Style Magazine April 2020

| home & garden |
Party Hardy
The Ultimate Shed Shindig
by KERRIE L. KELLY
We've all heard of parties on patios, barbecues in backyards, and
open-air fiestas, but what about shed shindigs? A little party
tip: The outdoor shed is the perfect place to house smaller
celebrations. With rising real estate prices and space in some
cities a treasured commodity, the backyard shed is a hidden space just waiting
to be utilized. Whether it’s a compact man cave for watching the big game in, or
a Sunday afternoon tea spot, the shed is a blank canvas just waiting to be used.
Hang décor, add tables and seating, and invite your guests to take a seat and enjoy
your cool and contemporary party place.
BEFORE BREAKING GROUND
The beauty of backyard sheds is their
ability to add more living space in a
quick construction time frame or easy
prefab build. First, consult your local
county, as many have requirements for
what can be allowed square-footage
wise without a permit and how far away
it should be placed from the property
line. Prefabricated sheds are great
options for less hassle, less construction
time, and for those wanting a quick
addition to their backyard without the
need for in-depth professional help.
For homeowners looking to add a
custom space that’s fit specifically for
their needs, a custom shed is an ideal
choice, where curated finishes, layouts,
and unique applications like hidden
storage or a kitchenette can all be added.
No matter what, be sure to do your
homework on requirements before
getting started.
CELEBRATE IN STYLE
What’s the point of having an
entertaining shed without some festive
décor? Your new space is the perfect
excuse for getting some exciting items
that show off your favorite trends and
shades. It’s also a great way to have fun
with those patterned pillows or funky
pieces of art you might not have room
for in your main living spaces. A fun
bar cart is a compact way to move the
party indoors or out, while a charming
pendant or chandelier hung over a small
seating area is a sure way to have your
guests in awe. A shed is also a perfect
candidate for space-saving furniture:
think upholstery with a hidden nook for
stowing away winter throws, chests that
can be used as both storage and bench
seating, a bar cabinet that doubles as a
bar and for holding festive dishware, and
open-mounted shelving to store all your
entertaining needs.
BRING SOME “AWE” TO THE OUTSIDE
Use your new shed as a way to show
off your unique style! Whether your
prefabricated shed is begging for a
bright, bold paint job or your custom
one is in need of a few shutters to round
out the exterior, use it as an extension
of your home and take advantage of
surrounding outdoor space by adding
some fun design elements. A blank wall
is a great place for metal artwork, while
an adjoining patio is ideal for a cute
bistro table or larger entertainment set.
Lastly, don’t forget lighting. String some
market lights overhead or go for solarpowered
staked lighting to surround the
exterior and provide your shed soiree
with proper lighting all night long.
Let’s get the party started! What are you
planning to put into your celebratory
shed?
Kerrie L. Kelly, FASID, is an
award-winning interior designer,
author, product developer, and
multimedia consultant helping
brands reach the interior design
community. To contact her, visit
kerriekelly.com or
call 916-919-3023.
Photo ©Joanne Dale - stock.adobe.com.
68 stylemg.com | SEPTEMBER APRIL 2020 2019 | /stylemg /stylemediagroup /stylemediagroup /stylemags