June 17, 2020

Is she dreaming of a she shed? The Backyard Waits!

The phrase “man cave” has now led to the dawn of a new term for women who want an equally‑private and dedicated space.

Years ago, this idea was turned into a trend and many men started creating spaces to hang out with friends, watch TV, play pool or darts, or otherwise enjoy some time with just the guys‑or even all alone.

Women are now looking to create their own personal spaces, and somewhere along the way, they started calling them she sheds.

While most man caves are found in basements, attics, garages, or other unused rooms in the home, women seem to want something more at a distance—a dedicated space where they can truly escape their everyday world.

While some people think they’re a passing fad, she sheds are here to stay.

You might not realize that you’ve already got the perfect space for a she shed right in your yard. That old shed, abandoned playhouse, or even the mostly-unused garage could be ideal for a private space for her that is ideal for writing, reading, art projects, or even gardening or just relaxing with a friend.

Perhaps you don’t have an existing structure to use, and that’s fine too—there are a lot of prefabricated kits and plans to build the perfect she shed, no matter what you have in mind.

Regardless of how you choose to go about it, building a she shed is supposed to be a fun experience. Whether you’re teaming up on a partner project or you’re going all-in with the entire family, you have to start somewhere.

To get some ideas and inspiration, keep reading.

WARNING: Before you begin any construction projects on your property, check with your municipality regarding permit requirements.

Already have a structure? Time to clean!

If you have a garage attached to the house, along with a shed, you may be well on your way to a free space that’s going to give you the privacy that you want.

Typically, these spaces will already be filled with seasonal clothing, stored keepsakes, and other items that aren’t used regularly. Therefore, the first step on your list should be taking inventory and cleaning out the contents of the space.

Is there a way that you can rearrange or rework the storage in your garage and shed so that you can use one of them for your she shed space? Make sure that you get rid of anything that you don’t use and only keep what’s necessary. Think about the items that you want to keep and make sure that you have a use for them and a place to store them.

If you only have a shed OR a garage, you’ll need to consider your other storage options and consider whether you have space in the basement or elsewhere in the house. You’ll need to assess the situation and figure out:

  1. What to keep
  2. What you can sell by having a garage sale
  3. What you can donate to charity or give to family and friends

Put Your Plan on Paper

Now that you’ve started thinking about your space, you need to also put a plan on paper. After all, if you are going to succeed with any project, planning is what is going to take all the difference.

As they say, it’s 90% planning and only 10% execution.

Take the time to picture your space. Use your imagination and make sure that you’re not limiting yourself. Don’t worry about getting in over your head at first because you’ll be able to change things up and come up with a more realistic plan that can actually be executed.

Once you’ve finished dreaming, you’ll want to set up a budget and a plan for building your dedicated she shed space. The budget should include estimated costs for the entire project, with a little bit of room for additional expenses that will invariably come up along the way. Save about 10% of the budget for unexpected costs.

1. Determine the size and dimensions of the space that you are going to use:

  • Look at the height, depth, and width of the space, as well as the location of any beams, lighting, and other elements that may get in the way. A full assessment of the space is a must before you start.
  • If you have a mini garage, are you able to store things in the roof trusses? This may help give you the private space that you want without requiring you to get rid of too much.
  • What about plumbing, electricity, and other solutions that you will need for your project? If the fixtures are already in place, do they need to be upgraded or modified for your new hobby or another use?

2. Check Structural Issues

The next item on your list will be to check out the existing structure and make sure that it is in good repair. You'll want to check the foundation or slab to ensure that the structure is level and steady and ready to be remodeled. This is also where you’ll want to check the roof condition and the insulation to ensure that you have the most comfortable space year-round that is protected from the elements.

Now that you have a better idea of your budget and renovation plans, you can start creating your own personal she shed space.

Create YOUR Space

It doesn’t matter what you want out of a she shed or a private oasis, because it can be whatever you want. Here are a few tips and ideas to help you create and personalize your new space.

1. What style do you have in mind?

Whether you have a contemporary style or prefer something more idyllic, there are plenty of different ways that you can go when designing your space. Whether you take inspiration and tie your design into the main house or create something entirely different, you need to consider the style that you want.

2. Brighten the space and add color

There is always something to be said for choosing a brighter, lighter space. You can consider adding large windows or skylights to create more natural light. Add a fresh coat of paint to upgrade the space and create a perfectly new look with a feminine touch. Consider pastels and whites for soft color that isn’t overstated.

3. How to decorate without destroying the budget

One of the biggest hindrances for many people who are in the market for a she-shed is the cost. However, you can reduce your budget drastically by taking existing furnishings to the space. See what you already have laying around the house, check out flea markets, or repurpose old items to get more for your money.

4. Don't forget the “curb appeal”

Although you’ll be spending more of your time inside your she shed, you want to make sure that the outside looks great, too. Consider adding a patio or porch, some flowers, or even a small garden to create a space that looks great and offers function.

5. It’s all about YOUR oasis

Your getaway is yours, and it needs to reflect just that. No matter what your style or theme, you can find plenty of options for how to decorate and create your perfect space. You can choose the shabby‑chic look, a seaside them, gardening themes, and so much more. Think about what you can fit in the space, as well as what you need: a sofa? Writing desk? Worktable?

Ultimately, when designing your she‑shed, it’s all about taking the time to figure out how to make your space happy and relaxed.

Get inspired with Pinterest and More

Pinterest and Houzz both offer a wide selection of ideas and inspiration for those who are in the market for a she shed. Check out all the different examples out there and see what kind of she shed you want to create.

What about an all‑glass garage door?

It doesn’t matter what size your shed or mini‑garage is because there are all‑glass garage doors, known also as panoramic doors, that will give you maximum light and access along with comfortable climate control all year long. Garaga has an array of all‑glass doors for you to choose from.

You can also choose an aluminum California door that includes a heavy-duty frame and is available in a variety of glass options, including clear, satin‑finished, and even Blue or Bronze-tinted glass. The smallest doors measure just 4 feet wide by 6.5 feet high.

How about a sectional door for your lady lair?

If you’re in the Ste. Catharines area, don’t hesitate to contact us today. You can reach us toll‑free at 1‑800‑263‑4972. We can provide you with an estimate of the space requirements and door sizes that you can choose from, and even offer insight on electric openers if you choose to go that route.

Check out our showroom, where you’ll find a full selection of doors in stock at all times. You can also visit our design centre or image gallery to gain inspiration and find ideas. As always, we’ll even provide you with a quote via email.

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