Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Tuesday Inspiration: The Backyard Cottage


If you are fortunate to have a backyard shed that you're using for storage, think about repurposing it as a cottage retreat.
Maybe it could be a potting shed, a summer sleeping cottage, an outside dining room, or a private retreat for reading or meditation.

This is my BFF Maureen's backyard cottage. I have been asked to re-design her backyard, and one of the things I'm insisting is that we remove the tools, paints, lawnmowers and motorcycle and turn this darling cottage into a usable space. So this post is to inspire her of the possibilities....

Schappacher White
It could be a summer sleeping cottage--perfect for her frequent out-of-town guests.



I like the idea of an office--just hang a "shingle" outside. The commute would be so easy!

Her cottage could also become a dining pavilion. Oh, I would kill for this!

There are so many possibilities that it will be hard to choose which one.
My idea is to give her cottage two purposes. Think of it as a "two-fer!"

Just like The Fancy Farmgirl did, we would divide the cottage in half with chicken wire. Put a screen door in the middle for a chicken coop on one side and a sitting area on the other that would also hold basic garden tools. I'll even give her the ratty wingback chair!

Hopefully, she is inspired!
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20 comments:

Kathysue said...

What a fun project Delores!! Maureen is one lucky lady to have you as a BFF!!! I am sure you will come up with many wonderful ideas!!! KS

Low Tide High Style said...

Oh, I can't wait to see how it all turns out. I would love to have any one of those wonderful spaces, and lucky you that you get to help your friend transform hers into something spectacular!

Kat :)

Victoria said...

Shoot I'd be happy if I had one of these little sheds as my fulltime house! I watched a show on HGTV where the lady made a little bunkie guest room, it was cute but not as lovely as these images!

Claudia Fabiana said...

We do have a nice shed in our yard and these pics are a great inspiration for sprucing it up!

ciao

Sarah said...

Delores, Maureen is one smart lady to get you involved. I can envision wonderful things for her backyard cottage. Can't wait to see what you do! ~ sarah

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

The dining spot is my pick! Oh how wonderful that would be!!!!! The sleeping cottage idea is also wonderful but I know our guests would be afraid of all the wildlife:):) XO, Pinky

Tricia Rose Rough Linen said...

I would be happy with any of them, but the Fancy Farmgirl won my heart!

You will post 'afters' of that dear little cottage, won't you Delores?

The enchanted home said...

I want one! I am afraid I might go in though and never come out...lol. What is it about small cozy spaces that we are so drawn to? I would be happy to spend a weekend in any one of those adorable spots, just decompressing from the rat race!

The enchanted home said...

PS Dont forget to stop by..doing an amazing giveaway for a gorgeous Kilim bench!

Anonymous said...
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Phyllis said...

I want one......and your inspiration photos really made me to begin thinking about claiming my husband's tool shed....LOL....

helen tilston said...

What a beautiful transformation. I love the bedroom or the dining room idea.

I agree with Anonymous, living in the same space as chickens is not ideal.They are noisy and always active and they cackle and talk to you.
Helen

Nancy said...

Hurry up, you two! Let's play there!

Burlap Luxe said...

Hi Delores,
I love all the retreats, what places to rest your soul, resting and dreaming, just dreaming.

~Cheers
Dore

Robynne's Nest said...

Absolutely gorgeous sheds...there's something about small spaces like that where you can jam it all in and create something amazing. Love the fancy farmgirl and her shed...would have to give the chooks a heave ho though! Robx

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YONKS said...

My husband would never see me. I would spend hours in such beautiful summer ianne
XOXO

SHERRY HART said...

Oh my gosh. I am certainly inspired. Those are beautiful and makes me want to have one. Can't wait to see what you do!!!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

If this doesn't inspire her, nothing will. I want ALL of these little cottages in my backyard! I'm going back to look through this post again. Thanks for the inspiration Delores. laurie

Unknown said...

I recently came across this post on Pinterest. I have the perfect little shed in the backyard for this and you have inspired me to make mine over. I am just in the beginnning stages and posted about it on my blog. Thanks for the amazing inspiration!
http://thecozyabode.com/the-cottage/

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