10+ “Shedquarters” Bring The Home Office To Your Backyard

May 14, 2015

Ask anyone who works from home what one of their biggest challenges is, and you’ll probably hear the need for a dedicated place to work with minimal distraction. Working from your house sounds great. You have the freedom to do whatever – including dishes, laundry, walk the dog, or catching up on a tv show, all of which can seriously limit your productivity.

Several companies offer backyard “shedquarters” which provide a perfect space for your office, artist workshop, writing studio or whatever else you need some privacy for. Sure, it might extend your commute from nothing to a short walk through the backyard garden, but it seems worth it.

1. Inoutside

This Australian company created a modern backyard space, and the “Cooba” model is shown here. The contemporary space goes the distance in terms of style. http://inoutside.com.au/

2. Sett Studio

Another lovely modern design comes courtesy of Settstudio, an Austin, Texas based company.

3. Modern Spaces

Aptly described as “forts for grown-ups!” these fully installed sheds with finished exteriors start at $6,000. Currently only California residents can get the on-site installation though. http://www.modernspacesandsheds.com/

Via Apartment Therapy

4. Modern Cabana

This San Francisco company offers sheds in a variety of configurations such as the 10×12 foot studio seen here. It features a sliding glass door and floor to ceiling windows.

5. MetroShed

Designed by David Ballinger, this prefab model ships in a flat pack and costs $6,000-10,000. While it looks like the simplest design here, it actually incorporates insulated SIP panels, cedar beams, and plenty of eco-friendly design touches. Plus you can easily customize with your own finishes. http://www.metroshed.com/

6. Modern Shed

A husband and wife team started this modern shed company in Seattle, offering flat-pack prefab structures like this basic 8×10 foot shed priced at $6,900. http://www.modern-shed.com/

7. Studio Shed

These sheds are both affordable and stylish, priced from $3500 for the smallest model. http://www.studio-shed.com/

8. Kanga Shed

This Austin, TX based company produces some very nice prefab structures, including the Basic Shed and the Modern Studio, both of which are built to very high quality standards. http://kangaroomsystems.com/

9. Summerwood

This Canadian based company produces sheds in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional with a base cost of $5300. http://www.summerwood.com/

10. G-Pod

Looking for something a bit different? Consider the G-Pod, which looks like something George Jetson would have designed. Prices start at $14,995. http://g-pod.com/

11. Kithaus

Another gorgeous prefab option described as the “anything you want pod” comes from this company, but prices are higher than most others, starting at $30k. http://kithaus.com/

The “Black Shed” Sets Fire To The Scottish Isle Of Skye

May 12, 2015

On a secluded plot of farm land on the Scottish Isle of Skye rests a charred little structure that architect Rural Design Architects have named the ‘Black Shed.” The pre-burnt wood siding creates a stark contrast between the shed, the rolling green hills and the pale blue sky. The building’s rural surroundings offer unobstructed views of the enveloping valley and a towering flat-top mountain called McLeod’s Table. The shed was built as a rental opportunity and accommodates two people with a full kitchen, bath and sleeping area.

An industrial aesthetic has been achieved through use of simple, modern, yet familiar forms and the subtle use of raw materials. It is a fresh take on traditional farm house architecture with exposed wood siding and an understated gable roof. A covered entry porch pulls back the roof line and exposes the finishes with a more contemporary flair. Upon entry, visitors are greeted with little more than a finished concrete floor and uniform sawn timber wall and ceiling treatment. The subdued material palette allows the surrounding views to take center stage.

He Made His PubShed Incredible With 5,500 Pennies

May 12, 2015

With the growing trend of “pubsheds” comes an increasing amount of creativity, as demonstrated by this guy who turned a simple shed dubbed “The Barn” into a very creative backyard bar where he and his buddies can hang out and enjoy a couple drinks. What makes his build unique though is the peculiar use of a whopping 5,500 pennies which he incorporated into the design. Check it out below.

The gabled barn style shed looks nice on the outside…

Yet the inside was lacking in proper bar decor, so he went to work building a bar.

The bar itself isn’t too fancy…yet.

Here’s where he starts to get creative, setting aside $55 worth of pennies for special use.

He even sorted the pennies, keeping the pre-1982 ones from the rest. Talk about commitment!

Before using the pennies, he decided to soak them in vinegar and salt, which removes the oxidization and brings them back to a shiny new state.

But he also left half of them to dry without polishing, which created a nice variation in the color for his project.

Then he set to work, laying the pennies in a diamond pattern according to their shades of color.

You might notice every penny is facing heads up.

Finally he slathered four quarts of resin over the top, using a blowtorch to remove any bubbles, and was left with a beautiful surface on his new bar.

And of course he installed a kegerator to dispense ice cold brews for him and his friends.

The completed project on display, with three local Virginia beers on tap!

Images via Imgur | American Standard

Stroke Of Genius Allows Artist & Family To Live Comfortably In A Tiny Apartment

Apr 26, 2015

Sometimes a splash of orange and a squiggle of purple is all you need to make a small, otherwise mundane space shine. This tiny apartment in France was taken over by artist/architect Cyril Rheims along with his wife and daughter, and he brought a creative approach to the layout that allows them to live comfortably in the tiny 485 square foot apartment. The space was transformed into a functional puzzle box that bursts with vibrant accents of color via furniture, linens and various wall and floor treatments.

The loft apartment encompasses 485sf of floor space, needing every bit of it to have enough space for a growing family. The bed is set up on a raised platform that contains storage drawers underneath. The ‘bedroom’ is sectioned off by a framed opening that defines the separate spaces, but remains one open space.

Accents of color give the otherwise clean space a personal charm, and prove appropriate for an artistic family with a small child.

A multi-colored tiled patch of floor defines the kitchen and dining areas. It’s a clever trick, and breaks the space up to make it feel larger and more functional.

The structure has been painted dark to contrast the lightness of the walls and cabinetry, giving them a prominent role in the space’s hierarchy.

In case you’ve been wondering about the exposed bathroom, which looks great for exhibitionists, but not so much for normal folk who value privacy, it uses blind screens when necessary.

If you’d like to learn more about Cyril, his artwork, and interior designs, check out his website at http://www.cyrilrheims.com/

A Family Of Four Fits Comfortably In This Tiny Cabin

Apr 26, 2015

Emerging from a snow covered mountainside in Trollheimen Meldal, Norway is 118 SF of one Norwegian families home away from home. This ski cabin may be small in stature, but it is big in function, nostolgia and old-world charm. The goal was simple: built a low-maintenance structure that used only the modest footprint it needed to provide areas for sleeping, cooking, eating and grooming.

The cabin features sleeping areas for Bendik Manum and Annelise Bjerkanand and their two kids, has no electricity or running water. Low-maintenance is right!

The use of local materials such as low-travel pine for the interior and exterior finishes add to the cabin’s sense of place, and fit in with the family’s vision of crafting a design that embraces its place.

Inside the cabin you’ll find all the comforts of a traditional ski cabin, featuring exposed wood beams, insulated windows and a wood fire stove for low-energy heating. Overhead lofts double as hanging space for clothing and tools. In a space of this size, double duty functionality is essential. Storage madness! This family doesn’t need much, but they have ample space for that which they do. This wood fire stove is about as old-school as it gets. The space is simple, yet charming and elegant. The use of a single finish material gives the space a desired uniformity.photos c/o: Pasi Aalto

Keep Your Man Cave – I’ll Daydream In My “She Shed”

Apr 24, 2015

For years we’ve heard about “man caves” and seen them in all their glory, the wooden walls adorned with pennants from their favorite sports teams and poster of pin-up girls, big screen television in one corner and a fridge stocked with Coors Light next to the leather sofa. But what about the women in their life? Surely they must have an equivalent type of space to find solace right?

They do, and we call them “she sheds”, a phenomenon which has undoubtedly existed in one form or another for centuries. Unlike their male counterparts, women tend to have a bit more decorating sense, and infuse their personal space with a unique style that’s purposeful. Today we share some of our favorite she-sheds with you, and perhaps you’ll draw inspiration from these to create your own backyard haven.

#1. It’s always ladies night in this retro diner. Milkshakes and Marghertas anyone?

Anne and Ian Bate via dailymail.co.uk

#2. Your man won’t be caught dead stepping inside this garden oasis!

Via Cottage Gardening

#3. A fitting spot to do a bit of writing perhaps, summoning the soul of Virgina Woolf.

Via Wooden House

#4. A scarlet bohemian style place to enjoy a cup of tea perhaps, or hang out with your reading circle.

Cuprinol via dailymail.co.uk

#5. A potting paradise for the garderner

Via Heather Bullard

#6. My quiet spot, surrounded by nature and fresh air…

Ann and Brian Bailey via Goodreadsdailymail.co.uk

#7. I’ll just be in my yoga studio, you know, drinking wine…

Cuprinol via dailymail.co.uk

#8. The she shed is where the heart is!

Jamie and Gemma Dix via dailymail.co.uk

#9. Because you need the right inspiration for your potting studio.

Via Wooden House

#10. Put a palm tree in here and have a staycation.

Via Coastal Home

#11. And to think men put lawnmowers and tools in here – this seems like a much better use of the space!

Via House to Home

#12. Even your plants need a bit of inspiration.

Via Better Homes and Gardens

#13. A shabby chic Victorian styled escape to romanticize the day away

Via tinyhouseblog

#14. While he’s watching the “big game” with the guys I’ll be in my Victorian manor with my ladies enjoying a peaceful spot of tea.

#15. The perfect setting for a secret ladies-only dinner club.

via pinterest.com

#16. Don’t even try to park your lawnmower in here!

If you could have your own she-shed what would you use it for? Let us know in the comments below!

I could see plenty of excuses to retreat to my own personal space like this. All I’d need is an electric wire fence around the perimeter to ensure total privacy from the kids and husband, am I right?

5 Dull Garages Reincarnated As Beautiful Backyard Cottages

Apr 23, 2015

If you have a garage that doesn’t get much use, sometimes it makes sense to convert it into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), which can serve as an extra place to host guests or even a secondary income generator.

The Piedmont

This 300sf cottage sits in the backyard behind the owners primary North Portland residence and serves as a vacation rental unit that earns some extra income.

Coastal Retreat

Arguably one of the more stylish conversions we’ve seen, this sunny California cottage was designed by Beth Dana Design.

Michelle De La Vega’s Conversion

This artist wanted to earn a bit of extra income and decided to convert her garage into this industrial-chic dwelling. An artist and metalworker by trade, you can tell she stamped her own style into the construction, which she did herself.

Photographs by Ira Lippke for New York Times

Maison Garage

Located in Bordeaux, France, this garage underwent the most dramatic transformation on the list. While searching for properties in Bordeaux, the only place within his budget was a dusty garage that his friends thought was a terrible idea – but he purchased it anyway and enlisted help from an architect friend to transform it into a modern bachelor pad that’s oozing with style.

Bright & Spacious Cottage

When the owner of this backyard cottage contacted ART Design Build, they devised a plan to convert the seldom used one car garage into a bright and airy little cottage. Judging by the results, that was a great decision, and the execution was flawless, resulting in a stylish space with a folding murphy bed, loft, full kitchen and bathroom.

Photos by Tsantes Photography

While these designs might get your creative juices flowing, unfortunately it’s not always that easy to get permission to convert your garage into a space like this because of local ordinances. However, assuming you live in an area where you can legally modify your garage in such a way, it seems like a great idea.

Small House Compromise Yields High Return On Freedom

Apr 6, 2015

Maybe the idea of a tiny house appeals to you, but the practicality not so much. For small families and empty-nesters who need a bit more space for their things, a small house might fit their needs perfectly. That’s what Lily Copenagle and Jamie Kennel found out as they crafted their “just right” sized home that comes in at 704 sq. feet.

The couple had a simple mission – to build a small, sustainable home that’s easy to clean, with an open and spacious feel to it. They began with a $190k property, which was quickly razed to allow a clean slate. They proceeded to work with a contractor to get the new home started, and did much of the work themselves.

By working on the project themselves, the couple saved a decent chunk of money, and kept the overall costs to around $135k, resulting in a total of just over $300k spent. They finished the project in 2012, paid off the mortgage in full, and currently pay just $370/month in utilities and bills.

Their neighbor remarked, “On weekends, they actually go places and do things. They’re not tied to the projects most of us are tied to. I’m so charmed by the simplicity of it.” The same neighbor also said they probably couldn’t share a closet with their spouse, but we have to imagine that it’s a fair trade off to have the financial security of owning the home, and the flexibility to travel freely.Two green-roofed sheds in the backyard provide extra storage for the couple’s miscellaneous items and a workspace. The city also awarded them a $9k reimbursement for the green roofs. Below you can see the small shared office space they allocated in the floor plan.

The laundry setup isn’t exactly normal, but then again, it makes putting laundry away after washing/drying quite easy.

Photos by Aaron Leitz for The New York Times

Despite their ability to afford a much larger home, this couple made a concious decision to live modestly, below their means, and it seems they are reaping the benefits. While some friends, family, and architects questioned their decision, Lily and Jamie have no regrets.

Picture Perfect Glass Cottage With A Wall Of Moving Shutters

Mar 29, 2015

Almost as if Walt Disney himself placed this perfectly gabled little cottage in the middle of a tree specked grassy meadow, this house by architecture studio Zecc and Roel van Norel evokes warm feelings of fairy tale nostalgia. The house was built in the rural countryside of Utrecht, The Netherlands, and contains a modest floor plan with an open layout, lofted sleeping area, and functional kitchen with full bath.

The forest-facing facade features a wall of motorized shutters that have the ability to open up completely to the landscape beyond. The shutters modulate light and create varying degrees of privacy depending on the desired use.

The interiors are built out with natural materials. The finished concrete slab gives mass and weight to the floor, while the wood on the wall finishes and ceiling give the vertical elements a feeling of weightlessness.

The roof line is asymmetric, overhanging further on the end that protects the wall of moving shutters.

When the sun goes down the shutters close, providing the visual protection desired during the night.

Luxurious Minimalist Beach House On The Hamptons

Mar 28, 2015

Over 40 years ago a couple purchased a small, 1/4 acre lot of land just 500 feet away from the Atlantic shore. At the time, they didn’t have the means to develop a house there, and as the years went by the local zoning ordinances changed. When the time finally came for them to build a home, they had to work within the confines of those limitations, which meant building very small.

As a result of the regulations, they had to work with a 15′ x 20′ footprint and two stories; the home could only be 600 square feet at most. Those regulations also forced them to consider the geometry of the house, as FEMA required the first floor to be elevated 6′ above natural grade and the town restricted the height to 25′ above natural grade.

Photos by Bates Masi + Architects