Everyone needs a space that is their own: A space that can be designed, organized, and used in any way you want without having to cater to the needs or desires of anyone else. However, it’s often difficult to find a space like this amidst the chaos of family homes, roommates, kids, and busy schedules.
If you struggle to find your own space in your home, consider a she-shed. It’s time to claim a space for yourself that suits your own needs and helps you grow, explore new interests, relax, and recharge.
A she-shed is the perfect way to do just this. Imagine all the time and space you’ll have for self-care and creativity if you can retreat to your she-shed for a little alone time. Your special space could be inside your home or it could be a small structure in your backyard. Whatever setup you choose, a she-shed can help improve your quality of life.
Why You Need a She-Shed
It can be difficult, especially for women juggling families and work, to find time for themselves. Ask yourself a question: When was the last time you had a dedicated space that was just for you? If you can’t recall, that’s a sure sign you are in dire need of a she-shed.
A she-shed doesn’t have to be frilly, pink, and filled with wine (unless you want it to be). It can look however you want it to and you can do anything in it that your heart desires. Perhaps you want a space to explore an artistic endeavor, practice meditation and remove mental clutter, work on a building project, or read a book quietly by the window.
You might even find a use for your she-shed that you never even imagined. Having a special space just for you can help you uncover new interests and keep learning about new things. It could even help your career. In fact, lifelong learning is considered one of the keys to business success. It’s amazing what there can be room for in your life if you make creating it a priority.
Find Inspiration
Finding inspiration for your she-shed should be your first priority. What do you want out of your space? How do you want it to look, feel, and be used? A great first step is to check out examples of other people’s she-sheds and look for elements you like. Perhaps you like clean white lines and simple furniture, or maybe you prefer bold colors and funky furniture. Identifying what you like and what you don’t like is a huge part of finding inspiration for your she-shed.
Consider starting a Pinterest board or a folder full of images of what you like in terms of paint colors, design, furniture, layout, size, and more. Dream big here — you can always scale back later when you are able to hone in on what the most important things are.
One thing that can be helpful while looking for inspiration is to sit down, close your eyes, and picture your perfect she-shed. What are you using it for? How can the space you create best serve those needs? If you’re going to use it primarily to meditate or work on a spiritual practice, a calm and comforting vibe might be best. If you’re an artist, you might prefer a more stimulating environment of bright colors and plenty of work tables.
Whatever you choose, remember to make this space yours. You want to walk into your she-shed and feel a sense of home, calm, excitement, and invigoration. This is your space to recharge, however you go about doing that.
Create a Building & Design Plan
Once you have your inspiration and ideas for what you want your she-shed to look like, it’s time to create a clear plan for building and design. If you’re starting from scratch, you might need to do things like have plans drawn up, prepare your property for land clearing, research zoning laws, or hire a contractor.
It’s good to know your limits and not be afraid to call in professional help. There are plenty of dedicated she-shed design specialists who can help make your vision a reality. These professionals can help you prepare your budget, design the ins and outs of your she-shed, attain the necessary permits, and more.
If you’re creating your special space inside your home, your projects might look a bit different. Maybe you’re repainting, refurnishing, and redecorating, but keeping the core structure of the room the same. Whichever way you go about it, creating specific task lists that break down the bigger parts of the project can make things go smoothly.
Building a she-shed is the perfect way to add a little more self-care into your life. Everyone, regardless of lifestyle, needs to feel like they have a space that is their own. It’s important for both mental and physical wellbeing. Who knows, you might even find that your she-shed helps you discover a new passion or interest that you were previously unaware of. The opportunities for growth and happiness can feel endless when you have a space you love that is just for you.