Shed Style E-Book

Selina Lake

• Herausgeber: Ryland Peters & Small
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2020

Beschreibung

In Shed Style, Selina Lake reveals how even the smallest garden can be home to an outdoor retreat. From the traditional gardener's potting shed to a writer's cabin to an artist's studio, Selina explores sheds, cabins, huts, greenhouses, pods and all manner of garden structures, providing ample inspiration for anyone dreaming of their own garden hideaway. She reveals how any existing shed, cabin or outbuilding can become a versatile work or social space rather than just somewhere to store the lawnmower. If you are short of space indoors, as so many of us are nowadays, a garden office, creative space, 'she shed' or work pod can provide a perfect solution. A greenhouse or potting shed will appeal to keen gardeners, while a cosy shepherd's hut, perhaps with a bijou wood-burning stove, can work as guest accommodation. In Shed Style, Selina reveals how to create the shed of your dreams, presenting hundreds of fresh ideas for decorating and styling both the interior and exterior as well as suggestions for lighting, fabrics, furniture and other accessories. Shed Style is perfect for anyone who wants to make the most of their outdoor space.

Leseprobe

SHED

STYLE

SELINA LAKE

SHED

STYLE

DECORATING CABINS, HUTS, PODS, SHEDS & OTHER GARDEN ROOMS

WITH PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHEL WHITING

Senior designer Megan SmithSenior commissioning editor Annabel MorganLocation research Jess WaltonHead of production Patricia HarringtonArt director Leslie HarringtonEditorial director Julia CharlesPublisher Cindy Richards

First published in 2020 by Ryland Peters & Small 20–21 Jockey’s Fields London WC1R 4BW and 341 E 116th Street New York, NY 10029

www.rylandpeters.com

Text copyright © Selina Lake 2020 Design and commissioned photographs copyright © Ryland Peters & Small 2020 See pages 156–157 for full picture credits.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

eISBN 978-1-70879-261-5

ISBN 978-1-78879-182-3

The author’s moral rights have been asserted. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.

A CIP record for this book is available from the British Library.

Library of Congress CIP data has been applied for.

Printed and bound in China

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

INSPIRATIONS

SHEDS

GREENHOUSES

CABINS & SUMMER HOUSES

HUTS & OTHER HIDEAWAYS

GARDEN STUDIOS & PODS

UNDER COVER

SOURCES

BUSINESS CREDITS

PICTURE CREDITS

INDEX

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

INTRODUCTION

Escaping to your very own garden retreat is one of life’s greatest pleasures.

Whenever I’m invited into a shed or other garden dwelling, I can immediately see the styling potential that lies within the space. In fact, even before I step inside, I’m often in raptures over even the most humble of exteriors. I actually get a little giddy when I have a shed, summer house or greenhouse to style, as these are the places where I most enjoy working my styling magic.

As a stylist, I am often asked where I find ideas for my projects and commissions. I can honestly say that, more often than not, it’s gardens and their contents that bring me the most creative inspiration. Perhaps this stems from happy childhood memories of my Nanna Doreen showing me around her potting shed in her garden in Bournemouth, watching Nanna and Grandpa Lake soaking up summer rays in comfy chairs inside their summer house, or playing with my sister in our parents’ greenhouse in the 1980s. These days, my own shed is the place I like to hang out when I have free time (see pages 66–69). In this book, I’m thrilled to include it alongside the work of other designers, gardeners and stylists, making Shed Style a true creative collaboration.

In recent years, in line with my previous book Natural Living Style, I’ve become mindful of using sustainable materials, being in harmony with nature, making use of items I already own and buying second-hand rather than new. I’m excited to include lots of ways of using recycled materials and objects in Shed Style. I also share styling tips on how to make the most of any garden building, no matter what its size or function. You’ll find ideas for different decorative styles, suggestions on how to furnish and accessorize any garden retreat and lots and lots of inspiration. Here’s hoping you get the same giddy feelings as I do when you contemplate Shed Style.

CREATIVE INSPIRATION

Need some ideas for stylish ways in which to decorate and style your shed or other garden building? You’ve come to the right place. I have so many gorgeous garden retreats to share with you in Shed Style, from classic potting sheds (above) and shady verandas to modern garden studios and picturesque huts surrounded with pretty planting (opposite).

INSPIRATIONS

CREATE THE GARDEN ROOM OF YOUR DREAMS

CHOOSE YOUR

PURPOSE

Transform an existing garden building into a versatile work or social space.

Do you dream of having a place where your creativity can flourish alongside your flowers, where you are able to connect with the great outdoors yet enjoy a sense of sanctuary? If so, take a look outside – any existing garden building can be transformed into a place to work or play. Alternatively, an underused square of lawn could be home to a newly built shed, greenhouse or garden studio.

All manner of garden buildings can be turned into a hideaway – even a humble wooden shed has the potential to become a writer’s cabin or yoga studio. A greenhouse will appeal to keen gardeners, while a cosy little shepherd’s hut can work as overflow guest accommodation.

I mainly use our shed as a good old-fashioned potting shed. I am very happy tinkering around in here drying flowers, repotting plants and storing seeds and bulbs. But I also enjoy styling up the space and photographing the results. You too can carve out a place to indulge in your passions and pleasures in any garden building, be it small or large.

SOW. RELAX. STYLE. REPEAT.

Keen gardeners will want to use their shed for traditional garden jobs (top left and opposite), but if you don’t have green fingers, you could use it as a place to escape and zone out (top right). Wire suspended across a window and metal bulldog clips create a display area for a collection of entomological prints (below left). A large greenhouse is the perfect setting for alfresco dining. Use flowers cut from the garden to create a striking centrepiece (below right).

GREEN-FINGERED

Use your shed or greenhouse to sow, grow and enjoy all things botanical.

The original function of sheds and greenhouses was for gardening jobs. Large gardens required a garden building for numerous horticultural tasks, with greenhouses being used to grow tender plants and to speed up germination of seedlings, among other things. Keen gardeners still use sheds and greenhouses for these purposes, as well as somewhere to store gardening tools and equipment.

Although many of us now use garden buildings as extra living space, others still want to devote such structures to gardening. It’s a well-loved pastime for many, and if you consider yourself to have a green thumb, you may already have what’s needed to kit out a traditional shed or greenhouse. If you are new to gardening or have only recently moved to a home with a garden complete with shed, you may feel unsure where to start. To inspire your garden vision, attach images of your dream garden ripped from garden magazines to the internal walls of your shed – this will be the beginning of the botanical setting of your dreams. Then deck out your shed or garden room with some of the basics that you will need going forward. These include open shelving, a practical workbench, plant pots, labels, storage tubs and baskets. Fit hooks or racks to keep your tools neat and organized. A functional, well-ordered shed will inspire you – if it’s all set up right, you will be able to dip in and out when you have the time. Do you dream of a very traditional potting shed? Stock your space with ‘shedware’ (my term for shed accessories) such as balls of string, seed trays, vintage botanical prints, framed mirrors and second-hand storage drawers for storing seed packets. Some of these items can be sourced from your local garden centre, but do look out for plastic-free options when buying new, and source second-hand pieces from vintage shops specializing in gardenalia for a unique look.

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

I loved visiting the garden of Dorthe Kvist, a Danish garden designer. Her greenhouse features a vine scrambling across the roof and juicy peaches growing under glass (opposite below left). Cardboard boxes can be recycled as planters in the early stages of growing beans (opposite below right). Use string instead of plastic ties and terracotta pots when potting on seedlings (this page).

IN THE MOMENT

A wall painted in Railings by Farrow & Ball works with natural wooden floorboards to create a zen space ideal for yoga, meditation or Pilates (opposite). In a work area, display items that will help spark your creativity (this page).

CREATIVE & MINDFUL

Design a restful environment that’s perfect for work or relaxation.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to walk into a space and immediately feel motivated, uplifted and calm? Well, a garden retreat can offer a welcome respite from the constant stresses of everyday life.

Creativity is not a state of mind you can plan as such, but having a dedicated space surrounded by items, pictures and colours that inspire you can only encourage a creative mindset. Set the scene with a workbench or desk – even an old table and a comfy chair will work well. Get imaginative with your walls – a classic moodboard made from magazine tear sheets, fabric swatches and favourite photos is a great starting point. Stick bits and pieces directly onto the walls using tape or pins, or make a separate board that can be propped up on your desk.

Perhaps you like to set aside time to practice yoga or meditation and crave a tranquil, relaxing place to participate? If so, consider turning a shed, outhouse or greenhouse into a mini studio. You’ll need to clear a floor space that’s big enough to roll out a yoga mat or two, then add a small table for scented candles and healthy refreshments such as water infused with herbs from the garden. Never leave lit candles unattended.

RELAXING & ENTERTAINING

Unwind, style your space and serve up a feast.

For me, the ultimate setting for a sit-down meal is the interior of a lushly stocked greenhouse. Greenhouses have an unmistakable charm that is difficult to replicate in a regular dining room. I have been lucky enough to visit some gorgeous greenhouse restaurants. Rosendals Trädgård in Stockholm, Sweden, is one of my favourite places, where three glorious vintage glasshouses are used as a café, shop and event space. On a recent family holiday to Italy, we ate at O’Parrucchiano in Sorrento – a restaurant with a greenhouse overlooking a lemon grove, plus the Italian cuisine was delicious…take me back!

To style a setting for entertaining, a certain amount of space is required, so perhaps it’s time to declutter? The prospect of a lovely garden dining room will spur you on to clear out old plant pots (these can often be recycled at a local garden centre), rusty tools or other junk. Once you have made space, utilize a table that you already own. If it’s old and has seen better days, that’s ok – chipped paint or worn wood will add to the rustic effect. Mismatched chairs work well – wooden kitchen chairs interspersed with metal garden chairs – or two long benches are a practical way to seat multiple visitors. Now you need to prettify the space. Do this by adding cushions (and a linen tablecloth if the table has seen better days). The final decorative touches are flowers, plants or foliage. Cut whatever is abundant in the garden at the moment. Last but not least, add a scattering of tall candles and tea lights to illuminate the table as night falls.

MEET ME IN THE GARDEN

Squeeze a table into the widest space inside your shed, greenhouse or garden room (left and opposite). Round tables often work best, as you can fit in more seats. For an easy-going afternoon gathering, style up an old wooden bench or bamboo garden chairs with comfy floral-print cushions (above left). No space inside? Use your shed as a backdrop for an informal outdoor cook-up; a selection of log stumps set around a central stove make a sociable spot to hang out (above).

STYLE TIP

Reflect the garden with a well-placed mirror, which will also bounce light around your space. Colour jumps out against a dark backdrop; the internal wall in this Alitex greenhouse has been painted in Graphite Grey by M&L Paints, with the mirror frame painted to match. Bring summer colour to the table with freshly cut blooms in recycled bott les and charity/thrift shop cut-glass vases.

CHOOSE YOUR

STYLE

Take your pick from botanical, vintage, industrial, bohemian, recycled and rustic trends.