Move Over Man Cave and Make Way for the “She Shed”

Move Over Man Cave and Make Way for the “She Shed”

The she shed concept is gaining momentum as an equivalent to the man cave, the male sanctuary usually associated with a home’s basement or garage, as women look to create their own private escape. Some she sheds are literally that — a shed located in the backyard providing a “home away from home.” But a she shed can also be located in a specific part of the house, a garage apartment, or an attic space. The idea is for women to have their own place to get away from it all — whether to relax, pursue hobbies, or simply unwind.

Builders Take Notice

Ashton Woods Homes has seen a surge in customers requesting she sheds in their designs or properties. The company adapts to buyer needs based on community guidelines and floor plans. Leigh Spicher, National Director of Ashton Woods Design Studios, notes: “As more women work from home or manage family life, they’re realizing the need for their own space. The she shed is a great answer to that.”

Spicher emphasizes that this shift represents a departure in thinking for many women: “We want a room all to ourselves, something exclusive.” While ideal setups include backyard sheds or casitas, bonus rooms are also popular. “Our philosophy is ‘anything is possible,’” Spicher says. “We discuss buyers’ lifestyles and encourage them to address pain points from their previous homes. When they say, ‘I wish I had a place to do this,’ we explore how to make it happen.” This could mean creating a yoga studio, an artist’s nook, or a standalone writer’s retreat.

The DIY She Shed

For homeowners, adding a she shed is a popular DIY project — or a job for contractors. Prefabricated sheds are widely available, but building from scratch offers customization. Mark Clement, a licensed contractor, stresses the importance of permits and HOA compliance: “You need to know if you can have a shed, and if so, where to put it.”

Key considerations include:

• Electrical needs
• Heating/cooling options
• Insulation requirements
• Sightlines from the main house

Mark and his wife Theresa, a certified color consultant, approach projects as a team. Functionality drives design choices like lighting, flooring, and paint. Theresa highlights the exterior’s role: “Think about how the shed complements your home’s color, fencing, and landscaping. The journey to your shed — seeing it, enjoying its charm — is as important as the space itself.”

Designing Your Sanctuary

Theresa encourages women to embrace the she shed as a guilt-free retreat: “Women are busy caring for others, but self-care matters. Think of it as a magical place where you can prioritize yourself.” Whether it’s a cozy reading nook, an art studio, or a serene garden hideaway, the she shed is more than a trend — it’s a celebration of personal space and creativity.

For inspiration and DIY tips, visit MyFixitUpLife.