Everyone can benefit from a private go-to space for relaxing and recharging. If you’re considering creating a She Shed, don’t jump into the project blindly. Save time, money, and aggravation by following the smart advice of a professional. Marilena Viscogliosi, Design Consultant for California Closets, shares her deep experience.
How would you define a She Shed?
“I would define a She Shed as any small space set away from the home, away from distraction. Similar to a ‘Man Cave,’ it’s a woman’s take on having a private place to relax and pursue her interests.”
Do you consider She Sheds to be a passing fad, or do you think the concept is here to stay?
“Historically, the garage has been the domain of the male of the home. I say, they can keep it! I’d rather have a space away FROM the house where you won’t be distracted by someone looking for their keys, their homework, or the intrusive noise of alarms and buzzers breaking your focus. Also, having a space set in nature is an opportunity to regroup and brighten up your mood. We all need more of that.”
What recommendations do you have for beginning to bring your personal oasis to life?
“Think about what you would like to accomplish with this extra room made solely for you. Is there a hobby you would love to spend more time on? What activities do you enjoy most when you finally have your ‘alone time’? Once that is established, you can’t go wrong by giving a call to an experienced designer, like California Closets. Every one of our clients is different and I truly enjoy working as a team in designing a space. It’s wonderful how we can tailor any detail specifically to a client’s needs, which in the long run, is a much more cost-efficient and time-effective approach.”
What design elements do you feel deserve the most focus?
“I think it’s most important to focus on function before form on all things! Remember the larger picture when designing your getaway space and revisit that idea throughout the entire process. Then, get excited about the details after the function is set. While aesthetic expresses your personality and complements the system, it is more important to make sure you are fully optimizing your storage space and that it is encompassing its true purpose.”
What advice do you have for optimizing both the look and the function of your She Shed?
“It’s a good idea to incorporate a balance of both open and closed storage. Not only will this provide designated spaces to keep your things tidy, but also an opportunity to put your own unique personality on display. Being able to showcase your treasures, as well as hide away any messy tools in the meantime, will leave you feeling at peace and harmonized.”
Are there any rules of thumb that are important to follow?
“Actually, there are many rules, which makes it especially helpful to call a professional. Rules can overwhelm and dull the enthusiasm on a project. As experienced professionals, we know the questions to ask. Working closely with you, we’ll design a functioning, attractive space you will absolutely love. We’ll deal with the rules and keep the process enjoyable for you.”
Can you give examples of approaches by clients of California Closets that have worked well?
“Different approaches work well for different people and purposes. When working with a client, their needs can be so specific to their lifestyle, which might not work for someone else. For example, with our She Shed/Art Studio, our client used various types of paper in her art. Shallow drawers were the answer to storing the paper. If the drawers were too deep, the paper could get lost, creased, or possibly damaged in the process. On the other hand, her many tubes of paint were best stored in the open, natural light with simple, shallow rimmed shelves and within easy reach. Colors are subtly varied, and an artist’s eye is very sensitive to the differences. This storage method enables her to easily distinguish ochre from a deeper yellow, for example. We know this because we listen, make sure we understand our clients, and work together to create a personalized space just for them.”
Do you have any other top tips for creating a dreamy She Shed?
“We all see inspiring photos of spaces and want to replicate them. I think that’s a helpful starting point. In working with a Design Consultant at California Closets, we’ll take that inspiration, discuss your needs, and make sure the space not only looks dreamy, but WORKS for you.”
California Closets
914.592.1001
16 Saw Mill River Rd
Hawthorne
83 S Main St
New City
www.californiaclosets.com
Instagram: @caliclosetsnyc
Facebook: @caliclosetsnyc
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