SANDRA STRICKLAND

When Sandra Strickland goes out to her shed, she enjoys the thrill of opening the door to a place and time she adores, 1950s America.

She began her Americana collection about nine years ago with the purchase of a Wurlitzer jukebox and four years ago decided to build a backyard shed (6m x 9m, including awning) to house her memorabilia. “We needed an all-weather entertainment area and, with our love of the 1950s, and interest in classic cars and hot rods, it seemed logical, well to us, to build a 1950s-style diner. The steel-clad shed is part of the fun – it’s hiding a big secret.”

The shed was constructed for Sandra and her husband but the fit-out has seen the DIYers put their skills to work refreshing second-hand furniture, creating metalwork, repurposing kitchen cabinets (the kitchen is unplumbed), and painting and rejuvenating the front part of a 1964 Chevy Impala into a bar (a wooden base was added and the metal work refreshed and then painted the same custom red as used on the walls).

Sandra found the banquette seats and table on Trade Me. The store

bought Vespa motor scooter, with its working light, came already converted into a table.

The pool table’s red cover hides another surprise: a bright blue baize surface complete with a Ford logo. “We’ve found items all over the place, including antique and second-hand stores across the country, but one of my favourite places is just down the road in Oratia, Just Plane Interesting. I have a real thing for 1950s domestic appliances,“says Sandra.

The diner has had plenty of use from both family and car club friends. “Every time you walk through the door you just can’t help but smile,“she adds. ”It’s just such a fun space. All the hard work has definitely paid off and we just love spending time in here.”