Jamaica Cottage Shop

Hand-crafted cottages and sheds created by Vermont artisans in the post-and-beam tradition.
DOWNLOAD SALE CATALOG

SALE ENDS 11/29

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When we ship out our cottage and shed kits, we send some extra lumber, known on our cut lists as EL. This lumber, included for fixing mistakes or replacing broken pieces, is usually not needed. Kits, stacked on a wooden pallet, include temporary bracing. After you complete building your shed kit, you will most likely have the extra lumber, temporary bracing, and the pallet leftover with nowhere to go. So why not come up with some crafty project ideas for using up your extra wood and lumber? Tossing it in a landfill is expensive and burning the wood in a firepit feels equally wasteful. We prefer the sustainable choice of repurposing the extra lumber into functional pieces of art or furniture.

Here is a slick concept for using up your leftover wood. Try making some small raised garden beds or fence posts.
Pallet lumber can be crafted into raised garden beds or used for fencing.

What Wood Will Be Left Over

Extra lumber in a typical kit will usually include several pieces of 1x4 rough cut hemlock lumber for temporary bracing and one or two 1x12 rough sawn pine boards for replacing siding. Pallets are constructed of rough sawn hemlock and are exposed to the elements as the kit is transported to its destination. The pallet usually has two runners, then several shorter pieces, laid on top of the runners perpendicularly. Thinner strips of wood are used to fill in gaps in the stacked materials to keep the entire pallet stable. These strips, also called stickers, are not needed in the construction of your kit either. You will need the temporary bracing to hold up the wall framing of your kit as you build and can also be used as a substitute for broken or missing framing pieces. In other words, don't start these craft projects until your kit is built.

Workbench made out of rough sawn hemlock lumber pallets is a crafty idea for using up your EL (extra lumber).
Workbench constructed of pallet lumber.

Super Simple Stuff

When I built my 8x8 Vermonter shed kit, I had a couple of 2x4s, and a 1x12 left over. My building partner laid a piece of 1x12 pine lumber on top of the wall beams to create a temporary shelf. The shelf comes in handy for storing gardening tools, flowerpots, and other pieces of lumber. Or chop the pine into smaller lengths and attach it to wooden or metal brackets to build a narrower shelving system.

With a quick internet search, you can find oodles of easy and small woodworking projects. One of my favorites is a candleholder built out of a 2x4 and two horseshoes attached at each end. Another woodworker crafted a small wooden planter for hanging succulents on a wall. Frames for stretching artist-grade canvases are easy to make by cutting 45-degree angles in the 1x4 lumber. Then glue them together to form a rectangle or square. Do you have a drill gun with a variety of drill bits in various sizes? You can drill holes into a 2x4 to hold pencils, pens and paint brushes.  

Intermediate Crafty Projects

For those who are more daring, there are some slightly more challenging projects you could take on. This ergonomic footrest resembles one of our shed ramps yet looks easy to achieve. I found a garment stand built by crisscrossing two pairs of 1x4 boards and attaching a closet rod. Increase the stability of the clothing rack by making a shoe shelf on the bottom with a piece of 1x12 pine. While scanning Reddit I found this excellent YouTube video of a modern take on an Adirondack chair made out of pallet wood. The final result is a piece of furniture that mixes minimalist style with a rustic aesthetic that can be stored flat. Scan Pinterest to find all kinds of art projects mixing and matching various pieces of lumber blocks together to create geometric designs.

Let Your Creativity Run Wild

Once you have your craft project constructed sand it down and add some primer and paint. Practice wood burning or hand engraving to personalize with names, drawings of cute animals and plants, or repeating patterns. Modge podge cut outs from magazines, old books, or photocopies to create a collage on your woodworking project. Since this lumber is essentially disposable you don’t have to worry about mistakes or making your final product perfect. Now is the time to experiment!  

Rustic Architectural Details

Recently one of our community members sent us photos of a barn kit they built as an addition to their home. They let us know that they did not want to waste any part of the kit. They ingeniously took apart the pallet, stained the wood, and attached the runners to their ceiling for a faux beam. With the smaller pieces of hemlock, they created matching windowsills to tie the room together. The extra pine was attached to the windows outside to create custom shutters.

This made me think about other ways you could tie your extra lumber into your building so I came up with a few more ideas. Rough sawn brackets can be fashioned to mock the post and beam framing used in the interior of your building. Build two of these to attach a small overhang over your door. Or use them to build a mailbox post. Practice carving stickers into ornate shapes and add to the trim under your roof.

  • Custom Barn Interior used as a kitchen addition
    Pallet pieces were used to create faux beams in the ceilling
  • Pallet joists were recycled into rustic window sills.
  • Left over pine siding pieces have been converted into shutters.

Conclusion

Sustainability is one of our core values so we love any opportunity to reduce, reuse and recycle. Creativity and upcycling can go hand in hand to invent new arts and crafts projects. As a result these projects can decorate your home or be given as gifts to friends and family. Have you built something interesting with your Extra Lumber? We want to see your photos!  

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10x14 Tool Shed with Pine Double Doors
Our Tool Shed is a spectacular design that could be used as a fishing gear storage shed

Over the past few decades, self-sustainability and eco-friendly habits have been growing in popularity. Learning how to grow and hunt your own food is practical and enjoyable. Fishing may be one of the best and beneficial ways to hunt for food. First of all, it is relaxing to hang out on a boat for hours on a sunny day. Secondly, fish is one of the healthiest sources of protein, and they taste great grilled up. Finally, fishing is a sport that nearly anyone can participate in. It is relatively affordable and there are a wide variety of opportunities to enjoy it - anywhere there is water!


No matter what your skill level is, it is always a good idea to make sure you organize your fishing gear. Keeping your fishing supplies accessible and tidy means more time for enjoying your favorite pastime. Imagine a frustration-free day where you can pick up your fishing line and tackle box without tripping over lawnmowers and rakes. This is very possible with some creativity.


Fishing gear storage can range anywhere from a tackle box up to a large Equipment Shed. A large shed can shelter several boats, your fishing gear, rods, tackle, bait, and anything else you might need to keep safe and sound. Here we outline a few of our products that will help fishers of any skill level keep their gear tidy.


Fishing Gear Storage for Novices 

2x4 Garden Closet is constructed of pine tongue and groove lumber
It is best to keep the Garden Closet under cover since it has a wooden top

Perhaps you are just learning the art of fishing or only go on the occasional outing. One or two fishing rods and a small tackle box might be your only fishing possessions. Or maybe storage space is a concern: You might not have a yard where you can set up a fishing shed, or you own a storage shed that is already filled to the brim. If you fit in this category, we recommend craftily organizing your gear with some of our accessories and furnishings.


We have a variety of handy racks made of all-natural, unfinished pine. Our peg rack could be used to organize fishing rods and oars. A spice rack is a useful organizational tool for storing tackle when it is not in use. The rotating tie rack, which has 24 pegs, might be a great way to sort out loose fishing lines and small ropes. Add a cedar toolbox so you can grab your favorite supplies and go.


Consider combining these accessories with our 2x4 Garden Closet to create a self-contained area to stash your fishing gear. This Garden Closet, with its double doors, has adjustable shelving on one side. The shelving is perfect for holding tackle boxes, small coolers, and life jackets. The other side is open, which makes it ideal for long items, like fishing poles, that need to be stored vertically.


Fishing Gear Storage for Hobbyists

Custom 6x4 Utility Shed being used to store winter sports equipment and gardening tools
Another 6x4 Utility Shed with battens upgrade. This post and beam shed has been stained brown

Those who find themselves casting a line nearly every weekend will need a bit more storage space. Small storage sheds can be a great way to dedicate space to your favorite hobby. A 10x4 Utility Shed can easily fit storage racks, shelving, and bins for organizing your gear. This tiny wooden shed adapts to nearly any backyard and could be used in other ways if your interest in fishing fades. Our Weston Potting Shed is a multipurpose building for work and storage. This building is enclosed on one side with double doors. The built-in workbench, located on the open side, is an exceptional place for assembling tackle.


Kayaking is growing in demand. Fishing kayaks are easily transportable on top of a car, making them a perfect watercraft for hobbyist fishers. Think about getting an Overhang Kit to add to an existing building. Build a DIY kayak rack underneath, along with a Garden Closet and storage accessories. This simple and affordable storage solution will have all of your needs covered.


Fishing Gear Storage for Fanatics

12x16 Hobby House with Overhang
This small post and beam cabin can be used for living or as a workshop.

Fishing fanatics, it's more than just a hobby, it's a way of life. They probably own one or more fishing boats and dozens of rods. A fishing pro will construct lures, harvest worms for bait, and make DIY repairs on their boats. Their space is decorated with housewares, knick-knacks, and artworks that are fishing-related, along with nets and buoys. Their significant other might not want this fishy stuff cluttering up the home or have different tastes in décor.


For this reason, a fishing fanatic will need a workshop where they can have a fishing shed sanctuary. This dream building will probably have a storage loft, workbenches, shelving, cabinets, and maybe even an overhang or enclosure add-on. It might even have electricity installed, as well as have space for a refrigerator and a grill. It could even be a small post and beam cabin set up on a lakefront property for fishing getaways.


The first building that meets all of these requirements is the Hobby House. This modest and spacious building has it all. The double doors, with a ramp, make it easy to cart a boat in and out. A workbench provides space for building custom fishing lures and woodworking for boat repairs. The loft adds handy storage, or a place to toss a mattress for sleeping. Finally, the side overhang can shelter small fishing boats when they are not in use.


Business Fishing Gear Storage Ideas

Boat repair and detailing are services that are in demand. You could set up a boat shop business, along with selling and renting fishing equipment, canoes, and kayaks for income. If you want to turn your passion into a business, think about getting one of our larger buildings. The Equipment Shed and Two Bay Garage are two designs that come to mind. These buildings contain multiple bays and offer plenty of shelter for boats, sales racks, register counters, and displays.


Conclusion

Fishing can be an enjoyable hobby or business. Either way keeping your fishing equipment organized and safe can be very beneficial. A dedicated space for your supplies will eliminate frustrations and keep everyone in your family happy. Consider your skill level and what you think your future interest in fishing will be to decide on a backyard storage shed, a lakeside cabin, or boat garage. Once you have built your shed deck it out with furnishings and dĂ©cor. Maybe even top your post and beam building with a Shark Weathervane!

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Add an overhang to a garage, barn or shed for a boat storage solution.
An overhang is a great place to store a small motorboat, rowboat or canoe.

Summer is a fun time for sailing, paddling, and zooming through the water. Even though winter may be a long way off it is a good idea to plan ahead. Protect your investment in a motorboat, sailboat, kayak, or canoe. Properly sheltering your boat in a storage shed, garage, or under an overhang will keep your ship in tip-top shape. Read on for our line-up of boat storage ideas and building designs that will keep your watercraft safe from the elements and thieves.    

Get Your Measurements

After a quick internet search, I learned that there are four classes of boats, determined by length. Our buildings work well for Class A, Class I, and Class II vessels. Class III vessels are boats that are longer than 40 feet. There are creative ways to house a Class III vessel. Multiple building kits could be constructed end to end to create a shelter that is longer for example.

To find out what building size will house your boat, you will need to take some measurements. First, measure the tip of the bow to the stern to get the overall length of your boat. Add measurements of anything attached to the front or rear that could add length to the boat. This measurement needs to include things like motors and rudders. You will probably want something longer than the boat so you have ample space to move around when cleaning or making repairs.

It is also important to consider height and width. You will want a building that is tall and wide enough to house your watercraft. Consider the rough opening for the entryway too. Will your boat fit through it? If not, buy a building that has an entryway with dimensions that work or hire a contractor to custom build your opening. Another option is to purchase a frame-only kit and add metal roofing if you want something similar to an open carport.

Now pick a building that falls into the category below that your boat will fit into.

Big Boat Storage Ideas

Shelter multiple boats with a two bay garage and overhang.
This two bay garage was modified to have a set of double doors on the gable end.

A Class II Vessel would be a boat that measures between 26 and 40 feet in length. Large personal sailboats, fishing boats, pontoons, and cabin cruisers will probably need a larger storage barn or garage for shelter. Our timber frame Two Bay Garage or box beam Equipment Shed designs would be the best choices for these types of boats.

The Two Bay Garage comes in 30- or 40-foot lengths and also comes with a loft. The loft could help store life vests, oars, cleaning supplies, and fishing equipment. With two bays this garage can be a multipurpose building, perhaps half workshop half boat storage.

The Equipment Shed comes in lengths up to 48 feet long and with three or four bays. Perhaps one bay could store your boating accessories, smaller boats like kayaks or dinghies, or other vehicles. For these longer boats, you may need to custom build an entryway on the gable end, with the help of a contractor.

Medium Boat Storage Ideas

Here is a good boat storage idea: Get a Hobby House, it comes with an overhang and a spacious interior.
This sturdy workshop includes a 6x16 lean-to overhang, double doors with a treated ramp and barn sash windows.

A Class I Vessel category includes boats that measure between 16 and 26 feet in length. Medium-sized fishing boats, family-sized sailboats, long canoes, catamarans, runabouts, and other motorboats will probably fall under this category, or sometimes one of the other categories. For Class I boats we recommend the 16-foot-wide Barn, Hobby House, or Barn Garage.

The 16-foot-wide One Bay Garages are spacious and will probably offer enough room for you to clean and touch up your boat. The pre-cut kit is available in sizes 20 to 30 feet long. This post and beam barn also comes with a loft, and loft ladder, for storing fishing gear, cleaning supplies, buoys, and other boating equipment.

The Hobby House, while a little narrower, also comes with a storage loft. The built-in workbench keeps your cleaning supplies and tools nearby while you are detailing your boat. I love this design because it also comes with a lean-to overhang. Install a DIY kayak rack underneath for quick access to your smaller boats. Nail racks to the siding for oars and fishing rods.

If you need something compact and budget-friendly the Barn Garage is a good choice. This post and beam one bay garage design comes with an overhead garage door. This post and beam garage comes in sizes up to 30-feet long. It is purchasable as a pre-cut kit or, if you do not want to build, a fully assembled prefab shed.

Tiny Boat Storage Ideas

The 8x12 Dollhouse
Move your boat in and out of your storage shed with the treated ramp and solid pine double doors.

If your boat is under 16 feet in length it is considered a Class A Vessel. This class includes dinghies, kayaks, small sailboats, paddleboats, skiffs, and personal watercraft like jet skis. With this category you can probably use just about any of our buildings as boat storage, but here are a few of our favorites.    

The New Yorker is an affordable storage shed that is for sale as a kit or prefab storage shed, up to 20-feet long. This simple, no-frills design is budget-friendly. Building the kit is pretty easy for nearly any skill level. For those located within our in-house delivery range, we offer an economy line of New Yorkers. These pre-built sheds are delivered by one of our drivers. 

Our Gable sheds, for sale in lengths up to 24-feet long, are like the New Yorker. Both designs come built with double doors on the gable end. However, they have some other design features that make it stand out a little more. Besides the doors, two hinged barn sash windows and a wood louvered vent are installed in the pine board and batten siding.

If you want something with a little more pizazz our larger Dollhouse sheds, come with a set of pine double doors on the gable end. The side dormer with a narrow side door, hinged windows, and the steep roof provides a quaint style to make this building look like it is something out of a fairytale. You could upgrade the siding and/or roofing to Red Cedar shingles, which is recommended when building near large bodies of water.

We also sell enclosures, overhangs, and porches as pre-cut kits that attach to most of our designs. These narrow add-ons are perfect for creating extra boat storage space if you use your shed, garage, or barn for other purposes. Overhang and porches provide quick and convenient access, while the enclosure adds siding to keep your boat securely hidden away.

Boat Shed Accessories and Storage Ideas

Weathervanes have been used for centuries to detect the direction of wind.
Top your boat storage shed with a nautical themed weathervane like this shark.

Now that you have decided on your post and beam boat shelter, you are going to want a place to store all of your boating gear. We offer plenty of storage and furnishings to help you organize these odds and ends. Our Pellet Box would be a great place to keep things like life vests, cleaning supplies, and ropes safe and dry. The 2x4 Garden Closet has room enough to store fishing rods on one side. The adjustable shelves could store bait kits, towels, and other cleaning tools. Our 5-foot-wide ski rack or pine curtain rod brackets are helpful for organizing oars. Browse our storage and furnishings category for more ideas. As a bonus, finish of your boat barn with a racing sloop or shark weathervane.

Conclusion

By far, boating is one of the most popular summer activities. Between seasons, it is critical to protect your boat from harsh weather conditions. Wood, fiberglass, and carpet are materials that are vulnerable to snow, rain, and wind. Having a boat storage shed where your boat can be maintained, cleaned, and detailed is also ideal. Picking the best shelter for your boat size will help you determine which building will work best for you. Consider the extra gear that needs to be stashed away to pick out storage furnishings or additions to your shed. When you are done send us photos of your amazing boat barn build.

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A 12x16 Home Office built with live edge pine siding and skinned hemlock porch posts. building was set up at a campground.
This Home Office was set up at a campground. Live-edge Adirondack Pine siding and Skinned Hemlock Porch Posts add to the rustic, woodsy style.

Summer is here and undoubtedly is the best time get outdoors and go camping. Nothing beats breathing in the fresh air, being woken up to songbirds singing, and falling asleep to crickets chirping and owls hooting. Roasting marshmallows next to a roaring fire is a must when you are on a camping trip. Setting up a perfect site for cabin camping can enhance the overall outdoors experience.

Many people have purchased plots of land in the woods so they have a spot to escape from big city life. Others are building a permanent cabin or home. They need a comfortable place to relax while waiting for completion of a larger project. Campgrounds know that investing in small cabins is a good idea. They can be rented out to campers who lack the most basic piece of equipment: a tent. This collection of ideas will help you plan your campsite for maximum comfort and fun.

The Benefits of Cabin Camping

While tent camping can be very appealing for many people there are multiple reasons why cabin camping might be a better choice. These reasons usually fall into one of three categories: convenience, comfort, and money.

Convenience & Fun

Some people might be dipping their toes into the camping experience. They might not know where to start. Purchasing equipment can be expensive. Or they may lack space to store tents, sleeping bags, and firewood at home. Staying in a cabin it allows them to pack light for a quick and easy trip. Without having to worry about learning how to set up the site they can spend their vacation having fun. More time can be spent going on hikes, horseback rides, boating, swimming, and socializing around a campfire.

Luxury & Comfort

Others may choose cabin camping because their comfort level does not tolerate tent camping. They want protection with four walls and a roof. Screened windows keep mosquitos away, and solid wood walls keep bears away. A strong metal roof prevents clothing and linens from getting soaked much better than a tent will. Plumbing and electricity can be permanently installed in a cabin to amplify the amenities.  A camping season can extend into colder months. Build a three- or four-season cabin with insulation and set it up with a woodstove for heat.

Saving & Making Money

Finally, some love cabin camping because it is usually less expensive than a hotel rental. It is certainly cheaper than buying all of the necessary gear when camping for just a weekend. Save money on apartment rentals or hotel fees, if you are building a larger home, with a prefab cabin. Later on, you could resell your portable cabin. Or use it as an accessory dwelling unit or storage shed for personal use. Our small cabins and cottages are also used to earn income. Many rent them out through Airbnb to travelers.

 

How to Set Up the Perfect Camp Site

Your campsite, whether it is for a campground or your land, should meet basic needs. These needs include a place to sleep and a way to prepare meals. Here we are going to outline some of our most popular camp buildings, things that are a must-have, and other bonus recommendations that will make your camping experience extra special.

Setting the Scene

First, you are going to need to pick an area based on what you want the environment to be. Do you want your cabin nestled in the woods under some shady trees, or on a sunny, open field? Is it going to be near water or on a sloped piece of land? Once you have decided on a dry, flat spot you will level the ground and prepare your building site with a gravel foundation or set up concrete piers. Make sure you have room for a firepit and place it at least 20 feet away from your wooden post and beam cabins.

The Best Camping Buildings

Any of our post and beam buildings, including our sheds, can be used in a campsite setting. Here are few designs that we love for a rustic glamping wood cabin setup.

Camp Alcove

Those who want an authentic camping experience will enjoy the Camp Alcove. This three-sided lean-to features a front overhang extension and a built-in bench for resting. The saltbox-style roofline directs rainfall toward the back of the building keeping campers dry. The alcove creates a shady spot to relax and eat a meal in the shade. Adventurous campers will lay their sleeping bags out on the floor, or on a bench, so they can enjoy the stars as they fall asleep.

For complete protection consider purchasing one of our Bunkhouses. This prefab cabin with a porch also comes with a built-in bunk bed and a loft. The over-the-porch loft with a ladder and a small barn-sash hinged window is an ideal sleeping spot for a child or stash less used supplies up above. Memory foam or air mattresses can be placed on the bunks for a soft sleeping spot.

4x8 Weekender firewood storage shed

Finally, we recommend the Weekender, a useful structure for those who are glamping, tent camping, or even rolling in with an RV or trailer. This multifunctional woodshed helps keep your site tidy and your essentials close by and protected. The open side is meant for keeping firewood dry so you can buy in bulk and save money. An enclosed side, with double pine doors, can be used to store grilling tools and equipment, coolers, a weed wacker, shovels, rakes, backpacks, and water toys.

Other Campsite Essentials

Now that you have selected your site, and built your glamping wood cabin, you can finish out the setting with these necessary items. A campsite without a campfire is just depressing. This is a top priority, otherwise, you might have to eat cold hot dogs, and go to sleep as soon as the sun sets. Build a firepit or outdoor stone fireplace nearby. A picnic table can be helpful for preparing meals and as additional seating. If you do not have a campsite with a bathroom, consider adding an outhouse, or setting up sheds with a composting toilet and off-grid showers.

Other nice to have, but less mandatory, items might include electricity, and running water. Many people can get by without these things. Bring in jugs of water for drinking and washing. There are hundreds of solar-powered gadgets that can assist with lighting, sound, battery packs, etc. Others might need their creature comforts (grid electricity, wi-fi, and traditional plumbing) to feel less anxious and disconnected from the outside world.

The Camper Collection Building Plans Bundle
Learn how to build a bunk house, lean-to and firewood storage shed with this bundle of DIY plans.

Are you excited to start setting up your campsite now? We created a discounted bundle of our favorite camp building plans called the Camper Collection. This bundle features the three designs discussed above. Our do-it-yourself plans come with a cut list, rafter templates, diagrams, and detailed written instructions for each step of the building process. There is no wrong way to set up your campsite but we hope these tips have helped. Let us know if you have other ideas or want to share photos of your campsite.

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Writer's Haven Garden
YOUR GUIDE TO DESIGNING THE PERFECT SHE SHED

She sells she sheds by the shore. No! She sells she sh… What does she sell again? Well, it may be the seashells that she sells, but it is a she shed that you want. And while the shore is not an option, you still have your backyard where you can install a perfect little hideaway for you and your thoughts exclusively. Ok, maybe not exclusively. An occasional guest now and then is welcome. All you need to do now is win the war against your partner over who gets the spot in the garden. Have they caved already? Good. Let’s begin.

What’s the Plan? 

Before you start building the perfect she shed, you need to decide what you will be doing in there. The main idea is to have a tranquil space for you to enjoy your hobby. Is it going to be a reading nook? A yoga or art studio? A space for gardening? Or maybe a home office? Now, when many people must work remotely, this is an ideal solution to distance yourself from your home and manage to keep your private and professional lives separate. If you will be using the space year round it may be a good idea to set up for four season use with insulation. When you know the purpose of this space, you can design it accordingly. 

Steps for Building Your Sanctuary

After you have reached the verdict regarding the activities that will be going down in your woman-cave, two options present themselves. If you have a derelict structure in your garden, you might want to repurpose it. An old kid’s playhouse or a tool shed can quickly and easily become your cozy little slice of heaven. You just need to pack all you find inside and get it out of sight. A fresh coat of paint, some structural work to make it safe, and you’re all set.

Alternatively, you may want to start from scratch and build an entirely new she shed. You can even use a pre-cut kit. There are many different designs to choose from such as a storybook cottage in the woods vibe to more modern solutions. If you opt for a DIY approach, here are the steps for building a perfect she shed:

  1. Build a sturdy foundation – A properly built foundation will keep moisture away and keep your building level. Look at our Site Preparation guidelines for the best shed foundation practices. 
  2. Build your shed – Our complete kits come with everything needed to construct your build from the ground up. Most designs include framing, flooring, siding, roofing, doors, and barn sash windows.
  3. Or buy pre-built – Use our online shed configurator, or work with a designer, to conveniently order your dream she shed delivered to your site.
  4. Add a coat of paint – This is when the real fun begins. Paint your shed in light colors. White is always a classic, but pastel tones are a beautiful soothing feminine option.

Time to Decorate the Interior

Surely you have collected a pile of interior design magazines, and your head is already bursting with she shed design ideas. Although these magazines feature high-end designs, you don’t have to splurge to create a similar effect. All you need is a bit of time and effort. Firstly, think about the furniture you already possess. Perhaps you can refresh the color, refurbish and make it look as good as new. Additionally, flea markets and antique shops are a treasure trove of inexpensive vintage items. They are also a gold mine of decorating ideas.

This she shed was cleverly decorated with wall paper applied to the ceiling, walls and floor. A plastic lining covers the floor to protect the paper.

It’s important to keep in mind, though, that a she shed is not exactly abundant in space. Therefore, keep the clutter to the minimum and plan carefully what you want and where you want it. If this will be your space for entertaining, it’s a good idea to equip it with a mini-fridge, set of glasses, etc. When it comes to decorating, there are no rules. You are free to do whatever makes you happy. Just remember, a she shed is there to provide a space for relaxation, dreams, and inspiration.

8x12 Dollhouse with roof color upgrade and flower boxes.

Have Fun With the Exterior

With your structure finished and painted both inside and outside, it’s time you decorated the exterior. You want to make it inviting and welcoming. You can do this by surrounding it with greenery, which will also add to the secluded atmosphere. Climbing vines or ivy are a fantastic choices to achieve a rustic look and cozy feel. The abundance of plants will make the spot feel tranquil, and taking care of plants is always good for the soul. Use pea gravel for the path to your she shed, and add flower pots alongside it.

Moreover, setting up an outdoor patio is an excellent idea. It will be a magical place for a girls’ night in summer. A hammock, a porch swing, a couple of chairs and a small table is all you need. Maybe a fire pit, too, for when the nights get colder. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with decorating. Flower boxes, or an old bike as a flowerpot holder is a whimsical detail that will transform your she shed’s exterior. An old wooden ladder, painted, of course, is another pot holder solution.

Enjoy the Final Result

Reasons for building a perfect she shed are manifold. If you are a mom with a busy daily schedule, this is your escape to tranquility. If you have recently moved in with your partner, this is an ideal way to ease the transition by having your space. Perhaps you have a hobby that requires a special area, such as painting or gardening. Or you want to establish some boundaries between your home life and your work life. Whatever the reason, enjoy the process of creating something that will be yours—space where you can have some quality time with your thoughts. 

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Home Workout Space in your cottage, shed or garage

Space Saving Home Gym Set Up

Now more than ever people across the globe are looking for ways to implement a home workout routine. For those with limited space we have compiled a list of space saving workout equipment ideas that are perfect for use in tiny homes, cottages or even shed-to-gym conversions. 

When setting up a home gym you will want to consider workout tools that will fit the space best and will provide you with a well rounded workout. Will you want to focus on cardio, flexibility, strength, or a mix? Do you have a spare room or garage that you can set up in? Installing gym equipment in a shed or small cottage is a great way to create a backyard workout space without cluttering up your home with dumb bells, yoga mats and jump ropes.

Ab Roller

An ab roller is designed to work on your body’s midsection. This piece of equipment requires minimal space on the floor. All the space you need is the size of your body laying down. 

 

For your cottage, you’ll want to choose a stable ab roller that doesn’t wobble or shake when you exercise. Also, the ab roller you choose should have cushioned grips, so you can easily move the roller without damaging your hands.

 

Door Pull up Bar

Are you into pull-ups? A door pull up bar fits snugly in a door jamb, no floor space needed. It does not need you to attach it to the door with screws. The device can be set up and removed within seconds. It also has a non-slip grip making it great for abs and upper body workouts.

 

Pilates Core Set

You can use this set to practice Pilates in the comfort of your home. Combine it with fitness apps and YouTube videos to maximize your workouts. A typical set comes with a small soft over the ball, resistance band, and resistance ring. It can be used by people who are starting a workout or those who already have a fitness routine. Pilates is a very efficient way to work out combining stretching, cardio and strength. Add a yoga mat and you may not need anything else. 

 

Suspension System Trainer

If you are looking for a strong core, a suspension system trainer is a good choice. It comes with a mount to attach to a door. Open your door, attach the straps on one side and the rectangular pad on the other side, and close the door. It is a convenient pop-up gym you can use anywhere.

 

There are different models of suspension system trainers. Some have more features than others. The basic models will allow you to tone your lower body, upper body, and abs. There are a plethora of exercises you can do using a suspension system trainer. The best thing is that you can save it and you’ll barely notice it’s there!

 

Dumb Bells for your Shed Gym

Adjustable Dumbbell

An adjustable dumbbell allows you to progress by adding more weights as your body starts to tone, without additional weights and bars. You can increase weights by around 4-pound increments. Typically, the maximum weight is usually around 50 pounds, which is mostly for intense workouts. It is a piece of space-saving gym equipment you can use to build and tone muscle in all areas of your body.

 

Balance Board

Just as the name suggests, the balance board is designed to focus on improving your balance. Take note it is also good for toning your body. Most balance boards have a non-slip surface. You can use the board on most floors. However, if you have a wooden floor, you can place a mat underneath the board to avoid denting your floor. Alternatively, you can use it on the carpet.

 

The balance board is one of the least strenuous gym equipment you can use in limited space. On the downside, it is not something you can do many workouts with. Apart from toning your body while improving your balance, you can use it to do squats to make your workout more challenging.

 

Conclusion

There’s no reason you can’t exercise in your cottage or cabin without taking up precious space. There’s a great number of versatile gym equipment tools you can use that take up minimal space and can help you reach your fitness goals in the comfort of your own home.

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