She Spaces

Tea in the Garden

Darlene Freeman Payne

 

Purchased as a retirement gift for herself three years ago, Darlene Freeman Payne’s she shed pays homage to two of her favorite pastimes: gardening and having tea.

“This beautiful shed is housed in my backyard, surrounded by garden beds and cozy spaces that are beautiful during the spring and summer months,” shares Payne. “It looks like a little tea house inside. I placed two round tables and chairs inside to have tea parties, lunches, and gatherings with family and friends, and it doubles as my tea business when I have pop-up sales.”

At just 160 square feet, Payne’s she shed is charmingly compact, but it also functions as a livable space.

“I hired contractors to wire it for electric, and it’s insulated with walls and flooring just like a typical home,” says Payne. “Most of the décor used is from thrift stores and things that I had around my house that needed to be repurposed.”

Payne describes her shed’s style as “girly, girly” with touches of modern farmhouse décor. Her favorite pieces include a stunning teapot collection, a Christmas tree that stays decorated all year long, and a TV, small sofa, and electric fireplace, perfect for curling up on a cozy night.

Payne isn’t the only one who has fallen in love with the charm of the shed. When her 11-year-old neighbor finally had the chance to peek inside, she instantly fell in love and asked if she could celebrate her next birthday there with a tea party.

“Last July, I hosted Kennedy’s 12th birthday party inside the tea shed. Her mother is a professional chef, and she catered all the food,” says Payne. “Kennedy’s party was the talk of the neighborhood. Her mother hired a professional photographer that took beautiful pictures of the shed and my beautiful garden spaces. It brought me joy to do something so special for such a special little girl. She will be a forever friend and super fan of the she shed!”

For Payne, her little tea shed is her happy place, a quiet evening retreat where its dusk-to-dawn lights showcase its beauty even after the sun goes down.

And for those looking to create a she shed of their own, Payne advises: “Go for it! You will never regret making a beautiful extension of your home.”

Rusty Gold Garden Shed

Jackie Collins

 

Before the phrase “she shed” was even a household term, Jackie Collins created the gardening shed of her dreams in the summer of 2012.

“My aim was to create a simple space where I could keep my tools, pots, and other garden paraphernalia, with a design that would make it special for me,” says Collins. “Like many people, I took inspiration for its creation from garden magazines, home shows on television, and my own imagination.”

At 16 by 16 feet with salvaged windows and an antique door, the charming structure blends practicality with personality, offering Collins a peaceful retreat just steps from her garden.

“When the project began and stakes were placed for the garden shed, I thought it needed to be expanded, so I found myself saying, ‘It needs to be larger,’” says Collins. “Before too long, I found myself looking at the markers from our deck and thinking, ‘What have I done?’ But, go big or go home, right? I love the size now, and looking back, I wouldn’t have done it any other way.”

Collins’ husband, Mitch, helped bring her dream shed to life, building work tables, creating built-in shelves, and installing antique windows that she found locally. The space is finished with interior lap siding and rustic pine floors, as well as Collins’ favorite detail: an antique double sink found in the basement of her in-law’s home.

“I knew the minute I saw the sink sitting there that I wanted it to be a focal point in my garden shed. It is something I use all the time,” she adds.

While the shed goes unused during the winter season, seasonal garden days call for flinging open the barn and main doors, allowing Collins to come and go as she pleases.

“My most treasured moments in the space are when I can simply sit and think about the flowers I will plant in the garden and the design elements I will implement for the current season,” shares Collins. “I have filled my garden shed with what I like to call rusty gold, watering cans, and other garden-related things to surround myself with the things I love, which helps keep me inspired.”

Now, the shed brings her even more joy as she looks forward to sharing it with loved ones.

“I have waited many years to become a grandmother and it finally happened last summer,” finishes Collins. “I am looking forward to spending many wonderful days with her and hope that she will enjoy the garden shed as her own little playhouse, and that it will inspire her to create her own space one day.”

Creating in Creation

Victoria Whitmire

 

After years of throwing pottery in small corners of her home or crowded studios, Victoria Whitmire knew it was time to create a space of her own.

“The pottery shed was inspired by a desire to carve out a space that felt set apart from everyday life – a place designed for creativity, presence, and connection,” says Whitmire. “I’ve also always wanted a space where I could feel deeply connected to God while creating, and the shed became exactly that.”

Overlooking her property’s pond and surrounded by wildlife, Whitmire’s shed offers her a peaceful escape from everyday life and a place to create without distractions.

“A typical morning or afternoon usually starts with a cup of coffee and making sure the bird and deer feeders are stocked, spreading seed around the property and even in the pond,” she says. “From there, I’ll open the doors and windows, put on music or a podcast, and settle in at the wheel. I’ll spend time throwing, trimming, glazing, or sketching new ideas for future pieces.”

Building the shed was a labor of love. Whitmire’s husband and her dad were hands-on for the entire building process, and even her dad’s friends came to lend a helping hand.

“One of my favorite hidden details is that my handprint, my husband’s handprint, and my dad’s handprint are all pressed into the foundation cement,” she adds. “It’s a quiet reminder of how much love and hard work went into building this space, and something that will always make the shed incredibly meaningful to me.”

Other personal touches that truly make the shed her own include a deep green exterior to reflect the natural environment and a water chain and rain collection system, allowing Whitmire to reuse it while she’s throwing or watering her flowers.

“There’s something powerful about utilizing the land and nature around us as much as possible and letting the space work in harmony with its surroundings,” she says. “Sustainability and intentionality were important to me from the beginning.”

While every time of day offers something unique in the shed, Whitmire is partial to late afternoons, when deer come out to graze, geese settle into the pond, and the sun starts to dip behind the trees, bathing her retreat in a peaceful glow.

“I’m so grateful for the space and the people who helped create it,” finishes Whitmire. “It’s become a reminder to slow down, create with intention, and appreciate the beauty in both making and being present.”

Where Sinners & Saints Gather

Jennifer Niez

 

After Jennifer Niez performed life-saving CPR on her husband, Roger, she was rewarded with a unique thank-you gift: the she shed of her dreams.

“Apparently, saving his life earned me a little slice of peace and quiet in the backyard!” she jokes.

Inspired by two characters from the classic movie “Gone With the Wind,” Niez christened her shed “Kitty’s Cantina for Sinners and Saints,” an inclusive space where she could host small gatherings with her diverse friend group.

“It needed to be somewhere fun and non-judgmental – a place where everyone is welcome to be themselves. I realized the one common thread among all of us is that some days we behave like sinners and some days we behave like saints,” says Niez. “I chose the name ‘Kitty’ as a nod to femininity and ‘Cantina for Sinners and Saints’ to imply drinks served will include everything from whiskey to sweet tea, all depending on how you would like to behave that evening.”

From birthday parties and happy hours to football watch parties, Kitty’s Cantina hosts gatherings all year long, and the shed is complete with electric, air conditioning, and plenty of seating. While all are welcome to revel at Kitty’s Cantina, Niez does have one inside joke with her friend group: any male friends present must “earn their keep.”

“We joke about men assuming the role of ‘cabana boy,’ burdened with serving us drinks when we ring the bell, signaling one of us ladies has gotten parched,” shares Niez. “I even have a cabana boy uniform, which I ask them to wear while waiting on us ladies. To date, I have not gotten a single gentleman to wear the entire uniform, but they are usually open to wearing a cowboy hat!”

There’s another well-known expectation at the cantina: if the doors of the shed are open, it’s an open invitation to stop
in for a quick chat and partake in a refreshment.

“I love seeing who shows up to join me,” adds Niez. “Sometimes it’s friends who are on the way home from work or people who were just cutting through town. Nothing makes me happier than a spontaneous evening with loved ones!”

Beyond the lively traditions, for Niez, the shed is also a reminder of Roger and the love, gratitude, and second chances that inspired its creation.

“I’m thankful every day that we’re still here on earth together … and that he’s generous enough to reward lifesaving efforts with my own backyard outbuilding,” finishes Niez. “Thank you, my precious darling!”

Cultivating in Comfort

Lauren Matts

 

Part greenhouse, part potting shed, and part cozy retreat, Lauren Matts’ she shed is both practical and full of charm.

“For years I found myself collecting little pieces of garden life – antique pots, old tools, seed trays, baskets, and all the odds and ends that naturally accumulate when you spend a lot of time with your hands in the soil,” says Matts. “I wanted a place where all of those things could live together, but more than that, I wanted a space that felt inspiring and joyful to spend time in.”

Sitting close to the house and just steps away from the garden, the shed makes it easy for Matts to move back and forth with seed trays, tools, and plants. Working windows, vents, and fans allow proper airflow for the plants, while antique pots, baskets, and other décor bring character to the space.

“One of my favorite touches is the vintage chandelier hanging right in the middle of the space. It’s a little unexpected in a greenhouse, but it adds so much charm and makes the space feel cozy and special,” she adds.

Another special detail is the flagstone floor, made with stone sourced from local mountain ranges.

“I carefully placed each piece by hand, fitting them together like a puzzle to create the perfect floor,” says Matts. “The natural stone adds so much character and makes the greenhouse feel beautifully connected to the surrounding landscape.”

A typical afternoon in the greenhouse can include anything from mixing soil and organizing seeds to transplanting seedlings and watering plants. When she’s not working, Matts also enjoys simply sitting while surrounded by the signs of a new growing season. While Matts is in and out of the greenhouse all day, she has a particular preference for golden hour.

“The light almost glows as it fills the greenhouse, creating this peaceful, dreamy feeling,” she adds. “It’s truly one of the most magical times to be out there.”

Over time, what began as a practical place to store tools and tend to plants has evolved into one of Matts’ favorite places to spend time.

“It’s both a hardworking space and a peaceful retreat, filled with little details that make it feel special,” finishes Matts. “Whether I’m starting seedlings or simply enjoying the golden light at sunrise or sunset, it’s a place that constantly reminds me to slow down and enjoy the process of growing things.”

Barbie’s Dream Craft Room

Pamela Nelson

 

An avid crafter since childhood, Pamela Nelson dabbles in all kinds of artistic and creative endeavors, from painting and building miniatures to wrapping elaborate presents and more. When the opportunity to create a dedicated craft room arose, Nelson jumped right in.

“As I started dreaming of the purpose and design scheme, it was Barbie’s birthday,” Nelson says, “so I decided to saturate the room in a rich, royal pink – just like my first Barbie Dreamhouse!”

Nelson transformed her space to meet all of her crafting needs. Overhead lighting, including a bubble chandelier, provides plenty of light, even for late-night projects, and a custom-made durable tablecloth allows Nelson’s crafts to get as messy as she needs without worrying about damage. Alongside practical details, Nelson’s space also reflects her personality and creativity through her chosen décor.

“My sister gave me two custom-made wooden bookshelves, and I had them painted in a high-gloss paint to match the walls and trim,” says Nelson. “I adore the open shelving! They are filled with gorgeous ribbons, family heirlooms, photos, and travel memorabilia.”

Other favorites include a custom-designed cabinet for gift wrapping, complete with stunning paper, silk flowers, and tissue paper galore, as well as a large oil painting of her dog Jax, a commissioned piece by a friend.

“My friend, Lauren, knew how much I loved him and she painted it for me,” adds Nelson. “He had a beautiful soul, loved everyone, and spent many hours cuddled up by me while crafting.”

With her craft room just steps away from the rest of the home, Nelson can easily slip away whenever inspiration strikes, often on quiet afternoons before the dinnertime rush.

“Some days, I will spend hours in there painting a canvas, wrapping elaborate presents, or building miniatures,” adds Nelson. “I carry a hot tea or coffee with me to enjoy, turn on some music, or enjoy the silence of my own thoughts.”

While the craft room is Nelson’s personal retreat, she also enjoys sharing it with her friends and family.

“I walked into my craft room one day to find my husband sitting there at the table wrapping presents,” says Nelson. “It warmed my heart that he was enjoying the space as well!”

For those looking to create a space of their own, Nelson advises: “Create what you love. Make it your haven. Don’t apologize or make excuses for your personal space.”