Editor’s choice front cover photo Move over man-cave, here comes the she-shed

It’s no surprise the latest trend for backyard buildings are ‘she-sheds’, as Aussies love backyard DIY and women are no exception.

If men can have their man-caves, there is no reason women can’t have their own space to relax and unwind too. Everyone deserves to have their own oasis in which they can escape the busy family life, a private space to do a little art or creative writing or embark on a hobby.

If you have decided you need a she-shed then here are a few styling tips to help turn it into your ultimate backyard bliss.

Style with shelves

If you’re a knick-knack lover, or simply need a place to stash your ever-growing book collection, let your she-shed be the place to put them on display.

There is something beautiful about a wall full of memories in the form of trinkets and your favourite stories, not to mention, you probably haven’t been able to put them all on display because of sticky kid fingers or the fact that one swish of your dog’s tail could leave your breakables in a heap on the floor.

Keep your space open and airy

Natural light always seems to provide bursts of inspiration and brings renewed energy, which is why having lots of windows, or even a set of French doors, letting the light stream in can completely transform your shed in to an oasis.

If you’re planning to use your she-shed as an artist’s studio or a yoga sanctuary, consider utilising skylights. By upgrading the studio with skylights and adding large open doors and windows, it gives all the light needed to create a masterpiece.

Create a garden oasis with window baskets

Help your she-shed blend in with your backyard landscape with the addition of beautiful floral baskets hanging in the windows. Many women like to use their shesheds as a potting and planting workspace as well as give themselves a covered space to relax in among their cultivated garden.

Whether you add flower baskets under the windows or potted plants along the steps leading to your she-shed’s verandah, there are plenty of ways to use beautiful blooms to style your new space.

Utilise built-in benches

Having a reading nook is by far one of the most popular features women want in their she-shed. Whether it’s a chaise lounge with a little table or a big tufted chair with an ottoman, you can create a reading nook in a number of ways, but we love the idea of marrying form and function with built-in benches.

Create an L-shaped bench that frames a window so you can soak up some sun while you read, and you can use the inside of the bench for storage space.

Add your unique flair

When we are living in a house with our partners, kids and pets there is really not a lot of space left solely for you.

That’s why your she-shed is the place to let loose with your style. Want a full-blown shabby chic cottage with frilly curtains and a floral rug? Go for it! Want a bright yellow gardening room with a big wash basin? It’s yours! Love an oriental theme? Explore your tastes with the freedom of having your own unique space to decorate exactly how you want it.

This is your place to go wild with the decor, make it totally your own and don’t worry about it matching with the rest of your house or being anyone’s taste but yours.