She sheds have been super popular in recent years, and it’s not a surprise. Providing a comfortable personal space to retreat to, she sheds have captured the imagination, creativity (and the need to escape the daily grind) of ladies everywhere.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to create a space just for the ‘she’ of the house, or a shed retailer or designer looking for tips to design the perfect she shed for a customer, we’ll share some ideas and advice for budget-friendly she shed designs here.
In order to plan or design your dream she shed, it’s important to first take a look at what elements would make a regular shed a ‘dream she shed’. By this we mean, it’s a good idea to ask yourself, “what would make this she shed ideal for my purpose”.
Here are some examples of popular uses of she sheds:
As you can imagine, each of these spaces could be designed quite differently to maximise their enjoyment and function.
It’s also important to mention budgets at this point; it’s a good idea to map out how much of the budget is going to go towards the shed layout, shed features and shed build, and how much is going to be spent on the extras and fitouts. You can design a really amazing she shed space on a budget, but to do this you’ll need to know what your expected costs are going to be.
It’s also a good idea to map out your priorities for how your budget will be spent. For example, the shed design, structure and layout itself is a crucial element, and one you can’t go back and change later; so prioritising getting this right over spending more on items like your interior decor and furniture initially is a smart move. Remember, some things you can upgrade as you go. Others you cannot.
When you look at budget allocation, it’s a good idea to write out a list of everything you need, want and would love, and then mark or highlight the bits that are most important to you, so you know to prioritise them.
Utilise natural light as much as possible; it’s not only cost-effective but also is great for happy vibes and your well-being. It’s easy to do this — just opt for nice, big windows, especially in places that will catch the light. If you need to be able to create some shade within your she shed, big windows are still a good idea, so you can open them when needed — but just be sure to add good, effective blinds or curtains (blinds and louvres look great).
Proper insulation is key for year-round comfort, especially in the hotter / more humid parts of Australia. Be sure to tell your shed designer you’re keen for good insulation, and/or materials with natural insulation properties.
A while ago we wrote a blog with shed design tips to keep a shed cool in summer (with plenty of great recommendations to do with positioning of the shed, airflow, air conditioning and other cooling options, etc). You can check it out here: How to keep a shed cool in the summer. Want the TLDR version? Just let your shed designer know you’d like design considerations for a cool she shed, and be sure to consider cooling features, such as fan installations, or even better, air conditioning. Adding flyscreens to your windows is also good so you can open windows and get the fresh, natural breeze without being swarmed by bugs.
Be sure to consider how you’ll use your she shed, and what would make it the most functional — including the space you’ll need.
For example, if it’s a crafty space or a home office, you may want to ensure that your shed design allows for plenty of space for storage/storage furniture, or even incorporates storage options into the design (like vertical shelving units built in, or adding a mezzanine floor level if you’d like a fancier, bigger she shed).
If your she shed is a creative space, you may want to consider big windows and a high ceiling, so that you can let your creativity flow. If your she shed is a reading nook though, you may like it to feel cosier and closer (like a warm hug).
If you’re looking to entertain friends in your she shed, you’ll want to allow plenty of space for comfortable seating, and probably some form of dining table or tea table.
Now that we’ve covered some basic she shed design tips, (and given a few examples of some specific design considerations for your she shed uses), let’s take a look at some more specific tips for each type of she shed’s design.
If you’re designing a she shed for a personal retreat/an escape away from it all, your design will likely focus on creating a calming environment.
For She Sheds dedicated to crafts or painting, pottery, jewellery, or anything else artistic or hands-on, the layout must prioritise functionality, zen and inspiration.
A cosy reading nook requires comfortable seating, excellent lighting, and plenty of book storage.
Designing a she shed with a focus on garden observation calls for maximising views with large windows, french or French doors.
For a home office she shed, prioritise a layout that is set up for focus and productivity.
Our final piece of advice is: have fun with your she shed design. Embrace the process, and let your she shed become a statement of your individuality and creativity. Enjoy the moment and remember, you totally deserve this space for you.