Step aside, man cave. Here come’s the she shed!
The average woman works 8 hours and 39 minutes each day. That doesn’t count the hours she clocks in at home! Tack on the time it takes to fold the laundry, wash the dishes, and tuck those kiddos into bed. That makes for a long day, most days. In this era of mental health awareness, women are realizing the need for an escape. A space to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy some peace and quiet. Therefore, we step into the age of the she shed!
What is a she shed?
A she shed is a small shed, typically located in the backyard, designed to be somewhat of an oasis for the woman of the house. Every woman has their own idea of what it means to relax, so every she shed has a unique design and function. Some common elements within the average she shed include a comfortable couch, a space to do yoga, or a quiet office/work space with a desk. I’ve even seen one with a clawfoot tub!
She sheds come in all shapes and sizes and are redefining personal space for women.
Why Build a She Shed?
Space to Escape
Amidst the busyness of today’s world, people increasingly desire private, personal space. The latest “Life at Home” study from IKEA states that 45% of Americans admit to retreating to their parked car in order to get some peace and quiet. No matter what a woman wants to do to relax, it’s evident that she is looking for a place to go. You have to admit, it’s tough to relax in a loud office, a hectic kitchen, or a messy living room. The she shed provides the space she’s been looking for to find some calm and set aside some time for herself.
The desire for a quiet, sacred place has always been present. Erika Kotite, author of She Sheds Style and She Sheds: A Room of Your Own, points out that it starts young. “It is not an accident that children seek out playhouses and tree forts and clubhouses and all those places they could call their own, where they had control over their own lives and where they had quiet, and it had meaning for them.”
Space for Stuff
Brain science tells us that clutter negatively affects our ability to focus and process information. (Personally, I didn’t need science to tell me that!) When the kids are leaving a trail of clothes, shoes, and crumbs everywhere they go, decluttering can be a 24/7 job. On top of that, where do you put everything? There’s only room for so many drawers, shelves, and tubs in the house. The she shed provides space for extra storage. Mom’s craft supplies, gardening tools, and makeup bag can all be kept out of the way and untouched!
“No matter how big your house is, it just feels like it’s not quite big enough, right?” she said. “So many women are space challenged, and that really can be detrimental to your mental health. So, my guiding light was all about helping women find their own space. And being that it is about a woman’s space and something that will bring her joy, that space needs to be as pretty as possible.”
-Erika Kotite, author of She Sheds Style and She Sheds: A Room of Your Own
Space That Adds Value
Did you know that she sheds can enhance property value? As the shed provides extra room for living and working, this can be an attractive element that adds value to your backyard landscape. Kotite says real estate agents are showing interest in the trend, highlighting she sheds in property descriptions and pointing out when backyards are big enough to accommodate one.
From beginning to end, the process of building, designing, and decorating a she shed should be an enjoyable experience. Once you’ve got a place you can go and shut the door, who knows what else you might get done!?