Finally, the dawn of the She Shed is here, and, with it, a revolution in how pressed professional women work, rest and play.
Whether it's your latest DIY project or simply a space to unwind, this is officially the latest savvy interiors trend that you need to try.
Sales of sheds purchased for with this intent are up 50 per cent from 2014 at Homebase. Add in the fact that the number of self employed women in the UK is rising at three times the rate of men, plus research that shows how one in five women report feeling worried or anxious most of the time, and it’s clear that a quiet environment to work or switch off is only getting more important.
"It's long been the case that most sheds are male preserves," says interior designer turned writer and author of A Woman’s Shed Gill Heriz. “But going to the shed is both a physical removal of ourselves to 'another place', and a retreat to a space where our emotional needs are met and we can be ourselves."
And you’ll be in very good company. Novelist Virginia Woolf wrote from a done-up shed outside of her Sussex home, artist Barbara Hepworth used hers for power naps and self-described ‘shed groupie’ property developer Sarah Beeny says they’re "a brilliant, inexpensive way of adding some space to your home."
Not to mention that it’s easy. Just a day’s worth of cheap, stylish tweaks can transform the existing mess housing the lawnmover and faded newspapers into your own patch of calm.
"You really don’t need to go big to make a huge difference,” says Alice Dunbar, Interiors Consultant at Harvey Maria. “A few inexpensive tricks are all it takes."
Creating your own she-shed in a day
1. Express your personality(01 of08)
Open Image ModalThe best thing about a she shed is that it’s totally yours, and leaves you free to show your taste with no thought for what other people In your house like. “If you love literature and books, get some nails in the wall and hang framed prints of passages from your favourite novels, or put up some shelves to line with tomes,” Dunbar adds. (credit:VisitBritain/Daniel Bosworth via Getty Images)
2. Don’t forget flooring (02 of08)
Open Image ModalYour shed is going to lead in directly from outside, so a hardwearing, easy-to-clean floor is vital. “I’d recommend vinyl,” says Dunbar. “You can lay it down in a morning and it’s really durable. Try a cool graphic pattern to create interest.” (credit:Dee Harwicke for Harvey Maria )
3. Get the dark paint out (03 of08)
Open Image ModalPainting the walls in a dark shade – say an inky blue – will give your shed a feeling of coziness. Dunbar says: “Too much white can get a bit clinical. Moody is better.” (credit:picturegarden via Getty Images)
4. When it comes to lights, more is more(04 of08)
Open Image ModalWhen you’re working with a small space, lighting becomes seriously important. You don’t want one, single source, as it’s far too harsh and doesn’t give the room any feeling of depth. “Try a few lamps of different sizes, and add some pillar candles,” advises Dunbar. (credit:Cultura RM/JPM via Getty Images)
5. Bring the seasons in (05 of08)
Open Image ModalA shed feels a lot closer to nature than a house, so incorporating the outside works well, like some foliage in a vase to reflect autumn. “Even small pumpkins would work as we get closer to Halloween,” says Dunbar. (credit:Matilda Delves via Getty Images)
6. Desk it up (06 of08)
Open Image ModalOne thing you’re going to want is a desk, if you’re using your shed to work on your career or extra projects. A sturdy number in an off-white or wood will work well. “Don’t forget a chair with a decent, supportive back if you’re going to be in there for a few hours at a time,” Dunbar adds. (credit:lechatnoir via Getty Images)
7. Think about the space you’re working with (07 of08)
Open Image ModalIn a small space, you need to really think about how to make the most of the area you’ve got. So debate where to position a chair, if you’re using one, and don’t drown the entire floor space in one massive rug. (credit:Tom Merton via Getty Images)
8. Engage all of the senses(08 of08)
Open Image ModalIt’s not just about the visuals. Music, scents from candles and blooms all add something more. “Again, you can go 100 per cent with your taste,” says Dunbar. “So you may as well make the most of it.” (credit:Guido Mieth via Getty Images)