Garden sheds are often thought of as toolsheds and storage for the forgotten past. But they don’t always have to be that way. You can make your garden house into a sanctuary right in your own backyard. You can turn it into a private spa, a meditation room or an arts and crafts studio so you can de-stress and indulge yourself whenever you want to. Or, if the usual executive office in a downtown building just doesn’t suit you, you might want to change that shed into your work station with a view.
To further inspire you in thinking of what to do with that small building in the backyard, here are some ideas that are not so common, but are not so impossible, either.
As A Spa
Your own spa in the garden? Why not? If the space is quite limited, it can simply be made into a detached spa bath that’s adorned with crawling vines on the outside. Or, maybe you can turn the whole structure into a sauna or a steam room if a bath isn’t possible. If, on the other hand, you’re blessed with a spacious shed and would like to have luxury without leaving the comfort of your home, add a massage bed so you can simply call a home massage service.
As A Fitness Room
Those who own a treadmill or some sort of fitness equipment almost always have the problem of storage. Even if they use the equipment everyday, they still find it obstructive. It just doesn’t seem to fit anywhere – in the living room, bedroom, family room, garage, etc. Your old garden shed, particularly if it has a generous space, will be excellent as a personal gym.
If you’re into dancing, yoga or pilates, however, you can also make that old shed in your property into a mini studio. And it would be even greater if your shed already has a nice wood floor. You can gradually invest in a good sound system for the ultimate experience.
As An Arts Studio
It doesn’t matter if you’re hooked on arts and crafts as a profession or as a hobby. Turning a shed into your studio will keep the clutter from your main house and also help keep you focused, inspired and happy. This goes for those into painting, sculpture, embroidery, music, writing, film, photography and whatever type of art.
Install built-in shelves, cabinets, pegs and other organisers tailored according to your specific needs. This will make you feel even more that the place is yours to work in. It will give you more freedom to express what you want.
As A Home Office
If you’re working from home but having a hard time balancing household chores and work deadlines, a detached home office may be the solution. You’re still at home, but you do have this space all to yourself. What’s more, it’s right smack in the middle of your romantic garden. This is an excellent idea for writers, teachers and consultants. If you’re an executive who has the luxury of choosing to work out of the office a twice a week or so, you might want to consider this as an alternative to that cold concrete space in the city’s business district.
Indeed, garden sheds don’t always have to be those shabby storage rooms in the neglected corner of your property. Explore these ideas and, with a little creativity, you’ll be able to find a good function and design that will fit your own health, lifestyle or interest.
Raquel Merc has mainly contributed about travel and lifestyle. But she’s also started writing a variety of articles on home management and parenting since becoming a mother in 2010. Among her recent works feature ideas and insights on food, home organisers, and garden sheds.
Mike says
Having a nice garden shed in your backyard allows for so many ways to use it…
Calvin J. Wilson says
There have also been extensive studies done around the world on the health benefits of a swimming pool and spa. The benefits of hydrotherapy, whether in a swimming pool, or in a spa, are wide-spread.