Forget man caves, here’s the SheShed
Getting a bit tired of all the houses offering ‘‘man caves’’ where your husband can get away from the stresses of the world?
Ever think it would be nice for the women of the house to have their own space?
A New Zealand company that recently started importing ‘‘SheSheds’’, says the idea is taking off.
Nelson garden and home supplies company Homelandz, first noticed there might be demand for the product at the Christchurch agriculture and pastoral show last year.
Thinking many of their products would suit being used in an outdoor shed, they displayed a banner with a picture of one. But passers-by wanted to know where they could get the shed.
The firm tracked down an international supplier who could ship container-loads of the 10 square-metre kit sheds to New Zealand.
The first container has sold out and orders are already coming in for the second.
‘‘We did research into the sheds that were available in New Zealand and a lot did look like a man’s shed. These look like a lady’s shed,’’ Homelandz and SheShed.co.nz manager Sharoyn Reid said.
She said the demand for the sheds had exceeded the company’s expectations. ’’We have been blown away by the response.’’
Some customers were using the sheds to run businesses, including a dog grooming service and pilates classes. Others were using them as art or craft studios and gardening spaces, or outdoor rooms where they could sit and have a cup of coffee or glass of wine away from the stress of the household.
Reid said one man had been particularly supportive of his wife’s shed purchase. ‘‘He wanted to get all of her craft stuff out of the house,’’ she said.
The sheds cost $5800 and can be shipped around the country.
Anthea Baker, of interior styling firm Homebase, said she could see the appeal of the sheds. ‘‘Men have their man caves and now a getaway for women. Being a parent of four boys, where the household is over-run by boy toys, I would love a space to go where it was just mine. I could see this being used for a sewing room, yoga retreat, craft room, massage therapy room or even storage for extra clothing...’’
Interior designer Yvette Parker agreed. ‘‘There’s plenty of women out there who need their ‘space’ and the fact that’s it’s not actually part of the house will probably appeal.’’
But she said it might be hard to convince some that it was worth splashing out on the money for their own retreat. ‘‘I can’t imagine many blokes allowing the wife to spend $5000 on a ‘shed’. But for the budding businesswoman or home hobbyist, it’s the perfect solution.’’
The Australian government’s health department is thought to be unique in recognising the benefits of men’s sheds to health and wellbeing.
Its men’s health policy in 2008, found that men in some communities were happier to learn about healthy living in a male environment.
Now, a series of community sheds offering tools and activities cater for older, retired men. They are thought to offer social and emotional benefits and general camaraderie, especially to men from indigenous communities.