Backyard Workspace

Sunset-Design Crush

Sunset

I have this shed in my backyard. It’s shaped like a barn and there may or may not be (happily co-existing) families of raccoons and skunks living underneath. I’m lucky enough to have a basement with direct outdoor access that houses all of the things that a shed would hold, so my wheels have been turning. I don’t want to tear the thing down when nothing is wrong with it, so what are my options?

I’ve fallen in love with the daydream of having a little backyard workspace oasis. Because I live in Pennsylvania and I’m not about to install any sort of heating/cooling system I’d only be able to use it successfully for about half of the year, but I’m already sort of sold on the idea. It would be nothing to paint the interior, add a desk, floor rug, and some other accessories and enjoy! The dogs would get to spend extra time outside (which is totally okay by them, we’ve already talked it out) and so would I, which falls right into my plan of getting the most out of the leafy green oasis I plan on creating.

Would you add a backyard workspace to your home?

 

William P. Wright-Design Crush

William P. Wright

 

Modern-Shed-Design Crush

Modern-Shed

 

Kanga Room Systems, Inc-Design Crush

Kanga Room Systems

 

Alex Hayden-Design Crush

Alex Hayden

5 Comments
  • Claire

    March 4, 2015 at 12:05 am Reply

    that would be the coolest little backyard escape away from the distractions of the house! you would be able to make it look so cute!

  • Julie

    March 4, 2015 at 11:02 am Reply

    YES! And I have a regular 9-5 job so I don’t even need an extra workspace. But I like the idea of having a place at home that feels “exotic”. The fact that it could only be used half the year would make it even more special.

  • emily

    March 13, 2015 at 9:52 pm Reply

    i dream of a space like this…I think it would be lovely to have a place to go, outside of my house, to work on projects…maybe i could focus better? all lovely inspiration photos!

  • Design

    April 1, 2015 at 7:08 am Reply

    I definitely want a backyard workspace like that. My cousin works as a tax accountant and actually built one from a shed in his backyard. I envy that cozy and peaceful little nook!

  • Tim

    May 28, 2019 at 12:37 pm Reply

    We’ve got a slowly deteriorating 1 car garage from about 80 years ago in the back corner of the lot in Portland, OR. It has double doors that really don’t operate anymore. We are restoring the decayed framing and bottom row of wood shingles. The plan is to put double doors in the side like your first photo, insulate, drywall and replace the window with a double pane and maybe skylights. We’re keeping the cute garage doors usable but will restore as best as possible to seal them from dust and breezes coming in.

    One area I’m trying to figure out is the patio in front of the double doors. Big enough to have a table for a small party and to enhance the transition to the garden.

    One note for you in Pittsburg, you might consider a ductless mini-split for heating and air. They do have a ‘thing’ mounted outside and the vent inside mounted up on the wall. They are pretty cool, and not too expensive for a small room. I remember seeing them in Europe more regularly than in the US. You can get them running on 110V AC, just like regular wall outlets. They are easy to control and don’t look too obtrusive.

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