Have you ever wished for a place you could call your own? Man caves and she sheds are popular ways to give men and women the freedom to rule their own little section of home. Whatever style your hideaway is, these five tips can help you design a space that is uniquely you.
1. Choose a location for your personal hideaway
You are probably familiar with the current trend of turning the shed into a hideaway for her known as the “she shed”. Maybe you think of the man cave as being in the basement, a dark den, or the garage. The truth is, there are no rules for where you create your she shed or man cave.
Any of the following locations can make a great hideaway for him or her:
- Garage
- Unused bedroom
- Den or unused living space
- Basement
- Attic
- Sheds or in-law quarters
- Walk-in closet (for the truly desperate)
Wherever you decide to create your space, make sure to consider the effects of weather and seasons of usability. For example, turning the attic into Mom’s hideout may not be a great idea if it’s not insulated against the summer heat. The extra bedroom, on the other hand, will be accessible whether the temperature outside it is 100 degrees or below 0 outside.
2. Decide what you’ll use your man cave or she shed for
Is the man cave going to be gamer heaven or a sports lounge? Will you read in the she shed or grow potted plants? Knowing beforehand what you are planning to do in your hideaway will give focus to your planning, designing and building. You aren’t limited to just one use for your relaxing spot, but an art studio will function differently than an arcade.
But maybe you’re not sure what you want to do with your space. Well, what do you you like or want to do with your free time? Stress fills many of our lives. The she shed or man cave is a way to make it easier to spend time doing the things you love. If you had time for a hobby, what would you do? What is relaxing for you? Start there and tailor your space around that.
Still not sure? Other uses include hosting, relaxing with drinks, watching TV or sports, reading, writing, and art. Honestly, no hobby is off limits. Baking, dancing, singing, carpentry, metalworking…if you like to do it, your space is the place.
3. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box
If you could do anything with your space, what would you do? Maybe you want to add a half bath, knock down a wall, or build a small loft. Would you add lights, a wet bar, or insulate the garage?
These renovations require usually require a professional. A wet bar may need additional plumbing. Your new lights might require an electrical upgrade. And you don’t want to randomly knock out an annoying wall as it could be supporting the ceiling. TLC’s home remodeling experts are equipped to help you plan, design, and build your dream space. You can have peace of mind knowing the job is done right. Get a free estimate!
4. Repurpose unique, used, and old items
The key to a relaxing space is making it reflect your personality and history. Do you still have your grandfather’s old car? Park it in your man cave or use parts as decorations. Do you collect elegant dishes? Display them on shelves in your she shed.
Basically anything can be repurposed or displayed:
- Bottles
- Tires
- Fishing rods
- Baseball bats
- Wood pallets
- Old doors and windows
- Suitcases
- Furniture
- Books
The only limit is your imagination. Check out thrift stores and yard sales for other fun items that add flare to your man cave or she shed. Incorporating unique decorations and furniture doesn’t have to break the bank.
5. Make it completely you
This space is meant to be your sanctuary. Just because something is “in” doesn’t mean you need to incorporate it. Select colors, furniture, fixtures and amenities that make you happy and relaxed. Just because your friends’ spaces are full of fishing, hunting and outdoors items doesn’t mean you can’t have an arcade. If you don’t enjoy yoga, you probably should not turn your she shed into a yoga studio. Remember, this space is for you.
Building your dream space is fun and exciting! It can also be challenging, especially if you need structural, plumbing, or electrical upgrades. Contact TLC’s remodeling experts for a free estimate on remodeling and updating your special space.