Man Cave Vs She Shed

We all love spending time with our partners and family but sometimes we just need a little escape where we can relax and have fun. This year the big battle of the sexes is a heating up as we see the biggest fight that has ever taken place in the interior design world – Man Cave vs She Shed!

That’s right! Last year saw the rise of the ‘man cave’ a room of the home that is reserved for all things manly and a place of escape for gaming, drinking and marathon movie sessions.

This year however the women are fighting back with the elegant and sumptuously designed ‘she shed’ where the ladies can hide away in a serene sanctuary of crafting, gardening and reading (or a cocktail or two with the girls. Which side will you take?

Man Cave

The man cave is a cornucopia of man gadgets, technology and masculine style and provides a sanctuary from the femininity that can often creep into the rest of the home. Some must have items in your man room include a large widescreen TV, DVD player and games console where you can chill out with a beer and an action movie or battle it out of call of duty. If you’re more sporty or competitive then why not have a designated gym area where you can burn off your pizza and kebab or a pool table, poker table and darts board where you can enjoy some friendly rivalry between friends.

No man room would be complete without a designated bar area where you can enjoy a pub style atmosphere in the comfort of your home. Install a bar space with stools and funky lighting and add an array of optics or beer pumps with barrels of your favourite tipple.

If you and your friends are enjoying the rise of craft ales then why not place a large or novelty fridge in your man cave and take it in turns to buy bottles of ales for a ‘taste and review’ session once a week or month.

Select accessories that reflect the style of your man cave with clocks that are designed from empty beer bottles, industrial or solid oak furniture that is chunky and textural and select statement items that are fun and unique.

I love this side table that has been crafted from a car tyre as it provides a functional space for your drinks while adding a sense of masculine style to your chosen room. Decorate walls with items that tie into your life and hobbies such as framed football or rugby shirts, cycling photos or Lego sets that will add a personalised touch to your man cave interior.

She Shed

The she shed is a haven of peace and tranquillity (and a few giggles) where you can escape from the noise and hustle and bustle of the main house. Whether you’re a mother escaping the noise of the screaming children, a wife in need of some time out from a husband’s Playstation sessions or a single lady who simply wishes to relax and distress after long and busy day; the she shed is the perfect solution. Why not to create a space to enjoy your favourite hobby or partake in a few glasses of wine and a gossip with the girls.

Firstly and most importantly, no woman wants to sit in a boring wooden shed that is sparse and uninteresting so it’s time to get your paint brushes out to transform your shed into a homely and cosy space. Select feminine colour palettes such as crisp white, pastel pink, lilac or blue and add detailed touches such as bunting, fairy lights and wall art and mirrors for a cosy yet illuminating look.

Add small furniture items such as side tables and desks and create a cosy seating area using a small sofa, bean bags or a hammock for the ultimate in relaxation.

If you are using your shed as the base for you hobbies then ensure that you have all you need in one central area. Why not create a sewing space by placing your machine on a small desk next to the window and create an organised shelving area for your materials and accessories.

If you are a keen gardener then use your desk as an area for potting and planting and use a chest of drawers for storing any seeds and bulbs. Door hanging storage is perfect for your tools, aprons or overalls and keeps your she shed neat and clutter free.

You can also create a simple, relaxed space for you and your friends by installing a small wine fridge where you can store your drinks or set up a cocktail station where you can have fun mixing and inventing your own tipples. Oh and don’t forget to include a small heater in your shed for those chilly days and nights.

For more ideas on creating a man cave or she shed, take a look at our latest Pinterest board - Pinterest - Man Cave vs She Shed