Asked on Aug 09, 2018

She shed ideas?

Jen10649687
by Jen10649687

I live in a house with all boys. I have no space to call my own so I went out and bought a shed to create a “Me Space” any ideas for my she shed 😂 would be greatly appreciated. It is a blank canvas!!!

  12 answers
  • Twyla J Boyer Twyla J Boyer on Aug 09, 2018

    That is AWESOME!


    Being uncertain what you want to be able to do in your "me space" makes it tough to know what specifics to suggest, but here are some basics:


    Ceiling - insulate and then add ceiling of some sort. If you like the look of the beams, insulate between them with 2-3 inch thick styrofoam sheets (like really thick ceiling tiles) you stick up with construction adhesive (like liquid nails). Paint them with latex paint first so they hold up better. Put some kind of protective finish on the beams and leave them exposed. Or insulate and then cover up the whole ceiling using paneling or fabric or something that doesn't require taping and mudding.


    Walls -insulate (styrofaom would be good here, too) and then nail up inexpensive but attractive paneling. You can get pre-finished panels of stuff that looks like beadboard for fairly low cost or use real beadboard. If buying panels is not in the budget currently, insulate as best you can (bubble wrap, fiberfill, quilt batting) and then staple or tack large fabrics to the studs. I would probably go with bohemian looking mandala bedspreads for small money on Amazon. All one color or style would be the most attractive.


    Floors - I would say carpet squares are the ideal way to go. If you get the kind with a rubbery backing you don't even need to glue them down. Just set them in place to cover the whole floor (they can be cut from the back with a utility knife) and you're good to go. Buy a few extras so you can change out any that get really damaged over time. Or, if you don't need to extra layer of insulation from the ground and soundproofing that carpet squares would provide, paint a cool design on the floor and then polyurethane it or just smear some stain on it and add a protective finish. You can always throw an area rug in later.


    Heating and cooling - you don't say where you live, but based on the fact that there's a light fixture in the ceiling, I assume you have electricity to your new exciting space. Depending on what part of the country you're in and what the budget will allow, a small space heater or tiny wood stove would be a great way to heat the space and a window unit air conditioner would fit well if you live somewhere hot. Both of those pull a good bit of power, so make sure any wiring is rated for such appliances.


    Furniture - completely depends on whether you're looking for cozy reading nook or creative crafting space or gatherings with wine and girlfriends. That said, scour thrift stores, Craigslist (especially curb alerts) and garage sales for the sort of furniture you want. And remember you can always check out ways to upcycle whatever you find. Don't be afraid to use outdoor furniture inside, either. As outdoor furniture goes on clearance this fall, keep an eye out for a comfy cushioned lounge chair or whatever. Stretch a hammock from one wall to another if you want a place to nap - you can always use hooks to hang it and only open it out when you want to use it. Furniture that has storage might be ideal, so consider using things like cast off kitchen cabinets that you add a plywood top to and then cover with a cushion and some pillows for a sort of make-shift couch. All kinds of possibilities exist.


    Amenities - it's the perfect time of year to catch a dorm -sized fridge on sale. Those drink jars with spigots should be on clearance soon, too. A clip on shade over a bare bulb in the existing socket would make that more attractive. You could even use some sort of translucent paint on a clip on shade if it's too plain and you don't need bright light.


    If what you want to do in your space is some sort of craft that requires some sort of sink set up, a well-rinsed large laundry detergent jug (the kind with the thing you push to make it dispense liquid) on a shelf about 3 feet high could serve as a water source. A bowl with a hole on top of a cheap cabinet with a hole or even just a wider shelf with a hole could serve as a sink (use some sort of pipe to direct drain water) and a 5 gallon bucket under that set up could catch used water. It would have to be filled and emptied regularly (like probably each day you use it), but it is better than having to run to the house. A rainbarrel that collects water from your new roof could be a great nearby source of water and if you are super handy could have piping run through the wall to make a spigot (eliminating the detergent bottle set up). Neither of those set ups would provide drinkable water, but either would work for a quick handwashing station or for washing up watercolor brushes or something like that.


    Hope this gives you some ideas. I think your new space is truly a great thing and will be wonderful however you decorate and use it. I would LOVE to have a space like that separate from the house - and I live alone!

  • Rose/Miros Rose/Miros on Aug 09, 2018

    Looks great! If you don't need to insulate, you could use old doors to make mini cabinets between the uprights and keep your craft supplies out of sight. If the horizontal beam is the right height, use it to support the back and sides of a table top. If you do need to insulate and wallboard, keep track of where the uprights are; you'll need to attach things to them. I'm thinking a nice big work surface across the whole end. In this area, people put all sorts of things at the curb with a sign that says FREE, you might be able to get book cases or an office chair or an old couch or maybe even old kitchen cabinets. Or you could put an ad in one of the free flyers, like the Penny Saver. Basically, start with your hobbies and figure out how to store your supplies; add what you need to be comfortable and entertained.

  • Brittany Tschida Brittany Tschida on Aug 09, 2018

    oh how lovely! I love that you have such a blank space to work with!


    I wouldn't even know how to begin to answer without knowing what your interests are? I think having nice storage is a must regardless of whether you are planning to craft, host gal pals, or even turn it into a media room just for you, good storage is going to keep it tidy and protect your belongings. A way to keep some type of refreshment as well. There are tons of coffee bar ideas on Pinterest and around this site!

  • Wow! Great space! Insulate and vent. That assures you year round comfort for all but the dog days of summer or the blizzard of the century. What is your style? Vintage, country, shabby chic, modern, coastal, rustic? Here are some sites for ideas.


    https://www.pinterest.com/GetGreenBeWell/she-sheds-she-sheds/


    https://morningchores.com/shed-plans/


    https://www.pinterest.com/shesheds/she-shed-furnishings-decor/


    https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/outdoor-ideas/g2614/she-sheds-ideas/


    https://www.hgtv.com/design-blog/design/she-shed-decorating-ideas


    Start with a few basic pieces and good lighting and let it evolve naturally over time. If you don't absolutely love it, it does not need to be in there, don't settle!

  • Deborah Deborah on Aug 09, 2018

    Love the space in yours! Ive had mine for at least 5 years now and I treasure it! Mine was built by mu husband using old pallet boards. He used windows he purchased from garage sales and an old beautifully aged door he got from an old camp his brother owns. Mostly everything was used, or made my us. The little daybed was made into a box form and I fit a crib mattress in it. I purchased a vintage sheet from a thrift shop and made cushions for the daybed. I love every inch of it. Yours will be beautiful as you add all your treasures to it! Enjoy!


    Deborah


    purehunnybee@hotmail.com


  • Deborah Deborah on Aug 09, 2018

    Hi again! Its Deborah..same as above..just showing you the outside. Its weathered alot and I love it!

  • C Crow C Crow on Aug 09, 2018

    Hi. Don't know where you live, but be sure to check any city or county building code and permit requirements before adding electricity. In my community, any outbuilding over a certain size must have a permit. Just a suggestion.

  • Jen10649687 Jen10649687 on Aug 09, 2018

    Thanks everyone for all of the great ideas!! I have so many ideas, I definitely want a little reading nook and a crafting area. There’s so many good ideas, just gonna take my time and make it my own....so excited!!!

  • Homeroad Homeroad on Sep 20, 2018

    Oh my goodness how lucky are you! I don't think I can add much but if you do not want to dry wall and insulate I would start by spraying the whole thing white. I love the exposed beams and texture you've got going there. Hang some colorful curtains and put colorful furniture inside with a warm rug. This space is awesome! Send pics when you are finished!

  • 2818713 2818713 on Sep 20, 2018

    I am sooooooooo jealous of this space!! I would turn it into a big messy workshop lol. I remember this she shed makeover from the One Room Challenge a few years ago, they did a great job!!

  • Michelle Michelle on Sep 20, 2018

    If you have electricity get a small fridge to keep drinks and snacks , check out Flor carpet tile squares, definitely room for reading nook and craft. Also a pretty ottoman to put your feet up. Perhaps some potted plants indoors and outside on each side of the entry door. They make great infrared heaters that are small and put out heat. Insulate walls