Backyard Dream Shed- One Room Challenge Reveal

Psssst… this post *might* contain affiliate links: see my disclosure here.

Hop onto the Way Back Machine with me, folks, and let’s take a little spin. Allow me to remind you how this backyard shed supreme looked 18 months ago when we moved into this house. In a word, dreary.

BEFORE

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

Now? (Don’t mind me maniacally grinning from ear to ear….)

Shop my favorites!

AFTER

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

Our contractor was Step 1 of the transformation and came in to help keep the shed upright. While he was in there reinforcing the structure, he added a window and shrunk down the door a bit. Which is where you lovely readers hopped on board back in Week 1. As you recall, the shed walls got paint, the ceiling got pendant lights, the windows got flower boxes, the floor got painted, and then I took that thing by the reins. I considered calling this post, Operation Hoard but that didn’t get me enough SEO… I was able to furnish and design this space by using all of those wonderful treasures that have been taking up room in the basement or garage or the attic for the last few years. My husband is a patient man.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

It’s a dream shed and I LOVE it. I mentioned early on, that I wanted this space to serve about 5 different purposes: craft storage, accessory storage, tool storage, craft/ building/ wood working area, photography studio, and video studio.  I managed to squeeze everything in with a few empty baskets to spare! (I included a source list with affiliate links at the end of the post!)

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

The back of the shed isn’t water tight so I wanted to make sure to elevate things off the floor. Shelves hold spray paint and cleaning supplies as well as all those little things I can’t pass by at the flea market or thrift store.  When things like this are hidden away, they don’t get used so I’m thrilled to have a spot where I can display and easily access them all for photography, etc.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

Along the right wall of the shed is my work bench. I have paint supplies and larger hardware items in tupperware underneath the bench, but smaller items like screws and nails and nuts and bolts are in containers along the back of the workbench.  The green rolling tool chest was my Christmas present last year and it is the JAM. It fits everything and the drawers open like a breeze. Far acry from the piles of boxes I’ve been rifling through since we moved!

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

Both my miter saw and my table saw are portable so typically I just bring them right outside, but I also have a shop vac tucked away and will happily cut wood, etc. inside the shed if need be. Guys, this space is a work horse!

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

The front half of the shed is the prom queen though. An outdoor carpet gives the whole space a graphic ‘how-do-you-do’ and sets the tone for lots of the other accessories and decor.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

A seating area is flanked by a hanging rattan chair and a salvaged white ‘leather’ chair. I put Eleanor’s old desk onto casters and covered the top with marble contact paper to clean up all the marker scribbles.  Hopefully I can slide this around as needed for photography and crafting.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

A flea market swivel chair has an updated look thanks to an $8 piece of flea market fabric. When I’m entertaining Martha Stewart and Emily Henderson, I figured this could be a great extra seat, swiveling to be both a desk chair and part of the larger seating arrangement.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

Barn lights sent over from Home Depot illuminate the space and match the rolling tool cart.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

Did you catch the floor pillow? That is a shag rug I dug out of a vendor’s area and sewed to make that cushion. Stuffed with Ikea throw pillow inserts, it’s great for lounging or for resting tired feet.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

I went into detail about how I planned out the artwork last week, but you’re now getting a glimpse of the whole space. I love my Minted photograph hanging above the tool chest right next to my coffee station.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

One detail I was hoping to incorporate into the shed was a backdrop I could use for video work. This Ikea curtain system works PERFECTLY. (Tutorial coming later.) I can pull the curtains when I need to block of the clutter in the background.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

You all noticed that amazing wooden sign with my logo, right? It was another Christmas present from Mark. Custom made and SO fun. (Sadly… I have plans to change my blog name in 2017, but this will be a reminder of my blogging roots!)

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

Something this shed has made me very aware of… is that decorating is a personal thing. We decorate a space that WE love. A space for US. Do we want a space to be magazine worthy? Sure! But more important than that is a space that makes us smile when we walk in. A space that motivates us. A space that informs our creativity. This is why we decorate.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

Is this space pristine and symmetric and ‘zhooshed’? Nope. It’s quirky. The shelves aren’t styled but rather are arranged so as to fit as many things as possible.  Most items are thrifted or pulled from a flea market field.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

There aren’t many right angles to be found and everything’s the tiniest bit crooked. I suspect I’ll be in the company of mice and the occasional squirrel, but this is MY space. Filled with things that I have collected and found and treasured.  Whether the antique flea market sconce, foo dogs on the shelves, the painted filed cabinets, or the re-imagined smiling Buddha… there’s a lot of happiness in this shed!

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

I can’t thank you all enough for cheering me on throughout these past six weeks. Normally a project around here is a solo act, but this shed has had lots of encouragement and good company. And as usual… head over to Calling it Home to see the link up for the everyone else’s One Room Challenge REVEALS!  Also… below are any sources I could find for you. SO many things in this shed are thrifted or unique, but… I scoured the web and definitely found some items that are almost identical!

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

SOURCE LIST

FURNITURE

Rolling utility cart

Wall shelves

Hanging Chair similar to this

Ikea LACK side table. MUCH cheaper AT Ikea, but this is a link so you know product details.

Storage Shelves. Again… probably cheaper at the store, but wanted you to see which ones I used.

DECOR

Black and white graphic rug

Black and white pillows similar to these

Round rug

Hanging Planter similar to this

My Buddha statue was DIY, but this is similar

Curtains

Foo Dogs similar to these

Faux Staghorn Fern similar to this

My floor cushion was DIY, but these are a great price point

Scented candle

Black and white throw blanket similar to this

Feather Hooks

Green stool

WALL DECOR

Letter Board Sign

Black and white woven wall hanging similar to this

Starburst mirror

Pull Down Map similar to this

Photograph of Woman on the Beach

STORAGE

Black Storage Basket similar to this

Lucite Tray

Hanging Wall baskets similar to this

Large basket used as a trash can similar to this

 

I couldn’t have pulled this amazing space off without the help of so many brands, many of whom I consider friends and colleagues. Give them a virtual high five and please go check out their sites…

Sponsors

Home Decorators Collection

Home Depot

Cece Caldwell’s Chalk and Mineral Paint

Behr

Minted

DecoArt

 

SHOP THE POST

Is it too late for a couple last Before/ After pics? Nah… I didn’t think so!

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

Backyard shed gets a colorful and eclectic multi-purpose makeover thanks to the One Room Challenge.

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110 Comments

  1. Charlotte, the shed makeover is FANTASTIC. I’d pretty much KILL for a space like this to write in; for now, it’s my living room; but commuting to a shed in my yard with that kind of space and light and room for quirky things I love will remain my DREAM. ENJOY IT so much!!

  2. Ahhhhh!!! It’s awesome Charlotte!!! So many great chairs, is my first thought. And the rolling tool storage is AWESOME. It looks so bright and happy and cheerful in there now. It’s fantastic.

  3. Holy smokes, I’m completely in awe! I LOVE this magical and creative space, a wonderful place to make huge fun messes without the worry of house stuff, every creatives dream a “sandbox” to play in, excellent job a great big congratulations to you!

  4. Spectacular! That will be a great creative space…can I get an invite when Martha and Emily come to hang out ( two of my favorites) ?

  5. I know this is kind a freaky reaction but I almost feel like CRYING at how awesome this space is – what a transformation – what a creative use of a shed – what an amazing place to CREATE and THINK and WORK and do ALL THE THINGS!!!!!!!! You did such an incredible job Charlotte, I can’t wait to go back an study all the different parts of it. And that sign from your husband? The sweetest thing ever. I’m so happy you have this shed. And also it looks to me like the most fabulous place ever for a huge blogger bash. Just saying. 🙂

    1. 🙂 You are the best, Lisa! When I saw the before photos, I couldn’t truly believe it was the same space! White paint is a miracle worker! How amazing would that be to entertain in there… one day! xx

  6. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love your shed! And, your husband…that sign is one of the most thoughtful presents ever! So sweet! Congrats on an amazing makeover!

  7. That white has done wonders to this shed. It looks so much larger!!!! I was shocked to see all the little stations. This is my favorite garage/shed makeovers!!!! I love how you are able to use used/thrifted items to decorate your space and still make it look cool and functional. ??

  8. Oh man, I hate to be the jealous type…But this is amazing!! I would do almost anything for a space like this! You did an incredible job! You’re styling of the space is gorgeous with all of the furniture, accents and color pops! You’re are going to make some happy memories (and projects) in there! 🙂

  9. Charlotte, what a great space! Oh my gosh, I’d never come out of there if it were mine. I just know there’s going to be a whole lot awesome being made in there. Nicely done!

  10. This shed has your name all over it Charlotte. It is so much fun and so full of life. Your personal style is all over it! I love all that color against the white. You did a fantastic job in completing all of this is such a short span of time.

  11. I literally gasped out loud as I scrolled down the screen from before to after. WOW!!! Such an awesome space with so many fun and interesting details to look at! That green work bench is my fav!!! So well done! Enjoy your new workspace!

  12. UMM1 I need a shed in my life STAT, but only if it can look exactly like yours! Until I do, can I just come hang out here, please? Way to rock this space OUT! I love it all, Charlotte! Those patterns are crazy good 😉 – Rachael

  13. SAY WHAT!!?? Charlotte, I love it. I love that it’s soooo you. It’s bright, colorful, fun and vibrant. Btw, I just read your profile and had no idea you have 5 kids!! Idk how you managed to do this with 5 kids! AMAZING!!!

    1. Haha. You didn’t? I don’t lead with it necessarily… most people question my sanity. I have the best babysitter/ nanny on the planet, but I leave them to run loose most of the time. 🙂 Your room is adorable, btw!!

  14. This is freaking AMAZING! What I wouldn’t give for a space like that to work in! I love how it’s such a workhorse but still looks fun and creative as well. Awesome. And totally jealous. 😉 xx

  15. This is perfection! I absolutely need a space like this in my life too, but we don’t have the room for it. Darn it! Guess I’ll be daydreaming about your wonderful space. Enjoy it!

  16. Charlotte, this is ah-maze-ing!! Ahhh-maze-ing!!! I love all of the different functions your shed serves, and how stylishly you pulled it off – this space is 110% you! And you’re right – the most important thing is that our spaces reflect us. Congratulations on bringing your your dream shed to life!

  17. I cannot believe how much you packed into that space. Up until the picture of the outside, I thought this shed was the size of a barn! You did such an amazing job of creating an open, functional, organized space. I love that you filled it with things you love and treasure. That’s what a space should be. Well done!

  18. Omgosh! I just stumbled across your orc doing research for my own and I read every single post about your shed! fantastic job, it looks amazing! good for you! and you’re hilarious!

  19. i DON’T KNOW IF i have ever loved a space more. There is something unique and useful in ever space. I adore that you made this space work for you in every way. Even though this space hosts so many different things it all flows and seems organized. Great job!

  20. Love your space so much! I can only imagine what it would be like to walk in, sit down and enjoy! Where did you get the rainbow drawers with the white outside?

    1. Hi! And thanks! I often find myself just peeking in… you had me pegged. 🙂 Those drawers were a flea market purchase that I painted with chalk paint! The more color the better! xx

  21. Totally blown away by your ‘shed’. Love everything about it – you are soooo lucky.
    The one thing that leapt out at me in the before and after pictures, is the cane/wicker rack – for magazines or prints etc. So love this. something like this WOuld be perfect for me to use to display mounted prints at craft markets. Love it all.

  22. Hi, I came here via your post on apt therapy. i have one question — what is your heat source? it MUST get unbearably cold in there during the winter.

    1. Hi! Heat’s a GREAT question. 🙂 We actually had the electrician install base board heaters so we could hopefully keep my paint from freezing, but… it was costing a FORTUNE. (Duh.) So… I built a heated cabinet for the paint and use a space heater when I’m out there working in the winter! No question it’s chilly, but I bundle up and it’s not so bad!

      1. Wow! I’ve had baseboard heaT, so i know how costly it is. Your heaTed cabinet & space heater Are gREat sOlUtiOns. Thanks for the quick answer & INSPIRATION!

  23. This is very cute! I’m getting ready to build a shed this summer, and I’m curious what the dimensions are of this building. Thanks for sharing!