Thanks to Simpson Strong-Tie for partnering with me on my farmhouse style dream she shed
Long before I even knew what a she-shed was, I dreamed of one. Of course, when I was a little girl we called it a playhouse. But oh how I dreamed of having my own little place to escape and drink my Yoo-Hoo and eat my animal crackers.
As I grew up, so did my dreams of having my own little space – and even more so as I began to blog and create new things to share with you here. My house is pretty small – and there’s just not enough room for us to keep running a blog + have a somewhat orderly home. So my husband built me my very own she shed that is now our new office.
I’ve got to admit: this was the hardest project I’ve ever tackled. We did everything ourselves from digging holes to putting on the siding. Every detail was done with our four hands.
Going into this, I thought it would take about 8 weeks. Oh how naive I was. Eight long, hard months later, my she shed is finally complete.
While my husband did all of the thought on planning and building and all the technical stuff that’s not my strong suit, I could just see these beams in my head. I knew they would be the thing that made my heart go pitter-patter. Exposed wood…. metal connector plates…. Sigh.
Of course, the trusses were way beyond our level of expertise, so we outsourced it to a local contractor, asking him to use Simpson Strong-Tie truss connectors. (BTW – can you believe he only charged us $75 for each truss?!? I’m not sure we could have built them ourselves for that cheap.) Other than those trusses, we did everything else.
Those trusses were my first big “design” choice. No matter what, we were going to have them. It took me 3 hours of working with the contractor to create plans for sturdy trusses that would hold the weight – and they do it beautifully.
Besides them partnering with us on this project, this really is the she shed that Simpson Strong-Tie built. From joist hangers to ceiling components, when we needed two pieces of wood to be held together securely, then we checked to see if they had a product (and they usually do!)
After all the hardcore DIY was done, then came the fun part: DECORATING! I’ve had a blast creating my dream space. All our hard work came together to create a beautiful backdrop.
Shiplap and dark floors and exposed trusses – OH MY! It’s she shed heaven.
Of course, it wouldn’t be “Gina” if there weren’t some non-traditional elements. Like those tool boxes. They are big enough to store all my craft supplies and props that were slowly taking over our house. There’s even drawers big enough for sewing machines, etc.
So much storage! I even have a little room left… just in case I need to shop or something *haha!*
Of course, it’s not just about looking pretty – it has to be functional, too! Since we build furniture to share the plans with you, we needed a space to photograph it, rain or shine, snow or heat wave.
But it really has been fun to decorate. Like a lot of fun. I’ve kind of neglected my house for a year to get this project finished – so doing all the pretty touches at the end makes me excited to work on the actual living spaces in my home that are now craft-supply-free.
But I’ve got to admit, I might not have the heart to bring in a Yoo-Hoo.
Because I do actually have to get some work done and not just sit around.
But if you want to come and sit around with me, I’m sure I could round up some chocolate somewhere. And we’d be all cozy while crafting in my new dream office that is safe & secure thanks to Simpson Strong-Tie.
PS – to find all the sources – CLICK HERE
Thanks to Simpson Strong-Tie for sponsoring this post. All words, photos & opinions are 100% my own.
Oh my goodness Gina! This is awesome and beautiful! My hubby keeps saying he wants a shed for all my stuff. I might just agree to it if it looks like this!
Thanks Denise! Get him to build you one 🙂
Oh Gina, it’s just amazing and beautiful and functional and about 20 other gushy adjectives I could easily throw in. I am jealous with a capital J. But you have inspired me to get off my butt and create a space where I can work, instead of being scattered all over the house. I think it would be so easy to focus more. But first…did you say something about chocolate? 😀 Y’all did good. REAL good. xxoo
LOL Barb! Thanks so much for all the “gushy” adjectives 🙂
Love it Gina! I want one 🙂
Me too!
It’s unbelievable how perfect it is!! Every detail! You did an amazing job , friend. Yay to Simpson strong tie for partnering with you on such a great project. I need to look into their products when we finish off our attic this year.
Thanks so much Jen! Definitely give them a look 🙂
Gina, your she-shed is absolutely beautiful. It put a smile on my face and now I’m thinking I want a house like this! 🙂 a bit bigger with a kitchen and a bathroom and I’d be all set. Thanks so much for sharing…it is a thing of beauty and you’re decorating is perfection (as always!).
Thank you Mary Beth, you are so sweet!
Oh my goodness, Gina, it is sheer she she’s perfection! Beautiful, functional and so you. I’m on my way down to relax on that couch! 🙂
It is such a gorgeous space for you to work and create in! All the hard work paid off! Enjoy it!!! I will come to the first sleepover in it! 😉
Wow, that is amazing Gina…I want one!!
WOW! What an incredible space and amazing accomplishment! You and the hubs are incredibly creative and it’s wonderful that you work so well together. Congratulations!
Thanks so much Marian!!
Your she shed looks perfect. I’m so jealous! Cheers to many happy years there.
Thanks Deb!
Gina it’s beautiful!!!! I love every detail 🙂
Thanks Stacy!
I completely adore your shed! Love the colors and all the little touches of “Gina”! Well done!
Yea! Thanks Jessica!!
Gina,
Every detail is perfect! Especially those trusses!
YOU GO GIRL!
karianne
Thanks so much Karianne!!
Beautiful! That exposed wood on ceiling is amazing!
Thanks Deneen! 🙂
Wow. It’s functional AND gorgeous? Score one for you! Great job!
Thanks Marty!
My heart skipped a beat when I took this virtual tour…all of your sweat and tears were totally worth it. Gorgeous my Dear! I can only dream of having such a wonderful place to spend my working hours…
Aww, thanks so much Natalie!!
You have outdone yourselves! What a gorgeous space, all that light and shiplap and those trusses! A great place to work (and play)!
Congratulations on a job well done!
It looks beautiful!!! You did such a great job and I bet it is nice to be able to enjoy the finished product after all that hard work.
Thanks Emily, and it sure is 🙂
Wha-hoo,it’s done and so beautiful! Great job. 🙂
Thanks Jami! Wha-hoo!!!
Gina,
This is amazing and gorgeous She Shed. I am so jealous you have to stunning place to work and create. Wow, love all the colors it’s warm and inviting and I wish I was a fly so I could enjoy it too. LOL, Hands down my favorite and you guys rocked it.
Gina- it is beautiful! I love every aspect of your new she shed!!
Thanks so much Allison 🙂
That is just absolutely amazing! I can imagine that it would be so inspiring and relaxing and FUN to work in that space! I love it! Congrats on your new space! You and your husband did an incredible job, all the details are just beautiful!
Gorgeous! Love it! Would love info on the gorgeous windows. Wood,vinyl? White from the outside /black inside? Custom?Tia
Thanks Daphne! The door and the windows came from Southern Accents Architectural Antiques in Cullman, AL. Yes, white on the outside and black inside. Here is a link to all of my sources for my new studio 🙂 http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/farmhouse-decor.html
I saw your live our and it was fabulous! Your studio is as lovely as you. What a wonderful place you have created. You can see all the love yu have put into it. Hugs, Beverly
Thanks so much Beverly 🙂 It was a labor of love!
I adore your new space and it’s beauty. Is it heated and cooled?
Thanks Terry! Yes it does have heat and air installed 🙂
Bravo Gina!
Thanks Karyn 🙂
This is absolutely beautiful, what an inspiring space to work and hang out in! Those trusses are freakin’ fantastic and I love the rug too 🙂
And now I’m craving animal crackers…
Thanks so much Katie! LOL 🙂
If the sofa opens up into a bed…then I’m ready to move in!!!!! Absolutely gorgeous…I love the trusses! the building and all the decor makes me drool. Congrats on the rewards of your hard and long project.
Gina. You’ve given me much inspiration for my shed too. I want to use mine as a classroom/craftroom/sunroom. I love the height you’ve achieved. I must now crack on with a plan!
Thanks so much Catherine! Go for it, you will be so happy you did it and the hard work totally pays off 🙂 Good luck!
Oh Gina! That is just WOW!!! If I may ask, what is the square foot of your “Shangri-La”? The inside looks twice as big and the picture of the outside. Y’all did an Awesome job! Congratulations and enjoy!
Thanks Linda! It is 576 sq feet 🙂
Wow! I love the She Shed, especially those trusses! Great job!
Where did you buy those wooden beads?
They’re just craft store wood beads on a piece of jute string – super easy to make 🙂
I am speechless! To say its beautiful….is not enough!
Its over the top! You thought of everything….from Simpson-
strong-ties to the pillow on the sofa! You truly have a she shed fit for a Queen….I love your blog and have used so
many of your ideas. Almost a year ago my husband and I
bought a 1976 double wide in
the mountains of California. We live in the town of Paradise!
Every room in this double wide
needs something done…I felt
overwhelmed….then I ran across your blog! Your blog gave me courage to tackle
what needed to be done.
I say Thank You for your wonderful ideas that have given this 69 yr hope that
we live in a beautiful place.
God Bless
You are so sweet Robin, thank you!! You made my day 🙂
It turned out AMAZING! Your and your hubs ROCK!!
I am over the moon happy for you! I love all the details, those beams make me drool . Looking forward to lots of awesome projects completed in your greatest project, your She shed.
Gina… you knocked this out dream out of the park. It’s truly extraordinary! How fun to have a place to do everything we bloggers do. Plus… I bet it might make a fine space for a “she” party, too. I am totally smitten with those windows. Stunning! And all that gorgeous light.
Thanks so much Diane! I like the “she party” idea 🙂
love your she shed! hate the pop-ups every few seconds!
Needs a swing!
Great idea Rebekah!
Congrats on getting your studio done. I love everything about it. Top to bottom. Side to side. Here’s to enjoying your new space!!
Thanks so much Amy! Here’s to you 🙂
How fun! Good for you! We’re living in our friend’s basement apartment in Astoria, OR. We moved here 7 weeks ago. We’re doing everything we can to find our own home. I’ll be eager to use your site for great ideas to use in our new home.
Your mention of a “playhouse” bought up memories of the little house my dad built my sister and I when we were little. We used it all the way through high school! Our “gang” of lovely high school friends had fun in the little hangout!
Best to you! Keep up the great site…and fun!
I’m also inspired to write more and update my website. Thanks Gina!
Gina this space is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G! I simply love everything about it. It’s my dream. Well done to you and your husband for creating something so marvellous!
Thanks so much Maria! Plenty o work but so worth it 🙂
Finally had the time to take your tour. It looks amazing, Gina! Congrats on your she shed.
Thanks so much Jessica!
Your She Shed turned out amazing, Gina! I know how much I love mine and know you’ll adore yours too! You’ll have a hard time going back into your house and want to stay in your she shed all day!
Thanks Angie! I hear ya 🙂
Absolutely beautiful. I know it’s wrong to covet, but…..LOL
Ha ha, thanks so much Kathy!
Oh this is just beautiful! Not to mention functional! Great job! Love every detail
Thanks so much Lindsay!
how big was your finished size, did you use a plan for this? I want one so bad, and I don’t mind building it with my own two hands, but can you give me an idea of the cost before the decorating?
Hi Teresa,
It’s 24×24 square, which is 576 sq ft. We didn’t use a plan – It was basically like building a deck, then building a big box on top of that. Before decorating, I think we spent around $25k. But – we used higher end flooring, somewhat expensive siding, etc. It could have been finished for a lot cheaper, but I wanted it to be *just* right. After years of remodeling my house over and over again because I could finally afford the better option versus using what I had to in the beginning, I knew I didn’t want to renovate this space. So I chose some options that added significantly to the budget. I think if you went on a budget route (depending on the price of materials in your area), you could possibly build it for as little as $15k. Mine is HUGE though – I’m not sure everyone needs that much space. I had to have room for multiple camera set ups as well as light kits & other equipment all at once. Definitely do the math on a smaller space and you might be surprised at the total cost. Hope that helps!
Oh so lovely! You did an amazing job.
Thank you Mary 🙂
Gina, this is amazing!
From the exterior to the interior. Fantastic! I know how proud you must be.
Happy for you.
Thanks so much, I do absolutely love it 🙂
Now my wheels are really going. I just sent this to my hubby to read. 🙂 Dream BOARD!
Oh yea! Thanks Lisa, I hope you get one too!!
I just had to check out your she shed office space because we are making plans to build mine soon!! Eeekkk!! I’m so glad that I tracked down all the photos because your entire space has me drooling and all my wheels turning!! Absolutely stunning!! The only think better would be coming to hang out with you in this amazing space!!
Thanks so much Dee Dee! Good luck on your she shed, I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine 🙂
Love the project and it is very pretty. Thank you for sharing. Jean
Thanks so much Jean 🙂