Kotite - She Sheds Style: Make Your Space Your Own

MAKE YOUR SPACE YOUR OWN

ERIKA KOTITE

2018 Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc. Text 2018 Erika Kotite

First published in 2018 by Cool Springs Press, an imprint of The Quarto Group,

401 Second Avenue North, Suite 310, Minneapolis, MN 55401 USA.

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Digital edition: 978-0-7603-6100-9

Hardcover edition: 978-0-7603-6099-6

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Kotite, Erika, 1962- author.

Title: She sheds style : make your space your own / Erika Kotite.

Description: Minneapolis, MN, USA : Cool Springs Press, an imprint of The Quarto Group, 2018. | Includes bibliographical references and index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2018008213 | ISBN 9780760360996 (plc)

Subjects: LCSH: Sheds--Design and construction--Amateurs manuals. | Interior decoration--United States. | Women--Homes and haunts--United States.

Classification: LCC NA8301 .K68 2018 | DDC 747/.88922--dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018008213

Acquiring Editor: Thom OHearn

Project Manager: Alyssa Bluhm

Art Director and Cover Design: Cindy Samargia Laun

Page Design: Shubhani Sarker and Diana Boger

Layout: Diana Boger

IN SHE SHEDS:A Room of Your Own, the owners of these wonderful little structures each came forth with personal details about how they built and used their she sheds. Launching from this intimate introduction into the wonderful world of artfully built private spaces comes a new phase: giving your she shed its own distinctive style.

Can a she shed truly have style? Of course it can! Style simply means a particular look based on cohesive design principlesor even not so cohesive. In fact, as more and more she sheds spring to life and are shared via social media, they are beginning to drive a nascent style of their own. Style applies both to the exterior and its architectural elements and to interior considerations. Often the two dance together, celebrating the intrinsic utilitarian nature of a shed while acknowledging its pretty new clothing. The she shed revels in its emerging status as the best private getaway of our age.

In fact, sheds are a lot of fun to decorate for many reasons. They are small, so the risk of trying something new is lower. They thrive with castoff pieces and thrifty flea market finds. Theyre the place we finally can indulge in that periwinkle door weve always wanted. They can hold our stuff yet still be beautiful to behold.

Sheds enjoy a rare iconic status close to that of an actual house. We see them and instantly know what they are and what theyre used for. Yes, they have the humble reputation of serving as a catchallan extra garage, if you will. That humble and utilitarian aspect remains a strong thread in the design tapestry and shouldnt be left out. Shelving, alcoves, lofts, and built-ins are standard fare on the inside, while sturdy foundations, walls, and roofs keep the shed protected throughout the seasons.

In this book well discuss a variety of styles, but whatever style you choose, I encourage you to make it your own. Take your time to build a style that speaks to who you are. Build and decorate a she shed that satisfies some inner yearning youve had for a long, long time. This is your chance to really think about the colors and elements you like to surround yourself with. Leather camp chair or slipcovered easy chair, exotic Oriental rug or cheerful rag rug made with your favorite old pajamas: the choices are all yours. Play around with the unfamiliar, but dont ever feel bad about choosing the familiar. This book is all about no rules.