests without needing to compromise to fit in with anyone else's. But decorating a she shed doesn't have to be about spending lots of money—it's about creating a space that feels relaxed and cosy to you. Look to flea markets and antique shops for unexpected finds, bargains and unique items. A few cheap and simple touches can go a long way! The basic structure of the she shed doesn't need to break the bank either. You could choose to buy a brand-new building, in the style of a wood cabin, or a summerhouse, but cheaper options include renovating an out-building already on your property or recycling existing structures and materials.

Shipping container she sheds

Shipping containers conversions are perfect for garden offices and she sheds. A shipping container shed is a much more affordable alternative to constructing a traditional shed in your garden and it can be customised in a wide variety of ways to fit your exact requirements. More secure and durable than most wooden sheds, every shipping conversion is unique in its own way and can boast green credentials.

Reasons to choose a shipping container:

Any size, any design is possible with a shipping container! Go big and bold or modest, to suit your tastes and budget. There are very few limitations. In terms of length anything up to 40ft is possible if your garden is big enough! But a shipping container can be cut to any length to fit into whatever space you have, whether it's a cute and cosy 10ft or the most popular size of 20ft. All shipping containers are made to a width of 8ft, but if you need extra height to create a more spacious feel then choose a high cube container, which is a foot taller than a standard one.

They can be adapted with doors and windows anywhere you want, including patio doors, ply lining and insulation, fitted with hook-up-and-go electrics, and even a sloping roof. Whatever you need can be incorporated into the design of a shipping container conversion. When it comes to the outside you can personalise it by having it repainted to any colour you choose, or opt for wood cladding to replicate the wood cabin look. With many different types of wood cladding available your she shed can blend into the existing look of your garden and the surrounding area.

Mobility – shipping containers are portable, so if you decide to relocate it to a different spot in the garden you can, and if you move house it can move with you!