The she-shed made its mark on popular culture when it became the central theme of a viral 2019 State Farm commercial. In the ad, a couple watches as Sheryl’s she-shed burns to a crisp after an unfortunate lightning strike. Sheryl, who is on the phone with her insurance agent, is assured that her insurance policy covers her she-shed. “You hear that, Victor, I’m getting a new she-she-er-she-shed,” announces Sheryl as her fancy chandelier comes down in flames.
Instantly, women around the country were bitten by the she-shed bug. Scrapbookers envisioned a dedicated space for their supplies, musicians delighted in the fantasy of a private room to practice and moms dreamt of a place where they could escape for some peace and quiet. Sheryl was every woman, inciting a desire to challenge the man cave aesthetic with more feminine decor and more unique uses. One of the best of those uses, as more people work remotely or in hybrid conditions, is the perfect home office.
Last year, entrepreneur Kimberly Russo found herself in a predicament that only a she-shed could solve. Russo runs a successful brand development and design business from home. She’s also a portrait artist specializing in pet portraits. When she moved in with her boyfriend, Russo realized that the dedicated workspace she had become accustomed to would not be possible in her new home.
As the owner of a growing business, Russo was confident a she-shed would solve her square footage and storage problems while creating a space where she could meet with clients and collaborators, take virtual meetings and focus on her operation. She immediately went to work on what would become the On Brand Designs headquarters and Russo’s personal sanctuary.
Russo chose a 10-by-20 manufactured structure and worked with an architect friend to render the space exactly as it would look and function. Russo’s contractor wired electrical from the main house and added insulation, paneling, paint and flooring to the building. Then Russo and her loved ones added wallpaper and other beautiful touches.
In addition to running her business from her she-shed, the business owner also frequently entertains there. “Company always asks to see it when they visit,” she said. They exclaim at the amenities including a cozy couch, mini-fridge, AC unit, dehumidifier and heater. “I’ve always dreamt of working in an outdoor space where I’m working half inside, half outside. My whole life is in there,” she said as she mused about her plans to decorate the exterior with flower boxes and other details.
Russo thought of everything when designing her she-shed. From start to finish, it took about three months to make this dream structure a reality. A $10,000-plus investment, Russo’s she-shed has it all — minus plumbing. She makes a 20-foot journey home for running water and bathroom breaks.
Because Russo’s she-shed was under a specific size, it didn’t require permitting. Yet, many homeowners’ associations and Lowcountry neighborhoods have strict rules around she-sheds and similar modular buildings.
Keith Kirwin, owner of Cool Sheds Lowcountry and Cool Sheds Upstate, has worked with many families hoping to add detached structures to their backyards. “We have over 500 HOAs in the area. Many of them have size limits, maximum roof heights, as well as exterior color and siding requirements for such structures,” said Kirwin.
At Cool Sheds, Kirwin and his team have met with countless women hoping to make their she-shed dreams come true. Kirwin thinks she-sheds are a great way to expand a home’s square footage and create specialized spaces like guest cottages that double as reading nooks, yoga studios, art studios and more.
Kirwin and his team use 3D design software to design and custom-build she-sheds. With options like cathedral ceilings and more, Cool Shed’s structures withstand 160 mph winds, far surpassing local requirements. Once delivered, Cool Shed’s structures can be outfitted to suit the she-shed owner’s goals and preferences. “Customization can be built-in from the design phase,” said Kirwin. “Then our contractor can customize the interior and exterior as desired or required by the owner’s HOA.”
Plumbing is one of the only significant limitations she-shed owners experience. Because water and sewer add a layer of risk, they may require more involved dwelling permits, prompting most proud she-shed owners to skip the water and hassle.
The she-shed is a cultural phenomenon that shows no signs of stopping. With more women working from home, participating in social gatherings and prioritizing self-care, Sheryl’s she-she-er-she-shed is just beginning to enjoy its heyday.
By Isabel Alvarez Arata
