Turn Your Shed Into Something You Use Daily

If you look around your neighborhood, how many sheds do you see that are derelict and in need of attention? Is the grass so high around the shed that you can't open the door? Sheds seem to be where things you don't know what to do with go to die.

It doesn't have to be this way. Whether you are thinking of a reno of your old shed, or starting new, there is so much more this outbuilding on your property can give you, aside from practical storage. Think beyond the box and create a great space for you and the family to actually use every day! Customize and transform your shed into your own unique space.

1.   Backyard Office

Why you will love this idea.

A private space you can go to for your Zoom call or a quiet moment to get your thoughts together. Since more people are working from home since COVID, this is just a way to create a peaceful work environment, and it's two feet from your back door.

How to Make It Happen

• Comfort will be paramount, so be sure to seal any cracks or gaps and add insulation if needed.
• Power will be ultra-important for all bits and bobs, so think of wiring up the shed or getting heavy-duty extension cords, which'll be enough to give you the power you need but protect your equipment from power spikes.
• If you want to make the area multipurpose, try a wall-mounted desk to save space.

Pro Tip: If you are currently browsing storage sheds for sale, make sure to plan your shed where you'll get natural light but minimal afternoon glare to accommodate your office space.

2.   The "She-Shed" Retreat

If you are a crafter/writer/painter/mom, you need a little kid-free space or a kid-friendly space to encourage all the creativity in your kids, or just for you and the girls for a paint night.

What Works

• Flooring: Laminate or painted plywood is good for wet messes, paint spills, and easy clean up.
• Lighting: Natural light will be nice, but a bright, practical light for crafts with a little cottage solar lamp and fairy lights for ambiance.
• Seating: An egg swing or comfy armchair from the thrift store would be fun.

Tip: Create storage solutions from yard sale buys or even the dollar tree, and make the space really your own.

3.   Grow Your Own

A Gardeners Dream

Extend your growing season without crowding your kitchen windowsills. You can even have fresh lettuce and zucchini from the garden all year round with the right environment.

Suggestions

• You can replace 1 or 2 panels with polycarbonate to give it a greenhouse (and sustainable!) feel, or build it into the plans of your new shed.
• Old pallets set on their side for seed starting racks.
• Paint the interior white to reflect light.
• Install grow lights if needed or water systems, even a large utility trough could be helpful with clean up.
• Flooring might be a challenge, maybe painted concrete or wood pallets over outdoor patio slabs.

4.   The Ultimate Playhouse

Whatever they can imagine is possible!

Must-Haves

• While kids are young: a chalkboard wall and LEGO floors.
• Safety: Dutch Door to keep the little ones safe and let air flow through the shed.
• Outdoor Rug: Defines the space and cushions falls.
• Seating and play: Pillows and stuffed animals strewn around the place.
• When kids are older: A climbing wall, a music lounge, and a portable fridge.

A safe place for the whole family that can be changed and grow with the interests and activities the kids enjoy.

5.   Craft Workshop

If you are a woodworker and tinker with the scroll saw for fun, say goodbye to tripping over tools in the garage.

The Dream Workshop

• Pegboard Walls… EVERYWHERE! Never lose a tool again.
• Folding workbench and drying shelves for staining and painting.
• Bright task lighting with LED lights and zone-specific.
• Power, enough to have the radio on, the skill saw rolling, and the kiln on.

Pro Safety Tip: Install a smoke detector, make sure you have a fire extinguisher, and a good shop vac.

Conclusion

A modern she-shed or he-shed, a place to paint or read a book, the shed can provide what you need.

If you're renovating or buying and designing a new shed, make it an extension of your home. You can even add outdoor spaces to complement your home and what's going on in the shed.

Spending time doing creative things with the kids or simply enjoying nature, crafting, or listening to music, can be your own community centre. Safe for the kids, powered up safely, comfortable to be in, and it can be a happy place for the family and fit right in with your lifestyle.

Tag us in your shed makeovers and let us see your magnificent creations!