Lockdown Mag Jul 20

ig Project
clever colour
For vintage charm, opt
for muted paint shades
such as pastel greens.
summer style
Lightweight, pretty
fabric adds to the
charming, summery
feel of this shed.
potting shed style
Combine form and function by turning your
shed into a space to garden on rainy days.
Adding a wooden floor and old furniture adds
to the interior feel.
get the book
✽ Images taken
from Shed Decor:
How to Decorate
and Furnish Your
Favourite Garden
Room. Published by
Jacqui Small, £25.
photo: dobbies.com
when it comes to decorating, anything goes.
“Every trend that you see in the interiors world
is reflected in sheds,” says Sally Coulthard. If
you’re doing up a shed you’ve had for a while,
use a fungicidal wash to remove any algae, lichen
or moss, and if the wood has previously been
stained, painted or varnished it should ideally be
stripped back to a bare state. Paint the shed with
a couple of coats of a dedicated product such
as Cuprinol Garden Shades, £21.99 for 2.5 litres,
from Homebase, which comes in bright colours
such as Dazzling Yellow and Sunny Lime as well
as on-trend neutral tones such as Urban Slate.
It can be sprayed on to save time and make the
job easier. Alternatively, Homebase’s own exterior
paint range costs £18 for 2.5 litres. Add some
scented climbers such as jasmine, supported by
tensioned wires, to soften the look, particularly if
you want your shed to blend in. When it comes
to painting the interior of the shed, it’s a good
idea to stick with a neutral paint scheme – if you
go for something bold then change your mind
once you’re in, that means a lot of upheaval if you
want to redecorate.
protect your assets
Check if your shed needs to be added to your
buildings insurance policy. Most policies cover
outbuildings against fire, vandalism or damage
to the structure, but you may need to add to
the cover. Avoid keeping valuables such as your
laptop out there. Tot up the cost of replacing
items such as furniture or gym equipment and you
may find you need extra home contents cover,
too. For lower premiums, it helps if house-quality
windows and doors with key-operated locks are
installed, with an alarm and security lights.
✽ This feature first appeared in the
June 2017 issue of Modern Gardens.
Be creative
with paint
The purple doors add
a pop of colour to
this garden
get the book
✽ Images taken from
She Sheds: A Room
of Your Own by Erika
Kotite. Published by
Cool Springs Press, an
imprint of The Quarto
Group, £16.99.
have some fuN
Wall art inside and out
turns this shed into a
truly personal space.
clean and bright
White painted walls
help the interior look
spacious and light.
24 MODERN GARDENS lockdown living