Beautiful “She-Shed” Ideas to Inspire Your Very Own Backyard Retreat
Are you looking for a little sanctuary of your own? A space where you can escape the chaos of daily life and indulge in some much-needed relaxation? Look no further than your own backyard, where you can create the perfect getaway all your own! No matter your style, or what your specific needs and preferences are, she-sheds can be tailored to fit just about any setting and situation.
Whether you want to read, practice yoga, or work on a hobby, a she-shed offers a peaceful and uninterrupted environment. Additionally, creating a she shed can be much easier than you might think. With some creativity, basic DIY skills, and a small budget, you can transform an existing shed or even a corner of your backyard into your own personal oasis.
The designs featured in the gallery below will get you started on the path to deciding exactly what you want. You may already have some rough ideas of your own, but the variety of styles highlighted here can serve to either help round out an unfinished concept, or provide a jumping-off point to a completely new design that may actually work better, that you perhaps hadn’t considered.
Embrace the opportunity to design your own slice of paradise and enjoy the benefits of having a dedicated space just for you!
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The Sunshine Yellow She-Shed
If rainy days just aren’t your thing, and you dream of sunny days 24/7, then this summer-inspired she-shed is just the ticket. From the yellow blooms greeting you as you enter, to the yellow couch cushions inviting you to stay, you really can’t expect to stay gloomy for long. Brightly painted walls inside and out contrast nicely with the white trim and doors, keeping everything fresh looking. And, if perhaps yellow just isn’t your color, you could swap it out with periwinkle or bright pink for the same effect.
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The Whimsical Flowers She-Shed
If you’re good with a paintbrush, you can turn any ol’ shed into a whimsical delight like this adorable backyard shed that’s been adorned with fanciful flowers on a beautiful teal blue background. Imagine the surprise of anyone visiting your backyard retreat when they make their way through the tree cover and blooming flowers and come upon this unique little building. With a color palette of your choosing, and a little imagination, you can put together a masterpiece of your own!
The Pretty in Pink She-Shed
If Barbie had a she-shed, this would be it. With its pink pillows, pink flowers, pink picture frames, and even all-pink walls, it’s definitely tailor-made for America’s favorite fashion doll. What really dominates this backyard sanctuary, however, is all the light coming in from the floor-to-ceiling windows, bringing the outdoors in for a really relaxing experience. Potted plants and flowers add a nice touch to any indoor space, and they really work here.
The Backyard Wedding Chapel She-Shed
Okay, your wedding party would have to be pretty small to fit into this beautiful little she-shed, but it’s elegant white facade with paned windows really evokes the feeling and essence of a small wedding chapel. While you may not be able to achieve this look with an existing shed, if you’re building from scratch this may be a design you could consider. The potted flowers out front give it a welcoming feel, and the inside could be used for a variety of purposes – craft room, art studio, home office, guest house, or just a quiet getaway for yourself.
The Rustic Treehouse She-Shed
Natural elements dominate the design of this little rustic backyard retreat. From the unpainted structure itself to the branches framing the facade, and the plants and leaf garlands scattered throughout, it definitely gives the appearance of a treehouse. The use of a repurposed window on the back wall lets in a little light so you can relax and read a book on a warm summer day, or gaze at the moonlight with a glass of wine in the evening after a long day at work.
The Bohemian Hippie She-Shed
Channel your inner hippie with this bohemian style she-shed! With lots of colors, patterns, and warm glowing lights all over, it’s the perfect place to gather with your besties for an evening of wine, laughter, and conversation. We like the multi-level layout of this one, essentially allowing for several gathering spaces in this small area. Candles, incense, and possibly even a small outdoor firepit would add a nice touch to this comfortable and welcoming space.
The Hidden Treasure She-Shed
Does your backyard have a tucked-away corner that’s out of the path of traffic and activity, like this well-camouflaged spot? If you’re looking to “get away from it all”, then a set-up like this is just the ticket. Whether fixing up an existing shed, or building one from scratch, it wouldn’t be difficult at all to surround it with plants and flowers to make it blend into the landscape. How much or how little is completely up to you!
The Reader’s Retreat She-Shed
Love to read? Whatever other purpose your she-shed may serve, by adding a comfy couch or futon and a bookshelf or two, it can double just fine as a reading nook. Make sure to include an end table for holding drinks or snacks while you read, possibly a small fridge to keep beverages cold and at the ready, and decorate to give it a homey feel. Keeping it simple and rustic like this she-shed makes it feel even more relaxing when you just want to embrace the quiet for alone time with a good book.
The Beachy Blue and White She-Shed
This bright blue and white she-shed just screams “girls hangout”, although you might need to add a little more seating, depending on the size of your gathering. The shelves are a nice touch, giving you a place to store things as well as add a few decorative items. Lots of windows make this she-shed bright and cheery – and would also make it a wonderful craft room with a little rearranging of furniture. You could possibly achieve this with an existing garden shed just by cutting out openings in the walls to add the windows. So many possibilities!
The Classic Cupola She-Shed
This wonderful light-filled space would make a perfect art studio, right in your own backyard! So many windows make it ideal for just such a purpose, but it could also be a crafting room, home office, or a place to welcome clients if your job or business has that need. We love the large deck area outside the front doors, where you can sit outside for some fresh air and to soak up the sun while taking a break. And the beautiful flower pots soften things up nicely.
The Rustic Antique-Lover’s She-Shed
Love antiques? Then you’ll adore this rustic she-shed, which would be the perfect place to incorporate some of your most treasured antique decor. Reclaimed barn wood would be ideal for constructing a shed like this, along with antique windows, but there are techniques you can employ with new lumber that will accomplish the same effect. Old furniture would fit right in to this space, as well as some smaller pieces to finish out the look.
The Romantic Escape She-Shed
Any backyard shed can be transformed into a cozy, romantic space with the addition of sparkling lights, furry rugs and pillows, and a few plants. Replacing standard shed doors with French doors, as pictured here, goes a long way to achieving this look as well. Candles or flameless lanterns also add to the space’s warmth. Whether you’re looking for a romantic space to share with someone special, or to spend a little quiet time with a book, the look is easily achieved with a little ingenuity and not too much effort.
The Cape Cod Coastal She-Shed
This little backyard beauty elicits a feeling of east coast beach charm, with its clapboard and shingle siding with white trim, paned windows, light blue exterior, and beautiful landscaping. Simple white wooden or wicker furniture and pastel pillows and accessories inside would lend an even more beachy feel to this little cottage-like she-shed. Add some seashell and starfish decorative touches, and you’ll soon be thinking you’re off on a little weekend getaway at the ocean!
The Fairytale Cottage She-Shed
Hansel and Gretel wouldn’t think twice about knocking on the door of this fairytale-style cottage, although if you’re trying to get away from it all, you probably don’t want them to! In any case, the design is adorable, and while you may not be able to replicate the steep roof on an existing shed (although if you have any carpentry skills or know someone who does, you might be able to), you can definitely dress it up with a windowed door, a few small windows (or even faux windows), and lots of flowers.
The Writer’s Retreat She-Shed
Need a nice, quiet place to work from home, or perhaps your next novel? A home office doesn’t have to be utilitarian-looking – you can go for the minimalist, natural look, with all-wood furniture, potted plants, rustic painted wood floors and ceiling, and lots of windows to bring the outdoors in while you peck away at your keyboard or perhaps take a call or two. Writers (and workers) need a calm, relaxing place to work, and this she-shed could be just the ticket!
The Honeymoon Hideaway She-Shed
Okay, you may not want to spend your honeymoon in the backyard, but when you have a she-shed like this one you can definitely pretend you’re on your honeymoon anytime you like! Perhaps a larger futon (one big enough for two, maybe?), a stocked wine fridge in the corner, and a portable record player with some of your favorite Luther Vandross on vinyl might just set the mood for a romantic interlude. All it takes is a little imagination…
In conclusion, building a she shed in your backyard can provide a tranquil sanctuary for relaxation and self-care, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With a touch of creativity and personalized decor, you can easily transform a simple shed into a cozy retreat that reflects your style and enhances your well-being. Take the opportunity to carve out your own space for rejuvenation and enjoy the peaceful oasis you deserve in your backyard.
