Transforming a Backyard Shed into a Design Studio

Ever dream of turning your backyard shed into a space just for you? I did just that for an amazing friend of mine and I’m excited to share all about it with you!

Last year I received a message from one of the most sweet and talented ladies I have had the pleasure of knowing and it made me so excited. My friend, Bri Smolen, the creative genius behind Free To Be Designs by Bri, had reached out needing some assistance. Bri’s skills as a jewelry designer are matched by her huge heart - both know no bounds.

Bri was in the midst of turning a small shed in her backyard into her full time design studio. She wanted some assistance transforming it to be a fresh, functional space that would allow her to feel inspired, dream and create. 

BTW - make sure to check out Bri’s amazing work. You’ll definitely want to snag a piece of her jewelry for yourself!

The Canvas

The shed itself was initially a cute little shell with white walls and neutral flooring that Bri had worked hard to finish. But the opportunity to jump in and help her design it to be something that felt true to herself was where my passion flourished. I could hardly wait to get started!

Before

We all love a good before and after, right? Here are some images of the space the day I saw it for the first time. It was a great little space with lots of opportunity!

The Foundation of Our Design

I believe the basis of good design begins with the relationship created with your client. I have always enjoyed connecting with people and getting to know them as I jump into a design project. Whether it is an event or an interior I’m designing - the root of the project is the person that it is for, after all.

In order to create a space someone truly enjoys, getting to know what lights them up and the emotion they hope to feel in the space is imperative. Then we take that desired feeling and translate it into tangible elements. Beauty and function marry and spaces become foundations for stories and memories made in them. 

This is just the way I started with Bri. I learned that she wanted this space to feel refreshing, light and airy. A place where she could feel rejuvenated and dream. She was drawn to lots of white with pops of fun colors (mustards, pinks, light blues and green) and a bohemian flair. 

The Initial Concept Board

The Elements and Function

She would use this space to create her jewelry and other items she designed and so we needed pretty and functional to intermix in a way that made sense. She needed a good work space with lots of storage for her supplies. She also wanted to create a cozy reading nook for her daughter to be able to come out and join her or to find some alone time to relax. 

Creating mock ups of the space would help Bri visualize what I was thinking and so these were where we began.

We would begin with a bookshelf wall that would hold two matching bookcases for lots of storage. They would be wallpapered in the back for pretty pops behind baskets that would hold her supplies.

The back wall would highlight a wreath that Bri had that she loved and would be placed front and center for her to enjoy. It would be where her desk would live and adding a desk chair in a pretty dusty pink velvet would add warmth and texture. Plants would be incorporated for life and color.

On the desk wall, we would incorporate the pegboard storage and curtains that Bri already had. We would add a new desk with plenty of storage and artwork to liven things up.

The reading nook is perhaps my favorite part of the whole studio. Lofted and located just above the front door, it would become cozy and inviting for a mid-work break or an evening of relaxation. Lots of plush pillows and fun colors would make a pretty focal point and an warm hang out space.

The Finished Studio

Once everything was installed, I worked to organize Bri’s supplies in a way that would make sense for her work flow. With the addition of some extra decor pieces to liven up the space, the end result was just what she was hoping for. One of the best parts of the whole project is that I got to do it while she was out of town and so when she returned, it was a total surprise for her to see it all come together.

Bri, it was such a gift to be able to design this space for you and I hope you are finding happiness in it daily! You are so deserving of all of the goodness in the world!