Design & Build the Classic She-Shed

In the timeless tradition of Virgina Wolfe’s A Room of One’s Own, writers and gardeners have always longed for and often built a place within nature: a safe and comfy spot for planning gardens, reading, writing, reflection and meditation. As you may know, Virgina Wolfe’s best friend was Vita Sackville-West, a famous and talented garden designer. Ask any modern woman who is an avid gardener, writer, artist, outdoor naturalist wanting to create their own private retreat and watch as their face lights up from the streaming ideas and inspiration as they contemplate the space. They are defining the modern She-Shed.

At Homestead Gardens, our designers have provided inspiration to help you design a unique She-Shed. An entire section of our boutique is dedicated to providing all the elements you’ll need to create and decorate an inviting, relaxing, light-filled retreat. Laden with trending colors and textures and even fragrances, the She-Shed experience is not to be missed. It is the brainchild of Homestead Gardens’ Decor Buyer, Sue Adams, and she spared no effort in detail to develop the most enviable She-Shed she and her team could imagine.

She-Sheds have been growing in popularity in recent years and actually inspired the Man Cave. That’s right Ladies, the She-Shed was first.

The She-Shed is in-line with a great history that spans the ages of intimate garden structures all over the world. Garden pagodas, gazebos, mini-conservatories, chinoiserie-inspired folly pavilions, garden sheds, writing cottages, fancy tree houses and even the converted tool shed were all built and claimed by women as places of outdoor refuge, reflection and gathering. All akin to the modern She-Shed. The historical placement in inspiring natural locations is also a tradition held dear.

As you research ideas for a room of your own, you will find pages and pages of She-Shed inspiration to help you claim and design your She-Shed. Our team of designers urged us to remind you to stay focused on how you will use the space and to commit to only filling it with things that bring you joy. In our She-shed section, we chose light, bright feminine colors found in peonies of pink, white, and butter, and wildflowers of periwinkle and violet. We chose textures found in wild grasses and fluffy feathers. We chose uplifting paintings that brought the outdoors in and creature comforts of twinkle lights and bird songs. Use natural inspirations as a design source and, if possible, don’t shortchange the opportunity to have both power and water available to your space.

If you’re lucky enough to have an existing shed, take a hard look to see if the transformation is possible as just a fun makeover or if the project is going to take an experienced contractor to perhaps add windows or glass paneled doors or other design elements you have your heart set on. If you don’t have a shed, walk your yard and find your sweet spot; levelness of the yard, distance from the house, natural light during different times of the day, and the availability of electricity and maybe water. Save yourself some real trouble by keeping your site away from underground septic, water, oil or propane tanks, electric, communication lines, and sprinkler systems. Call Miss Utility if you don’t know where these are located.

Now, let the designing begin. Surround your She-Shed with beautiful gardens that will inspire you yearround to always make it the place you want to be. If you need assistance planning or planting containers for inside or outside your shed, meet with our container specialists. Talk to any of our associates for ideas to bring four seasons of interest or about sustainable practices including attracting spring and summer pollinators and winter birds. Better still, make an appointment with our Landscape Division for larger garden plans. Inspired gardens around your She-Shed are guaranteed to improve your quality of life.

Decorating your retreat inside and out with gorgeous flowers and plants gives it an inspired, homey feel. When you use a simple neutral paint palette and natural wood décor as a backdrop, any botanicals will go.

Notice how pink, purple and red shades were repeated among a diverse group of plants in the garden beds and indoor planters in this scene, creating a cohesive look in a small, eclectic space.

Proven Winners has even more inspiration for your backyard retreat. Explore the color palette, planting guide and suggested plants to create your own she-shed online at: beauty.provenwinners.com/she-shed/