Asked on Mar 29, 2014
"The Neighbours" !
+32
OK all you awesomely creative folks ! ... Let's hear your ideas to pretty up/rustic up my potting shed affectionately known as "The Neighbours". I salvaged the windows and door and The Hubs cut the door in half so I can open the top window part and leave the bottom closed. Salvaged metal adorns the roof and, yes, it is glorious in the rain (lightening not so much !). The Hubs also welded up my met...al friends - Bowler Bob on the left and Fiesta Dude under the small window. I have an old deck step from my parents' place inside to step up to my workbench under the large window. I made the 3-legged birdfeeder from cedar and an old enamel bowl so my fine feathered friends can keep me company.
Would love to hear your ideas as to what to do with the front wall and side wall below the windows and the ground area under the front wall. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
Would love to hear your ideas as to what to do with the front wall and side wall below the windows and the ground area under the front wall. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
"The Neighbours"
28 answers
-
Wondering what the view is from those front windows. If it's a nice view, perhaps you could use some landscape timbers and box in on the ground and put a bench for sitting and looking at the view (if there is one) or set plants on the bench. Or just build a raised planter bed with either herbs, flowers or veggies in it. You could take the planter around the corner to just the side of the door. This would cover the "foundation" and be useful & beautiful as well. You can incorporate Bowler Bob into your planter. He's kinda cute!
DeMarie I
on Mar 29, 2014
-
It is a cute set-up. I would suggest using large rocks or landscape timbers to enclose the bottom of the structure. You could hang plants from the outside rafters as well as hummingbird feeders. The plants and red hummingbird feeders would provide a pop of color.
Carrie
on Mar 31, 2014
-
How about a window box for the large window. Until you decide what to do with the front and side to hide the foundation blocks, use planters with lots of color. Please post pictures when you decide.
Liliana Wells
on Mar 31, 2014
-
Cover the entire shed with mirror. It cause a camouflage effect and makes yard appear larger as well
Moonblossom
on Mar 31, 2014
- See 2 previous
-
I made a summer house outta mine ! 2 wicker chairs lovely ! Pile of books.
Chrissie
on Apr 01, 2014
-
First thing I'd consider is planting something to secure the soil on the slope. Or terrace it. After that, maybe color. You're in Canada, so you get snow. Maybe some color, like Turkey red window boxes. I'd be inclined to paint the wood a neutral color, or seal it to protect it. Guess it would depend on other buildings around it, like your home. Would look good to match the shed to the house, but add a bright pop of color. Maybe some yard art that you can leave out in the winter? Huge sunflower sculpture? Something you maybe could enjoy from the house in winter. I've even seen an old bicycle painted and a planter put on the frame behind the handlebars. It was cute with the flowers flowing out of it.
Starla Swanson
on Apr 01, 2014
-
a window box under the window with flowers planted in it would look so pretty and hang some plants on either side of the windows on the corners of the roof and some bushes at the bottom of the potting shed. Add some stepping stones coming away from the shed. It is so cute love it!!!
Mayesathome
on Apr 01, 2014
-
One thing I think you should address is the ground underneath the shed. You need to fill with concrete or something else to keep the critters from burrowing underneath there. I am having to replace the entire floor of my shed because we did not do this! Good luck!
Bridgit Roeth
on Apr 01, 2014
-
I'd like to see a stone (round and flat) as a step at the door. Definitely a window box for the front window. Find a couple fun solar LED lights for over the door and next to the stone step! Lastly, I'm concerned about critters under the shed also. Please post pics when you've done more to your adorable shed!
HeidiZG
on Apr 01, 2014
-
Love the bench idea, and maybe a tiny patio with blocks in front first. I've seen cement block "sofas" that can be built for under $50.00 and the holes in the blocks filled with plant, herbs etc. Or a pallet sofa by Donna Williams of Funky Junk. I'd also put lots of wind chimes under the overhang. Maybe a birdhouse mounted on the front. I'd plant with colorful daylilies and ornamental grasses in the front and side. PLEASE post when you are done.
White Oak Studio Designs
on Apr 01, 2014
-
I would plant some creeping ivy all around and have a trellis or 2 on the sides. While you did a wonderful job making this, the ivy after it creeps up the trellis' would help it blend into the environment. Hopefully you treated it with something to keep the hungry termites from devouring your hard work.
CC
on Apr 01, 2014
-
The mirrors look beautiful,but will birds fly into it and harm themselves? Never heard of such a thing. Love the idea if safe.
Jean Adams
on Apr 01, 2014
-
I'm not a Gardner by any means...I was just curious what tripod of sticks is used for in front of the shed?
CC
on Apr 01, 2014
-
Got mirrors around my garden to make it look bigger no probs with birdies !
Chrissie
on Apr 01, 2014
-
Have you seen this before? It's a great look! You cut little slices of tree branches- varying diameters and thicknesses- and attach them to the outer walls (glue, nail or screw). But I do love the board and batten. Maybe just a weathered gray stain?
Chris Keating-Ingelse
on Apr 01, 2014
-
I love all the 2nd life pieces you incorporated into the design. Love the sliced log discs Chris mentioned for the exterior too! What is the color of your house? Does it sit fairly close to or far from the shed? Painting a small space would amp up it's size and features. Maybe one color-darker on the exterior and lighter inside would draw your eyes right to it. Landscaping around it and adding a couple of wood adirondack chairs-painted another complimentary color would be the icing on the cake. If preferring a more subdued appearance the look at what moves you in the natural elements around you and incorporate those into the space. Maybe tree log inspired seating and decor with rustic lighting elements inside and out. The big box stores now carry affordable lighting with this look in mind. Hope this helps. Now i want one in our backyard!
Meliss Etner
on Apr 01, 2014
-
I would be moving right on in!!!! Love the flower box idea but could you get Welder Man to make you some sort of piece for the blank spaces? Maybe with plant pot holders? And def something to stabilize the slope---ground cover with stepping stones? Terrace garden plots? Fish pond with waterfall?
Comet
on Apr 01, 2014
-
I would incorporate some type of seating out front to rest and watch nature. Perhaps a small deck enough for a chair or two or a chair and small table to place your drink. this is very cute,
MaryAnn B
on Apr 01, 2014
-
Love the potting shed! I glued screen to the back of plastic lattice and placed it around the bottom of my shed to keep the critters out. A deck on the front would be a lovely addition too! I would do a clear coat on the wood and add some of that blue door color else where like the flower boxes that have been stated. love the roof, a gutter and a rain chain with barrel would be cool.
Louise Perkins
on Apr 02, 2014
-
WOW ! Thanks everyone for all the ideas ! I will certainly consider a lot of them - as soon as spring decides to arrive here in Ontario ! And I will definitely post some "after" pics !
Scenic Script
on Apr 03, 2014
-
I'd like to see a wash bench under the window by the door. A place to sit to put on your boots. The bench would be a place to put a potted plant. And I think I'd stain the building a dark brown or dark sage green so it blends in with nature.
Pamela Knott
on Apr 08, 2014
-
What a lovely potting shed and all the above suggestions are spot on! I agree for a patio (either raised or ground level) with seating and some kind of water feature for the birds and butterflies! I love the sound of wind chimes, so I would add one or two… and flowers, flowers, flowers! A paving stone walkway with a trellis or archway with a little gate leading to the shed would be fun too. :)
Jennifer G
on Apr 08, 2014
-
Can't wait for the after photos! Hope spring gets there soon : >>
Meliss Etner
on Apr 09, 2014
-
I'll be putting in a shed like this. It's exactly how my roof is on my ranch style home. I'll be painting it to match my home and with the same landscaping around my home.
Melody Drinkwater Wagner
on May 06, 2014
-
I like the idea of a bench to sit at the side of the door for boot removal. You've got quite a slope there so a patio out front would require a lot of work. Maybe a large log could be stabilized out in front for a quiet place to chat with Bowler Bob and Fiesta Dude. The window box and trellises on the building would be cute also. I like to use a lot of repurposed item - dryer drum, minnow buckets - for flower pots. A rain barrel at the back of the shed would be really nice so you have a source for water up close. Thanks for sharing your little shed I is so cute.
Lindcurt
on Mar 28, 2015
-
Since you never have enough space for plants, I would put a couple of about 14" deep shelves under that large window area...one for holding hand tools, pots, etc. and one for working outside. Or if this is a focal point of your garden, place a plain but nice bench in front!
Jeanette S
on Mar 28, 2015
-
Oh wow, this is an adorable shed, search for shabby chic cottages/sheds. The pictures will give you so many ideas. (if all else fails...I will take it. lol)
ET
on Mar 28, 2015
-
Wind chimes . . . I love wind chimes. I have some really neat lengths (varied) of a metal pole that we hung in a children's play area for a local festival. The kids had a blast using different items to produce sounds, and the tones of the pipes were great. I hung a few at home in a circular pattern. I could see something like that hung from your front eaves, just a row of metal piping in varied lengths, spaced out a few inches so they gently bump each other in the breeze.
Dee
on Sep 17, 2015
Sign Up to Answer
