10 Rooms You Wouldn’t Suspect Were Actually Sheds

Blogger Charlotte Smith of At Charlotte’s House took a junk-filled backyard shed and turned it into an amazing, light-filled room that not only serves as an organized storage spot for DIY and craft supplies, but also provides plenty of space to dream and plan, work on projects, or simply relax, cold beverage in hand.

Why put up with a boring, utilitarian home office when you can instead toil away in a not too frilly but decidedly feminine work space that started off as a basic 10×16 backyard shed? Chris and Rachel Joy of the blog Joyful Derivatives answered that question with this practical yet softly welcoming makeover. A cement-tile accent wall is the crowning glory of this inspired project.

Related: The 10 Best Sheds for Your Backyard

This shed turned home office, which appears on the design site Houzz, gives off a serene vibe thanks to the neutral color scheme, but there’s nothing stark or cold about its modern farmhouse style. Created by Home Glow Design and photographed by Sabrina Cole Quinn, the space exudes character and is enhanced by sea grass carpeting, an intriguing light fixture, and soft Roman shades.

Who wouldn’t love having lunch with a friend, relaxing with a glass of a favorite beverage, or just sitting and dreaming in this small-but-lovely she shed? Built by A Place to Grow, a specialty contractor that creates outdoor spaces from reclaimed or recycled materials, this shed is awash in personality and shabby-chic charm.

Related: 8 Tiny Backyard Buildings for Work or Play

You’d never believe that this cozy family hangout from the bloggers of At Home with the Barkers was once a cluttered backyard shed. Now, with comfortable seating, a large TV, a dining nook, and many entertainment options, it’s the perfect spot for family and friends to get away from it all without having to actually go anywhere.

A backyard structure can provide not only a much-needed escape, but also an outlet for creativity and self-expression. This cozy, shiplap-lined cottage, built by Santa Barbara Home Design, packs a lot of charm into its compact 10×12 footprint. An artful use of materials, graceful antiques, and carefully chosen decorative pieces create a sense of classic timelessness in this newly constructed shed.

If the term “potting shed” brings to mind a functional, soil-encrusted lean-to littered with bags of soil and broken pots, then take a look at this garden room from Kathryn J. Lemaster Art & Design. Filled with light and greenery, it’s not only ideal for potting plants, but also a delightful place to sit back and enjoy them. 

While some sheds provide spots to work or relax, others, such as those designed by SQFT Studios, can serve as actual homes. Set on a property that already has a house, these tiny retreats may not offer much in the way of square footage, but they have everything necessary to live comfortably and happily.

It’s just 110 square feet, but this modern farmhouse guest cottage radiates outsize appeal. This cozy room, from the blogger at Simplicity in the South, even has a small sink, microwave, refrigerator, and coffee bar. Absolutely delightful.

This tiny “mom cave” from Toni at the blog Design Dazzle absolutely overflows with fun, feminine touches. It’s undeniably shabby chic, but without the floral patterns or ruffles that defined the style back in the 1990s. It’s hard to imagine any mom who wouldn’t enjoy an hour or two all by herself in this adorable cottage shed.

Related: 10 Totally Unexpected Uses for a Backyard Shed

Ladies, it’s time you have a she shed! Like a man cave, it’s your personal area to relax and enjoy a good book on your own time.