If you had a shed in your backyard, what would you use it for? Do you have a specific vision already in mind or are you to open to the possibilities?
Village Media spoke to Mike from Heritage Home Hardware in Sault Ste. Marie to find out everything you need to know about the perfect backyard shed and how to outfit it.
Where a shed was once simply about storage—a place to store your lawnmower and hang a rake or a shovel—that’s no longer the case. Now you’re only limited by your imagination in what you can do with this valuable space.
A shed allows you to increase the amount of living space you have and perhaps even solve a problem or two.
Do you need a quiet space away from the hustle and bustle inside to work from home? Have you always dreamed of having a little cabin in the woods that you can retreat to just to read, write or nap? Could you use a few vacation vibes at home and want a space you can hang out with a friend in, enjoy a drink and escape it all?
No matter what kind of space you’re envisioning, you’ll need:
- Great lighting
- A fresh coat of paint
- Thoughtful decorating
To get started, think about your decor statement and choose your ideal materials, style and details. The following ideas might help.
Kid space: The Beehive
Everyone loves a good theme—especially kids— and nothing helps tie a space together better than a smart, cohesive decorating plan. Whether the little ones in your life will use the shed as a playhouse or a fort, starting with an overarching theme will help create a memorable space they will love.
One fun idea is to build a beehive of sorts, outfitted with adorable bee-themed decor. The whimsical nature theme lends itself perfectly to an outdoor structure meant exclusively for kids.
Home office/studio
Why not incorporate some natural elements into your office space and include a few pieces that would look right at home in any garden? Play with texture and use wood, wicker and stone in your setup; they are always in style, are pleasingly tactile and work well together visually.
Imagine how productive you’ll be in a quiet space that is removed from all of the hubbub of home. You can make it your own with these rustic-modern accents.
Vacation vibes
If you love the idea of a mini getaway, create a space that gives you the feeling of being away. You could decorate your shed to feel like you’re in (or on the grounds of) a favourite hotel, at a beachfront property or in a lakeside cabin. With the right accessories, it’s easy to feel as if you’ve been transported far, far away from your everyday responsibilities.
For your bespoke vacation retreat, be sure to include cosy throw cushions, a glamorous bar cart, and even a charming electric stove.
Spa/Wellness retreat
Make it easier to indulge in some much-needed self-care with your own year-round spa, lounge or wellness retreat. Banish stress in this quiet space that has been decorated in the style that soothes you the most, whether that’s minimalist Scandi-chic or opulent maximalism. This she-shed can be just for you or a treat that you share with your nearest and dearest.
Think all-season
Best of all, today’s multifunctional sheds can be outfitted for year-round enjoyment. To ensure that you can use this space in comfort all year long, you’ll need electrical and internet service. Be sure to get the applicable permits from your local municipality before you arrange to have any utilities installed.
Here in Canada, insulation and climate control are key. Thankfully, they’re also relatively easy to install. Continuing on the theme of comfort, for year-round use you might want to consider a small portable air conditioner.
A step-by-step guide
- Install the electrical: It is best to have a professional do this step.
- Add insulation: Blanket insulation is recommended—look for something that is 15” wide and 3 ½” thick—then cut it into lengths that fit between the studs. Make sure that when you handle insulation, you always wear protective clothing, covered shoes, safety glasses, a mask and gloves.
- Attach a vapour barrier: For a shed to be heated and usable year-round, you will need to install a vapour barrier for the walls. Keep in mind that in colder climates, the vapour barrier needs to be installed on the warm side of the wall.
- Caulk all seams: Be sure to seal all of the seams of the vapour barrier with caulking, paying special attention to where it meets both the floor and the ceiling of the shed.
- Staple the vapour barrier into place: Secure the vapour barrier in place by using a staple gun. Place staples along all interior studs and corners.
- Tape all seams: To seal any draft gaps in your newly installed vapour barrier, use sheathing tape. Make sure to do this around any electrical boxes as well.
- Raise the walls: To complete work on a budget, use low-density fibreboard for your walls. To install them, start with the ceiling and make sure that the ends of the sheets fall at the centre of the studs. Once the fibreboard is up, it’s time to prime and sand.
- Add your finishing touches: This is the fun part, where you paint the walls your favourite colour and add in any personalized details to make the space feel like your own. For inspiration, check out Home Hardware’s range of paint and accessories, home decor, indoor lighting and furniture.
For more creative shed decor ideas, visit Heritage Home Hardware or call 705-759-5101.