Once a backyard eyesore used only for storage, the humble shed has found popularity as an additional living space. These days, sheds come in almost every size, shape, color, material and configuration, so their uses are endless!
Perhaps you’re working from home and need a quiet space to escape the kids this summer. Or you might be seeking a close-by getaway for reading. Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to a game room but didn’t want the cost of a home addition. Even the kids (or your fur babies) can use a spot to call their own. Sheds can be upgraded and decked out to meet all of these needs, from the inside out.
Whether renovating an older unit or buying a new shed, if you’ve got the budget and space in your backyard, why not think outside the box? Create a unique new space that you and your family can actually enjoy, like these:
Cabana Conversion
If you have a pool or hot tub in your backyard, you likely have a lot of requisite gear and supplies. From chemicals to floats and everything in between, pools and spas come with the need for storage. Why not have your new shed installed near the pool, creating convenient access to those materials? But don’t stop there—this is a perfect spot to customize for outdoor living. You can choose a shed with a front porch overhang to create a fun poolside pub or tiki bar. An existing shed can also easily be converted to a bar.
Backyard Bar
Heck, even if you don’t have a pool, a backyard bar would be a fun addition for any summer gathering. Backyard bars are the latest shed trend to emerge from the pandemic. When bars and restaurants were forced to close, homeowners with a lot of time on their hands got creative to design hangouts of their own. Check out these fun ideas for creating a unique neighborhood watering hole in your yard.
She Shed or Man Cave
For a more traditional take on modifying your backyard shed into useful space, you can go with the ever-popular she shed or man cave concepts. These designs create a relaxation space outside of your main home and can be customized to reflect the hobbies or interests of the owner. Is grilling your favorite pastime? Add an outdoor kitchen to your shed. Is coffee and a good book more your thing? Include a cozy reading nook and coffee bar in your space. The top photo shown here is my own backyard she shed, which also features a day bed and two-seat bar. The sky’s the limit!
Creative Cottage or Office Outpost
Sometimes just having a quiet space to think and get “in your zone” is all you need to become more effective at your work. For the artsy types out there, a creative cottage may be just the thing to get your creative juices flowing. Or maybe you need an office outpost, away from the chaos in your home, to think, work and increase your productivity. Craft cottages are also a very popular use of a shed. They provide a place to corral and organize tiny craft supplies and keep them away from the kiddos.
Perfect Playhouse
Speaking of the kiddos, they deserve a place all their own too. Fuel their imagination by designing the perfect playhouse shed geared toward their specific interests. Think game room, sports spot, tearoom, play café, house, etc. The options are endless, as is the creative play this shed will inspire. The best part… playhouses don’t have to be expensive. Use what you have on hand to customize the space. My neighbor worked at a carpet store and used small sample carpet remnants to cover the walls of her child’s playhouse shed with an array of soft rainbow colors and patterns. Another friend shopped the toy section of several local thrift stores to find super-cheap sports décor and equipment for her son’s new shed space.
Decked-Out Doghouse
Ok, maybe this is a stretch for some, but if you’re the proud mama or papa of a much-loved fur-baby, then you can easily justify a decked-out doggie house for your pup. Be sure to complete the space with a spot for Fido to enjoy the fresh air and a comfy indoor spot to get out of the elements when needed. Don’t forget the fun… these spaces can easily include your pup’s favorite toys, activities and food. Believe it or not, I’ve actually seen a decked-out doghouse with its own television!
Cool Chicken Coop
Maybe dogs aren’t your thing and you’re more into birds. Everyone knows that happy chickens lay tastier eggs, so why not create a designer space for your feathered friends. No need for an eyesore when you can convert any basic shed into an attractive and efficient chicken coop. By building a nesting box area inside (that is easily accessed with the existing full-size shed door) and adding a covered and enclosed outdoor area for protection, your girls will be all set.
Garden Greenhouse
If you enjoy keeping things alive, but lean more toward plants than animals, a garden greenhouse might be for you. Most greenhouses are a standard design, lacking character. Why not customize your old backyard shed to be a beautiful and useful gardening space, where you can cultivate your plants year-round and plant in peace and harmony? A few special touches—like the chandelier shown here—a fun chalkboard, or a handmade planting table make the space come alive!
Granny Pod or Guesthouse
And finally, if you just need additional guest space or a place for the mother-in-law to stay, consider turning your backyard shed into additional living space. Most sheds don’t have room for a bathroom or kitchen, and many local codes wouldn’t allow that anyway, so these spaces are meant only to be on-and-off living space. But even without those functions, they still do a great job of providing a private sleeping spot when guests are in town.
No matter what use you dream up, your backyard shed conversion should always result in a more usable, enjoyable space for you or your family. The customization and design options are limitless. With the right vision, budget and contractor (or DIY mentality), your converted shed can become your new favorite space!
If you don’t already have a shed and want to start from scratch, contact Quality Built Exteriors today for a free design consult. They offer a variety of well-constructed and beautiful sheds of every shape and size, with complete customization packages.