Create Your Own Boho Haven in Your Backyard!
Transform your backyard by creating a gorgeous indoor/outdoor haven — boho style! These tips below will help you update an existing backyard shed or convert a pre-fab shed into a sanctuary from your busy life.
The first step in designing your She Shed is picking a style. We are so inspired by this Modern Boho She Shed, but you can easily apply these tips to the style that speaks most to you. This is a place for you to explore a unique and creative style that you might not necessarily want throughout your entire home, so have fun with it!
Liven Up the Walls
- Update a run down shed with a fresh coat of paint on the walls. This is a great opportunity to play with color! We suggest cladding the walls with a material such as pine panels, or do something unexpected like adding a splash of turquoise paint or installing a wall covering with a floral or palm leaf pattern such as this one from Hayneedle.
- When adding texture to the wall, consider a pre-made surface for easy installation — it’s also lighter on the bank account!
Let There Be Light
- Natural light is key in making this space feel fresh and open. Consider adding windows or expanding existing frames to let in more light.
- An easy way to introduce multi-purpose lighting is a single track lighting system installed along the ceiling. Another option is a hanging pendant light with a woven shade. Check these pendants out at World Market!
Furnish & Accessorize
- Working with a small space means you need to be purposeful with your furnishings.
- We suggest choosing a small sectional in a slip covered fabric for durability and washability. Arrange this flush against the wall across from the main entrance to the shed to maximize space. Accessorize with a crocheted or knitted blanket thrown over the sofa and a collection of bold patterned pillows.
- Try to find at least one sculptural piece for dimension and flair.
- Add a multi-purpose coffee table with a surface for tea, coffee or wine and drawers or shelves for storage. Throw a woven rug on the floor to add texture and warm up the space.
- Soften a simple doorway by hanging sheer cotton drapes. They will add an elegance to the space and look amazing blowing in the wind, as well as help keep bugs out!
- If you have room in the budget, add a built-in window seat along one wall with hidden bench storage.
Pro-tip: For a “built-in” look without the labor cost, purchase a bench with storage and push it flush against the wall.
Don’t Forget the Outdoors
- Climate control is an important consideration when designing your Boho Haven. Include a small space heater for the cooler nights and a vintage style floor fan for the hot months.
- Add a collection of colorful pots grouped on a table or floor featuring ferns, tulips, primroses and other spring flowers. Hang macrame plant holders from the ceiling with draping greenery such as the popular marble queen pothos.
HSID Spring Design Challenge Inspiration
We are excited to announce our Spring Tabletop Design Challenge! For this challenge, give any tabletop in your home a Spring look. Here is some gorgeous inspiration from Stephanie’s home!
How to participate and enter the Spring Challenge:
Step 1. Create a Spring inspired tabletop in your home! We are looking for creativity and colors that celebrate Spring.
Step 2. Submit your design by taking a photo, video, story or reel of your tabletop and post it on Instagram. Be sure to use the hashtag #HeritageSpringChallenge AND tag @heritageschoolofinteriordesign.
The winner will show us a beautiful and colorful tabletop! Submissions will be accepted now through Monday, May 9th and the winner will be announced Tuesday, May 10th.
HSID Alumni Spotlight: Kristen Siefkin, owner of Interior Design Alchemy
Heritage School of Interior Design Alumni, Kristen, designed this incredible Wine Winnebago for Portland wine club, Cellar 503! Kristen transformed this run of the mill, 80s camper van into a cozy caravan for Oregon wine lovers. She covered the walls with a wood paneled wallpaper, reupholstered the bench seats, added faux window treatments, swapped out the formica, painted the cabinets and most challenging, added a service window.
Visit interiordesignalchemy.com and get inspired by more of Kristen’s incredible work and follow her on instagram @interiordesignalchemy.
