To my ladies reading this, you know that you do it all.
You work long hours, run carpool duty, remember to buy birthday cards, book pediatrician appointments, and still get dinner on the table before 7 o'clock.
At the end of a long, never‑ending day, all you want is a place to veg out and have the one glass of pinot before you have to do it all over again the next day.
This is why more and more women are advocating for a she shed.
This word popped up several years after the term man‑cave was coined for being a "guy‑only" space for men to do – well, whatever it is they do.
Women all over are similarly wanting a little privacy to get a quick break from the husband and kids, catch a weekend afternoon nap, or to enjoy hobbies without being disrupted.
While men prefer their man‑caves in the basement or some off‑shoot of the house, women are taking their sanctuaries outback.
Literally, to the shed in their backyard.
This might all sound shocking if you're hearing of she sheds for the first time and starting to wonder how this can be possible for you.
You might even be closer to your peace of mind than you think.
Consider your backyard – is there a two‑door garage that's home not to two cars but 20 years of junk? Or what about the old garden shed your husband always said he'd restore or the playhouse that your now teenagers haven't touched in years? These are all excellent starting points for building your she shed. They will have you relaxing alone or with your girlfriends in no time.
If your backyard is bare and it's not possible to use the garage (perhaps because it has already been converted to a man‑cave), don't panic yet.
The she shed movement has become so widespread that there are several solutions for quickly and painlessly installing the she shed of your wildest dreams.
Whichever route you go, make sure you enjoy the process.
This is your moment to create your own space. Invite your closest gal pals over to help or recruit your spouse and kids to give you a hand.
Your loved ones will be more than happy to help because they know you deserve it. Before you get to building, check out these tips and tricks for getting the job done.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Before you get started, check with your city and county for applicable restrictions and permits
Step 1 - Using your old garage or shed? Get to cleaning!
If you're lucky enough to have a pre‑existing structure in your backyard, you're going to want to take stock of what's inside and plan for where to move your items.
Especially if you're using your garage, you'll often have the fancy dinner plates you pull out once a year, stray dumbbells from the home gym you never use, or tubs of finger‑paint masterpieces.
It can be nostalgic going through these items and overwhelming to decide what to do with them. However, you'll feel such a sense of accomplishment once you manage to get through your items and clean out a new space for yourself.
Which of the following describes your situation?
- You have a garage and a shed, but they're filled to the brim with knick‑knacks and tools. Think – can you rearrange the items in one space to fit in another?
- You only have a shed or a small garage, and it houses all the miscellaneous items that don't belong in the house. Think – what do you need? What brings you joy? What might bring someone else joy?
Now that you’ve assessed the space you’re working with, you’ll want to figure out how to deal with your possessions. Going through your personal belongings can be emotional, so be sure to give yourself time and grace.
Here are some considerations as you sort through your items:
✓ What must you keep,
✓ What do you want to give to family or friends,
✓ What can you donate to a local charity,
✓ What can you sell (consider using barter apps to get new furnishings for your she shed!).
Step 2 – Make a plan
Now that you have the space cleared out and ready to go, its time to tighten up your plans. You'll save time and money by knowing your end goal.
As the old saying goes, it's better to measure twice and cut once.
Spend some time considering your dream she shed. If you’re not into DIY projects, bring in a friend or family member who is.
This is your shot at building a sacred space for yourself, so don’t sell it short. If your family gives you the thumbs up on a she shed, you should go all out to make it your own.
Now that you have your vision, make it happen by drawing up a budget.
Conduct research on what it will take to replace a bit of rotten wood or whether you can add A/C to your garage. It will help to keep a spreadsheet of the repairs and additions that you want along with their estimated costs.
You can also have a tab to plan out the project with start and end dates. Electronically keeping things will allow you to share them with your spouse or email them to contractors with ease.
Before you get going with construction, you'll also want to make some basic inspections of the space:
Consider the physical space
- Check out the height, width, and depth of your space. Make sure you know the building materials of your space, where beams are located, and any oddities.
- If you have a mini garage, based on the type of construction, is there useable storage space on the roof trusses?
- Think through other details and your end goal. Are you planning to install electricity and plumbing? Is this possible in the current space, or will you need to hire a professional?
Think like a contractor:
- Consider the foundation. Is it on concrete piers with lumber or a concrete slab? Can it support your plans?
- Remember the insulation. Do you want to use your space in the cold of winter and heat of summer? Is it possible?
- Check out the roof. Does it need work? Is it fully sealed?
Now that you've run through the nitty‑gritty, let's get into the fun part – the décor!
Step 3 – Get creative
Your she shed is your personal space, and it should reflect your unique style. Get creative with the décor so that visiting friends can see your personality come through the exterior and into the interior of your she shed.
What’s your vibe?
As you think about your she shed, consider the vibe you'd like to feel when you're spending time there. Will you want a cozy cottage to read romance novels by soft candlelight, or are you into modern minimalism for capturing your deepest thoughts in a journal? While your house might dictate the style of your she shed, you can always add your own flair with the décor inside.
Brighten your world
After a long day at the office under harsh fluorescent lights, the last thing you want is to be cooped up in another cubicle‑like space. Consider adding in windows or even a skylight so that you can soak in the sun as you relax in your she shed. If this isn't an option for your space, you'll be surprised what a fresh coat of paint can do for your mood. Consider a mint green or a soft lavender to soothe your nerves.
Reimagine what’s possible
You can have chic, posh décor in your she shed without breaking the bank. Check out that old candelabra your great‑aunt left you that you've stowed in the attic for years. As you clean out your garage or shed you might even realize that you had a few gems stashed away out of sight.
Also, visit your local flea market or neighborhood yard sales to see what deals you can find.
Be daring! Try to look at antique items with a new eye. You’ll be surprised how you can repurpose a seemingly rickety crate into a sleek storage unit.
Don’t forget the outside
More and more, she sheds are becoming like miniature homes. Women are adding in patios and porches, all complete with kitschy Adirondack chairs and potted succulents.
If you're starting to feel overwhelmed by the possibilities, just remember, you can always add on later. You'll have years with your she shed, so there's no rush to have everything in place at once.
Be you!
However you design your she shed, just make sure it reflects your inner beauty and personality. Whether you are guided by décors such as shells, mason jars, lace, or greenery, you'll love that it reflects your unique tastes. This is your home away from home, so make it a space where you'll be contented and relaxed.
Pinterest is your friend
Most women already know that for any DIY project, Pinterest is your best friend. You can find myriad ideas and inspiration from others on Pinterest. Another excellent resource for getting your she shed underway is HOUZZ.
How about your very own interior / exterior design?
As you browse Pinterest, you’ll probably also see the trend of adding in all‑glass garage doors.
These panoramic doors are incredibly trendy and can pair with any size shed or mini garage that you're using as the base structure of your she shed.
This is a wonderful addition for those with modern sensibilities, and they let in ample sunlight. The garage doors are fully functional, so you can lift them for a summer breeze or close them tight in chillier weather.
To complement its extruded aluminum California door, Garaga offers different aluminum frame colors and layouts, and many kinds of glass: Clear, or for more privacy, Satin Grey, Satin Black, or Bronze or Blue tinted. 😍👌
The size of the door can be as small as 4 feet wide by 6/12 feet tall.
Would a sectional garage door look great and be useful on your Lady Shack?
If you live in the area of Fredericton, don’t delay to contact us at 506-450-3031. We will walk you through the process of installing a garage door on your she shed and which sizes are available to best suit your needs. We can even install an electric door opener if your structure allows for it.
Feel free to reach out for a free quotation by email. We’d be happy to meet with you in person at our showroom, as well. You can also check out our design centre, which gives tons of options so that you can select your favorite style. While you’re there, also refer to our image gallery for inspiration.
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