Any ideas on how to transform a large utility shed into a 'cute house?

Question

I purchased a large 12'X16' utility shed to fix the inside up as an office. The interior is very cute and welcoming, but the outside is an eyesore in my backyard. We've thought of building a porch on it and painting the front door a pretty color, but? The porch idea would be the width of the building 12' and 4' out. I thought of columns but that is as far as I have gotten. Help please from you wonderful creative people. I will try and get a picture in a day or two.

Cyndi Moore Tippett · Answer

It is kind of hard to give exact suggestions without pictures, but I will give you some generic suggestions. Put in a window on each side of the door, if you don't have windows. Make a shudder with a cute cut out, like a heart, diamond, ect. You would paint it a yellow, with a lime green door and darker green shudders. Cedar shakes can be used on the roof and/or on the front facade. A cute porch on the front would be a welcome addition. Put pavers or stamped concrete as a winding pathway to the door and then plant a border of low lying annuals. I would round it out with a bench or chairs with pretty cushions and several pots or hanging baskets. Don't be afraid to try something out of your comfort zone. You might be surprised... have fun!

Craig W. Isaac Architecture · Answer

Create an entry w/ a simple arbor (cheaper than tie in w/ roof structure) , then a little patio space. You could use metal panels on arbor for cover.
I assume it already has windows on the sides and/ or back. Shutters can add interest w/ complimentary color.

Charlotte F · Answer

Thanks Cyndi. I know how hard it is to figure out something without pictures. I appreciate you doing what you did without even a picture. I will send pictures when my husband has time to download them. Sorry, I'm one of those who is not computer savvy. My bad!!! I just have so many things that I enjoy doing I can't do them all. I tend a 2 acre yard and have pretty much designed and completed landscaping, but it has been 9 years in the making with an illness along the way. I do home decorating and floral design, but this landscape of such a large yard and a husband who has to mow it, is complicated. Lot of grasses and structures put up along the way. We live on 5 acres in N. Florida, so you might imagine the mowing and around things, a whole 'nother thing.

C&K Custom Remodeling · Answer

I would recommend spending a little money and getting a designer that can do basic 3-d drawings. This will give you both a vision and a building guide.

Cindy · Answer

look on line...lots of ideas

Remodeling Home Improvement Magazine · Answer

I suggest googling 'cute sheds'. Then click on the image tab in the top left and from there you can get hundreds of ideas. Have fun!!

Charlotte F · Answer

Thanks to all who used your time to make suggestions. Thanks to Remodeling H. I. in Longwood. (boy are you close to my old stompin' grounds). I did Google cute sheds and saw many, many ideas. I had seen some of them, but not all of them. Wow! 
Thanks Tanya for the pictures. My shed is just aluminum but the porch is the thing I had in mind, just a jump up to raise the porch level to the building. Sounds least expensive to do something like that or in one of the other photos I saw.

Charlotte F · Answer

We have spent a ton of money building the entire inside with drywall, paint and table and shelves to do my floral business and sit with good friends and have something cold to drink. Yes, it is air conditioned and I can heat it with a small heater. I'm loving it!

KMS Woodworks · Answer

Check out this post.... http://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/sheds/10-x14-home-office-shed-by-historic-shed-provides-a-dedicated-private-work-space-136403 the Historic shed folks are also located in Florida not sure how close you folks are but they have done some great projects here on Hometalk. @Historic Shed any ideas for these folks?

Historic Shed · Answer

Thanks @KMS Woodworks! @Charlotte F Feel free to drop us a line. And see if you like anything on our site - I can send details about materials and sizes: http://www.HistoricShed.com We do know a thing or two about building in Florida and making things last.

Any ideas on how to transform a large utility shed into a "cute house?

10'x14' home office shed by Historic Shed provides a dedicated private work space without the commute.

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Any ideas on how to transform a large utility shed into a "cute house?

10'x14' home office shed by Historic Shed provides a dedicated private work space without the commute.

Suggested Project Book