A few months ago, I finished giving my backyard she shed a much-needed makeover. For the past few years what was once my office, slowly became the catch-all spot and got filled with overflow from the garage and filled with boxes. Before giving my cottage a makeover I boxed everything up and moved the boxes to a storage unit. Clearing all the clutter out, really helped me see the space in a new light and jumpstart the makeover.

I lovingly refer to my she shed as the cottage studio aka my backyard creative hub. She sheds have gained in popularity in the past few years and if you are unfamiliar with a she shed, it's a backyard shed that’s been transformed into your very own creative space.

Cottage Studio, Before and After

My goal when I was working on my she shed was to reclaim my creative hub and breathe new life into the space and give it an identity and purpose. I’m in love with the transformation. Before my cottage studio felt dark and uninteresting and uninspiring. Now, when I walk into the studio, I feel inspired and ready to create!

Even though my she shed is technically done, I never consider a space done. Spaces are evolving as you adjust rooms to fit your needs. I’ve partnered with Extra Space Storage to share how I use my she shed, keep it organized, and why it's important to have your own creative space. Extra Space Storage is an expert and trusted resource for home-organization and storage space. With over 1,800 self-storage locations across the country offering safe, clean attractive properties that are professionally managed to give you peace of mind. From storing personal belongings, boat storage, and RV Storage, Extra Space Storage has all your storage needs covered.

On the Extra Space Storage website, you’ll find lots of useful tools on organizing along with tips help you plan to prepare your items for moving into storage along with helping you choose the right size storage space.When moving my items into my storage unit, I made sure to properly pack everything and place items in clear containers. I like being able to see inside the containers.

WHY YOU NEED YOUR OWN CREATIVE SPACE

The past few months, I’ve really enjoyed the process of adding a few pieces in my cottage studio and most importantly getting everything organized. My she shed is my office space, I use it for blogging, photography, phone calls, zoom meetings, online conferences. Sometimes, I’m in my cottage studio just hanging out and reading a book. I’m excited to have friends over in my shed and enjoy some much-needed girl time to catch up.

With spending so much time at home recently it's become my getaway creative hub. For me, it's been so beneficial to my well-being to have my own space that's away from my family that just serves my needs. I love spending time with family and all the extra family time has been great, but sometimes you just need a little me-time.

What I love most about creating a She Shed at home, it can be used for anything you want them to be: art studio, office space, yoga studio, reading nook or craft room, the list goes on and on. She sheds can be an old shed transformed into your own space, or custom-built, the common thread is having your own place to escape to, in a good way! In the past few months, we’re all juggling more than ever, work, distance learning for our children. It's nice to have your own space to focus to decompress, and just be yourself and hit pause on home.

HOW I ORGANIZED MY COTTAGE STUDIO & DESIGNING WITH INTENTION

One of the first things I do when I’m in my cottage studio is light a candle to help relax me and set the mood. As I mentioned I’ve really taken my time adding in a few pieces in my she shed to keep it organized. For my personality type, I do better when I create a system to keep everything organized.

I recently added a small cart in my cottage, to hold extra books and plants. The cart is so cute and gives me library cart vibes. I love having plants in my cottage, it brings in greenery, helps purify the air. My favorite houseplants are the low-maintenance pothos, I love how beautiful they are and how they trail as they grow. I believe you should surround yourself with things you love, above my cart, I added a corkboard. It’s more of an inspiration/vision board that filled with family photos including what’s currently inspiring me.

On my desk, I used a pair of planter bookends to keep my books organized, a cute cup holder to organize my pencils, pens, and scissors. Have something on your desk that when you look at it makes you smile, for me, I smile when I see my wedding picture. I love little moments like this, that spark joy. I used drawer organizers to keep everything in place. The drawers hold markers, pens, notepads, cable charges and so much more. PRO TIP: Before heading to the store to buy, organizers remember to measure the area, helping save extra trips back and forth to the store.

My office Credenza is a work-horse, It’s actually a dining buffet that I’m using as a credenza. I love its mid-century lines and it fits perfectly in my cottage and gives me so much hidden storage. I’m a huge fan of open and hidden storage. Having a radio in my cottage was a must, I love playing music when working here or listening to podcasts. Behind the doors of the credenza, I’m all about style meets function.

On the upper shelves, I use clear file holders to keep all my paperwork organized and metal bins for misc craft items and tools. On the lower shelf I use bins and trays to hold magazines, cleaning supplies and miscellaneous items.

I love using baskets in my she shed, baskets are a great way to conceal and corral clutter. I’ve used them all over my cottage to hold magazines, books, loose change and so much more. Natural woven handmade baskets are my favorite ones to use, they’re works of art and so beautiful.

When transforming a shed to make room for your own creative pursuits, think about design ideas for your she shed and consider how you plan to use the space. For me, it was really important that she felt like an extension of my home. I brought in a beautiful sofa in a bold color for additional seating giving me flexibility in seating. I love being able to write from my desk or sofa. I love shades of blue and having a fun colored sofa, puts my stamp on my cottage and it makes me happy. Having your own space really allows you the freedom to have fun and design without input.

I’m so happy, I cleaned out my she shed, placed items I’m not ready to part with safely in storage and gave myself extra space to create a beautiful backyard creative space for myself. I love how my cottage studio has evolved and so happy I reclaimed a space to call me own.