Turn Your Shed Into a Mini Barn

Lydia S.
by Lydia S.
3 Materials
3 Hours
Easy
We moved into a new home this year. We downsized to a smaller home in a quiet retirement area. The only drawback is that we have little to no outdoor space. It's great to not have much lawn to mow but the tradeoff is no place to sit outdoors or entertain. The only area even large enough to have a patio table is the back of the house, where there is a parking area and shed. I decided to make a go of it and fix it up.
Back Area Before
The shed was white and pretty much a blank canvas. The parking area was pretty dirty when we moved in. We cleaned it up, getting rid of a bunch of concrete blocks left there and planting some ornamental grasses. There is a small deck area next to the house and some landscaping rock as well.
Barn Paint Goes On
I already had barn red paint that was given to me for free, so I thought it was a perfect color, given the style and shape of the shed. I began to cover the entire front and then realized that I was going to paint the trim white, so I stopped painting that. I was very pleased with the color so far.
Trimming Time
I painted the trim in white, also with paint that I already had. I also painted the hardware to give it a cleaner look. The difference was shocking. It is amazing what a coat of paint can do!
Garden Plaques
I added three garden plaques on either side and at the top. I thought it gave it a more homey feel.
Here is the finished project. I didn't spend a lot of time on it, nor did I have to spend any money. And what a difference it made to our back patio area!
We now have a cozy place to enjoy some outdoor time and entertain and now it doesn't feel like we are sitting in a driveway next to a shed. I plan to pressure wash and paint the concrete, instal a shade sail and add some fairy lights for a little whimsy. I am very pleased with our new "barn".
Suggested materials:
  • Exterior paint   (Given to me for free)
  • Paint Roller   (Home Depot)
  • Paint Brush   (Home Depot)
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  • Elizabeth Roy Elizabeth Roy on Jul 23, 2017

    Looks great! I think those plaques would be fun on the fence and add large pots with flowers on either side of the barn door. Love thst there's minimal maintenance.

  • Sheila Dunnagan Sheila Dunnagan on Aug 20, 2017

    Tis beautiful, if I may add a suggestion😃Walmart, or any hardware store, has different varieties of concrete paint, some very cheep. That would give you adorable space a finishing touch. I have used porch and concrete paint before, and it is magical😍

    • Lydia S. Lydia S. on Aug 23, 2017
      I agree and if you read my post, I wrote that my plan is to paint the concrete, put up shade sails and fairy lights. It will be a lovely area to sit in the evening. I am planning to start the cement paint this weekend. Thanks for the tip about the Walmart paint. I am going to do a cobble stone look.
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