Women – and men – are falling for the solitude and splendor offered by abackyard oasis
A personal escape. A private workspace. A peaceful retreat.
Whatever the space you’re longing for, a she shed might be the answer.
Somewhat akin to the “man cave”, the “she shed” is a separate outbuilding that offers multiple possibilities.
Over the past several years, Pinterest helped popularize the concept of converting a run-of-the-mill backyard shed (heretofore used for storing lawnmowers, gardening supplies and tools) into a charming escape. A guest bedroom. A home office. A library. A sanctuary for yoga. The possibilities for such a compact space are surprisingly expansive.
Lowe’s took one shed and showed several options – yoga studio, reading nook, office or artist’s studio.
Maybe a separate space for sports-watching was overrated anyway. Men are beginning to get the concept of the “she” shed – which should probably be termed the “me shed” now, given its crossover appeal.
“It’s no longer just for women, obviously,” said Caroline Harmon, Lowe’s trend strategy manager. “It’s really turned into a space for anyone who has an interest or hobby or wants a quiet space to read a book or maybe write a book. It’s more of a space for indulging in those hobbies.”
And indulging in design trends. The toolsheds of yore were purely utilitarian. Today’s “me sheds” offer people another space to decorate, a place to express their personality. “It’s a great place to experiment,” Harmon said – with paint, wallpaper, themes and more.
“There’s no pressure for it to match any other place in your home.”
Or, if you’d rather, it can be a mini-version of your home.
These outdoor rooms are becoming so popular that home builders are even taking them into consideration when designing a residence. They’re not necessarily just a DIY project anymore. Some are entirely customized by an architect rather than from a kit. “A mini-home” is what Harmon says the fanciest ones can be.
But the readymade kind is available at Lowe’s, just waiting for someone to make it his or her own. Some come with customizable shelving and storage systems and skylights. People are adding mini-fridges, sound systems, vanities, desks, a bar. Even elaborate chandeliers can be at home in a shed.
It’s fun to let form follow function when creating your own “me shed.” A gardening shed may lend itself to a rustic, farmhouse design, for instance. A spot for tea in the garden could be Japanese-inspired. A studio to create modern art might be clad in metal.
The shed doesn’t even have to be a place to seek solitude. Some people are turning their sheds into outdoor rooms for small-scale entertaining.
No matter how you choose to use your “me shed,” the room of your own can feel like a getaway you treat yourself to … without ever leaving home.