Bring on bliss with an outdoor oasis

Peaceful, private and bursting with colors and creative charm, women everywhere are loving the newest home and garden trend: she sheds! We asked Erika Kotite, author of She Sheds: A Room of Your Own, for easy, affordable ways to create a relaxing retreat

SET UP YOUR SPACE

“A she shed is a private space to sit and read, a place to paint with plenty of light or a spot to just relax,” says Kotite. Whether you’re prettying up your backyard shed or carving out a corner in a sunporch or spare room and filling it with your favorite things, you can create your own little oasis anywhere, she assures. “Simple things like room dividers and curtains can create a cozy sense of enclosure.”

MAKE IT WELCOMING

“A warm and inviting entryway is key for a shed’s design and your personal satisfaction,” notes Kotite. To add interest, impact and welcoming color to your oasis, start by painting the doors a soothing shade (like the sky blue shown here). Then group bright pots in pairs and trios to etch out a “pathway” to the shed. For extra flair, hang a light fixture or rustic wooden signs.

STORE MORE FOR LESS

Small creative spaces require smart storage solutions. Cubbies with a table on top work double duty, keeping DIY supplies organized and providing a flat surface for crafting, writing or other creative pursuits. One to try: International Concepts Cart, $ 90, Homedepot.com. Other low- cost ideas: hooks, pretty storage ottomans and compact bookshelves.

TURN HOT TO HAPPY

Spring and summer are peak times to enjoy a she shed. To keep your space cool as the weather warms, Kotite suggests bringing in a few electric fans. Tip: Place one fan in the window or door on the shady side of the shed, blowing air into the shed; place another on the sunny side of the shed, aimed to blow hot air out.