Sheds can do so much more than provide storage space for rusty tools, and many modern homeowners are beginning to realise this. They are converting their sheds from purely functional outbuildings into stylish and flexible spaces where they can work, relax, enjoy hobbies, and more. This relatively low-cost way to transform your garden and improve your lifestyle can also help boost your home’s value, and in this article we explore several innovative ways you could use your shed.
A Creative Studio Space
One of the most popular modern uses for garden sheds is providing a dedicated space to pursue creative passions. Physically leaving your home and entering a dedicated creative space is a great way to get into the right frame of mind to make music, write, or paint. Plus, there are fewer disturbances and distractions around. With plenty of natural light and some heating or cooling appliances for comfort, you can easily create a welcoming environment to stimulate your ideas.
The Hybrid Greenhouse
The decades-long distinction between greenhouses and sheds requires gardening enthusiasts to have one, the other, or one of each. They must either make sacrifices or take up extra garden space. But why do they need to be separate at all? With transparent roofing or polycarbonate panels, plenty of natural light and heat can be allowed in to grow plants while the shed retains its traditional amenities, meaning that you can still store tools, plant pots, and more.
She Shed or Man Cave
Both of these modern terms refer to the concept of a flexible and highly personalised space that can be used for relaxation, hobbies, or entertaining guests. Which name is used simply depends on the gender of the person to whom the space belongs. Popular amenities in both types are comfy furniture, mood lighting, a small fridge, and perhaps a bar or coffee station for refreshments. Books, a TV, and a Bluetooth speaker are also popular inclusions.
A Home Office
Remote work is becoming increasingly common, but many professionals struggle with distractions at home and find it difficult to separate their work and home life. Having a dedicated space for working, especially one outside your home, can help you switch on during working hours and switch off again once the workday is over. A shed is ideal for this. Simply kit yours out with a desk, computer, Wi-Fi connection, and whatever you need to feel comfortable and motivated.
A Sanctuary
Many of us look to our gardens as places to find calm and serenity, and a shed sanctuary or “Zen den” is a great way to brighten up your garden space and make it even better equipped for relaxation. This is easy to convert your shed into because minimalist decor and natural wood tones are ideal. Add a few yoga mats, floor cushions, plants, and perhaps a small water feature to create an idyllic ambience to unwind in.
A Playhouse
With screen-based entertainment fast becoming the go-to choice for children, it is more important than ever to provide them with fun alternatives. Transforming a disused garden shed into a children’s clubhouse is a great option, plus it prevents their toys from cluttering up the house. You could decorate it with a theme, like a castle or pirate ship, or let the kids decorate how they feel on the day by installing some chalkboard walls inside.
A Hosting Space
Having to tidy up our homes puts many of us off inviting guests over, but that’s not a concern when you have a dedicated space for entertaining. Whether you are doing a full-on dinner party or some casual drinks, a cosy, well-lit shed with some comfy seats and a stylish table is an excellent place to do it. Installing some bi-fold or accordion doors allows you to open up the front to enjoy an alfresco dining experience in the summer.
A Workshop
Not every home comes with a garage, but a shed works well as an alternative if you need space for hands-on hobbies like carpentry and bike repairs. You will likely need to install some power outlets, and possibly even ventilation or soundproofing depending on what you plan on doing, but in the end you will have a place where you are free to make a mess, and where you can store tools and unfinished projects safely.
Conclusion
A disused shed is actually a valuable piece of real estate that can become almost anything you want it to be if you apply a little imagination. And for homes that do not currently have a shed, buying or building one is a quick and affordable way to essentially add another room to your property. However, if you implement one of the above ideas, remember to secure your shed against theft and vandalism, especially if it contains valuable items.
