The She Shed

Men have always insisted they need their space for Private Men’s Business. The Den, the Man Cave, the Pool Room, the garage ­– with women and children relegated to the rest of the house!

Well, not anymore. Introducing the ‘She Shed’

Sweeping the nation

Image Source: Lighter Side of Real Estate

No longer the domain of the hairy ones, women can now have THEIR own space (complete with lockable door) to pursue their interests. I’m not talking about a little nook in the lounge room for their porcelain ornaments or the kitchen but a four-walled structure in the back yard. I’m talking about She Sheds.

A She Shed can be anything you want it to be. A music studio, writing den, sewing room, pottery barn, spa retreat, painting studio, ANYTHING your imagination can come up with. The beauty of a She Shed is you can have as many art works or fragrant candles burning and no-one can tell you the house smells like the perfume counter at David Jones. It can be your relaxation retreat without having to leave the house. Yes, the She Shed is great.

On a more serious note, She Sheds are practical. With more women working from home, (the study is already packed with the kids’ computers and homework) a She Shed is the perfect home office – one you don’t have to share. But here’s the bonus: it can be so much more than just a practical office space.

The marriage saver

I have an associate who runs her own business from home. A great move as she is constantly ferrying kids from school and sport and being at home she can keep an eye on the kids after school. Sounds perfect right? Home/life balance achieved. However, her husband also works from home. While they are a great couple, their businesses couldn’t be more different. She loves to listen to music while she works, he has cables and computers littering the floor. On top of that clash, they SHARED a desk. It was creating tension and both businesses were suffering. So, they decided to wear a business cost and save their work/life balance. After researching the costs and measuring out the backyard, they hired a professional to construct the framework and then rolled up their sleeves and set about creating a small yet perfect space, complete with electricals, window and even a little verandah.  A few weeks later, the cabin was up and a marriage harmonious once more.

You’re only limited by your imagination

Image Source: Oddee.com

Here are some creative ideas from women around the world.

As you can see, you can personalise it to suit your space, budget and needs.

Value added

From a real estate point of view, She Sheds are a sound investment. For example, spending $10,000 on a top-notch space can add a LOT more when your property is on the market. A wider demographic will be attracted and your property could sell for more.

And once business is done for the day….

Image Source: Lighter Side of Real Estate

I forgot to mention, She Sheds also make a great after-hours relaxing retreat (sitting on the verandah with a cold glass of wine) once the kids are tucked in bed…

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