“Move over “man caves,” we need room for our “she sheds.”

Man caves as a concept have been around for ages–not quite back to the time of cave dwelling, but they have been a feature of suburban living for quite some time. But the concept of having one’s own space, a place for solitude and a place to create, unwind, relax, and do pretty much whatever the hell you want, really shouldn’t just be the purview of men. And while I think we all would prefer gender-neutral terms, the reality is that overworked and overstressed women deserve their own peaceful place to relax and de-stress. That’s where the “she shed” comes in. At its core, she sheds are really just the latest home design trend to capitalize on the idea that women want (*need*) a space to call their own too.

The man cave is a thing of the basement or the garage, but she sheds are a creature of the backyard. It’s a space away from the rest of the house–just far enough away to not hear the calls of “MOM?!”, but close enough in case you are actually needed.  She sheds don’t literally have to be sheds either. Sure, transforming a shed (greenhouse, unused playhouse, or what have you) into a blissful backyard hideaway is a great way to create your own space, but a building a gazebo, treehouse, screenhouse, pergola, or some other structure would work just fine as well.

The idea is to create a retreat and the sky is pretty much the limit with how you do it. Convert an existing structure or build a new one. It’s all about what will work for you.

3 Tips for Getting Started Creating Your Own She Shed

1. Determine the function of your space.

What will the purpose of your space be? Home office? Yoga retreat? Reading nook? Artist studio? All of the above? Your intended use of the space will help guide you in converting and designing your dedicated space.

2. Convert or Build?

If you already have an unused backyard structure, it may be a no-brainer to simply convert it into a comfy backyard getaway. If you don’t have an existing structure, then you know you will have to construct one.

3. Repurpose Decor and Design

Whether you convert or build a structure, repurpose where you can for your design and decor. Pallets can be used to make a fence around your she shed to give more privacy and a little love can turn a thrift shop table into a chic desk.

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Image: Pretty garden shed via Shutterstock

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Outdoor living is definitely something to enjoy, but it’s actually good for your health too. Backyard designs can make it easier and more enticing to spend time outside.

When spring and summer come around, it’s time to turn your attention to the great outdoors. After the long, cold winter most of us are dying to get outside to soak up the rays, lounge in a hammock, congregate around the firepit and more. But it’s more than just fun.

According to the Harvard Health Letter, there are very real benefits to both our physical and mental health from spending time outside. From better concentration to decreased risk of everything from “osteoporosis to cancer to depression to heart attacks and stroke,” the benefits of outdoor living and experiencing nature are all around a boon to our health.

It can be difficult though for many of us to make the time to get outside–what with work during the week and errands and other responsibilities on the weekend–that’s why it helps to create an inviting and magical backyard that beckons you whenever you have the free time. Making a desirable enchanting outdoor living space will certainly entice you to get out and enjoy it more–you can take your laptop outside and work just as easily as sitting inside and working. Not to mention having a great outdoor living space will make yours the most popular destination amongst your friends.

Here are 7 great backyard designs for creating a magical outdoor living oasis:

1. Let There be Lights – Adding mason jar lanterns can instantly  turn your backyard into an inviting space for evening entertaining. Or use an old chandelier filled with solar lights.
2. Summer Cabana – If you have full sun all day long, consider adding an easy backyard cabana like the one in this tutorial. We all need a little Vitamin D, but too much sun can be a bad thing.
3. Wrap-a-round Tree Bench – And for those who are handy with woodworking, how about adding a bench around a tree(s)? It can offer seating for the lazy days of summer and can make your backyard a great place for get-togethers.
4. DIY Fire Pit – A fire pit is a must-have for backyard summertime entertaining. Just add marshmallows!
5. Must-Have Hammock – No magical backyard could be complete without a hammock for lazy afternoons. Even if you don’t have a tree, build your own from one of these tutorials.
6. Outdoor Bar – An outdoor bar is definitely a plus to creating a fun and relaxing space. Try this DIY salvaged wood and pipe bar station or this one made from pallets.
7. Secret Garden – Plant a ring of sunflowers now for a mid-summer flower hideaway.

Resources: http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Health_Letter/2010/July/a-prescription-for-better-health-go-alfresco?utm_source=mental&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=health0710

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Image:  Paul Sayer

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