You've heard of the man cave, now meet the she shed

Steven Sabados shows how to transform your backyard shed into a personal oasis.

CBC Life · Posted: Jan 24, 2018 2:51 PM EST | Last Updated: January 24, 2018

Steven Sabados has designed his fair share of man caves, but he thinks their sister structure, she sheds, need to become more common. The idea has been around for years, but is gaining traction lately, so here is everything you need to know to turn a basic backyard shed into a crave-worthy retreat.

Contrary to its name, the she shed is not just for women. It's a quiet space that allows you to embrace a hobby or favourite pastime that you may not have room for inside your home. It gives you the chance to get away from the house for an hour and do something that makes you happy. Solitude, recreation, or just a place to relax, whatever you crave, build this space with the things you love in mind.

If you have a shed already, Steven suggests that you get in some early spring cleaning so that by the time the warm weather rolls around, your shed is ready to be transformed for your own use. If not, then you'll have to buy your shed, which you can expect to be an investment of close to $1000 for the actual structure, but pre-spring sales might help you get a better deal.

The walls

You'll want to create a pretty interior that is a reflection of you, starting with the walls. You can transform plain panelling with MDF wood panelling to add a nice textured touch. A 4 foot by 8 foot sheet only costs about $40, so it's a good material to rely on. Choose colours and finishes that you love — this is your retreat after all!

Surround yourself with nature

Because you're out in nature, embrace it! Push this concept even further by surrounding your shed with tall grasses, vines, and window boxes full of flowers. Create a tranquil feel that will establish this as a calm place where you can have some 'me time'. Decorate with plants, freshly picked flower arrangements, and natural fibres.

Frugal furniture

It's important to take nature into account when filling the shed with furniture. Shed pieces will take more wear and tear that the inside of your house because it isn't insulated. So fill it with consignment and flea market finds, like this great settee from consignment store, Of Things Past, and this vinyl chair that looks like leather. Pulling together this space should not be about spending lots of money, so look to consignment shops, flea markets and antique shops for unexpected and unique finds.

Layers for texture

Create softness in the room through layers. Layer texture not colour — this space is all neutral which brings a sense of calm, while rustic and natural materials, especially the flooring, keeps the space from being delicate or unusable.

Showcase your hobbies

Make sure to style your shed as a reflection of yourself. As your interests and tastes change, update your shed to reflect them. No one is popping by unless invited in, so fill it with crafts, hobbies and other pastimes that you love to spend time with.

Get some rest

If your shed is big enough, you can even add a hammock to relax and read in. With a few finishing touches, soon your shed will be so comfortable you won't want to go back in the house!