If you're thinking about putting a shed in your backyard, way not do it with style? Do you need a place to stash lawn tools? Or maybe you need a separate space for guests to hang out when they come calling. The right shed space can be the answer. Here are five stylish ways to bring a shed into your yard.
• The Utility Shed
Who says a utility shed has to be ugly? An inexpensive tool shed made from corrugated materials can have an urban, industrial feel with a contemporary flair. Keep the design a simple rectangular shape, then add a sloped roof and a sliding door for a minimalist look in your backyard. Or you can go country with a simple out building made from rustic planks and a covered gravel porch area for potting plants. Just choose a simple style that works with your yard.
• Open Air
If all you need is a place to keep items out of the rain, you can put up a quick and easy open wall structure with low-cost lumber, wire mesh and a simple roof. This easy structure can be great, too, for a trendy backyard chicken coop.
• Storybook
Turn a simple shed into a storybook building by adding small finishing touches. Put a few windows in your shed with loaded flower boxes. Add decorative molding and paint it to stand out rather than blend in with the scenery. You can create a romantic little building to dress up your backyard while holding your tools and lawn accessories out of sight.
• Guest Worthy
Some sheds can take on a whole new life when you outfit them to become guest worthy. Instead of stowing messy equipment in your shed, bring in furniture to create a little haven for friends or family when they visit. Add a small patio for eating, entertaining or lounging and you'll have a terrific space that's so much better than a guest room.
• Get Your Green On
Turn your shed into a vertical garden. Build a simple shed structure, then surround it with wire mesh walls for growing plants, herbs or vegetables. You can even camouflage an ugly shed with this technique and gain a garden as a bonus.
Check out the pictures and inspiration for this article in the Beautiful Sheds ideabook on Houzz. You're sure to find a shed idea that's just the right style for your backyard.
Enjoy more home decor ideas from Terry Mulligan:
10 Tips to Take Your Next Decorating Project Over the Top
