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As long as man caves continue to be a thing, the term "she shed" isn't going anywhere. No matter your feelings on the phrase itself, let's face it: We all want a little space to call our own. Whether it's a creative escape or a cozy cottage, these sheds prove that you don't need a lot of space to have a seriously stellar backyard getaway. After all, who couldn't use a peaceful retreat for their home office, craft room, home gym, or self-care sanctuary? And should you want to share that special space with the rest of the family or friends, go forth and do so! Just make sure you decorate it exactly how you'd like first. Ahead, we have some ideas for making the most of the exterior and interior of your shed.
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Antique Charm
William Waldron
Give your she shed a lived-in look by surrounding and filling it with antique furniture and vintage decor as designer Hadas Dembo did for the poolhouse of her home. Give the doors a coat of blue paint, and then distress it with a sander for a boho-chic vibe.
If you love a good workout, turn your she shed into a private home gym. Here, designer Kelly Finley of Joy Street Design packed in all the essentials thanks to a wall with carved-out storage space.
At a compound by Worrell Yeung in upstate New York, a small spa shed includes a hot tub and sauna for the ultimate relaxation session. The exterior of the structure is clad in a light, weathered gray cypress rainscreen for a simple yet modern look.
Part indoor hangout space and part covered patio, this elevated shed by Brett and Kara Phillips of High Street Homes is the ultimate escape. It's practically a tiny house with 440 square feet of space to enjoy.
Any coffee lover will adore this concept: Turn a shed into your own private coffee shop. During the pandemic, one dad built one from the ground up in his backyard, which serves major inspiration with outdoor café seating, a reading nook, a menu, and a bar. See inside here.
Instead of dedicating a room inside of the house, like the attic or spare bedroom, for your art studio, use a shed for a natural light-filled workspace that offers room to get creative in peace.
Solar panels power a fixture and heated seat in this outhouse by Commune Design. Use it as an extra restroom near a pool or backyard entertaining area.
This airy entertaining space by Heather Hilliard Design is warmed by a built-in fireplace. A shed like this one is sure to make meals feel cozy and secluded.
This mini retreat by Justina Blakeney acts as a tranquil place to disappear with a book. Plenty of potted plants and throw pillows give it warmth and liveliness.
Light furniture and cozy details make this tent by Hoedemaker Pfeiffer a restful oasis. It's like a staycation, but you don't have to go too far to enjoy it!
Planters and gardening tools are right at arm’s reach in designer and editor Michelle Adams’s back house by Tuff Shed. A mirror, floral artwork, and woven basket keep it from feeling too austere.
Designer Cathy Kincaid devised the perfect space where her client could paint and have coffee with friends. A vintage Moroccan screen that Kincaid painted white acts as the room's focal point.
This might go down in history as the greatest wedding gift ever: One woman's husband updated their existing structure (which sits amongst grapevines and a vegetable garden) as a spot for her to enjoy alone time.
Vintage floral pillows, white-painted furniture, and glass chandeliers give this she shed a shabby chic feel. It's the perfect space for sharing a nice cup of tea.
Ditch the cozy setting for an elegant dining room scene. Designer Elizabeth Georgantas and House Beautiful's style director Robert Rufino put together this intimate space.