A She Shed, image via Huffington Post
Move on over, man cave, and make room for the she den. The she den is basically what its moniker implies: a man cave for the lady of the house, a lady cave so to speak – although most people seem to prefer the term “she shed” or “she den.”
Rustic She Shed, image via blog.decoratorsbest.com/
An actual shed in your backyard would be dandy – the better to escape into, putting distance between your refuge and the rest of the family. However, if you don’t have the space, a small room in your house or basement will do just fine in lieu of an actual freestanding structure. Check out this rustic escape above! But when it comes to its look and design, the sky and your wallet are the limit. You may want a bonafide tool shed, a crafting cavern, or simply a private space to relax and binge watch “House of Cards.” Most she dens are rather feminine with soft colors and fabrics. Shall we say “girly.” We think a fine she den should be femininely stylish, featuring ambient lighting, soft rugs and cushions, lots of books and magazines, definitely a home bar, and plenty of idiosyncratic personality. Here are some curated pieces for inspiration.
A boho She Shed, iamge via Pinterest
Mood Light
Soft lighting creates a soothing Zen ambience. We’re thinking floor lamp and chandelier. Since the goal is to channel feminine energy, the Shakti Floor Lamp by Marzio Rusconi Clerici & Laura Agnoletto for Kundalini is a fine specimen for the minimalist modern Madame (Shakti is great Indian goddess of Tantra). Or how about a luxe purple chandelier that looks right at home in a French boudoir, such as the 5 Light Crystal Chandelier by angelo:HOME.
Kundalini Shakti Floor Lamp
angelo HOME 5 Light Chandelier
Lady Chair
Your sanctuary needs a couch to faint on or a lounge for lazing. We opt for Italian design and the appropriately named 720 Lady, first introduced in 1951. This iconic and award-winning seat was designed by Marco Zanuso. Check out this super cozy Bean Bag Lounger for chillaxing.
The iconic 720 Lady Chair
Jaxx Bean Bag Lounger
Bar Maid
The dame of the den needs a proper drink, served solo from a chic cocktail perch such as this Mid-Century Bar Cart. Too modern? Go 16th century with an Italian-style Globe Bar.
Mid Century bar cart Globe Bar Cart
Flower Girl
The walls have ears. Cover them and bring depth to your small, secret space with ethereal, painterly, floral wallpaper by Ellie Cashman, inspired by the still lifes of the Dutch Golden Age. Add piles of pillows.
Dark floral wallpaper
The Sound of Silence
Luxurious rugs dampen the harsh sounds of the outside world. We think Indian rugs look great in a boho she cave, such as this hand-knotted marvel in rust, gold, eggplant, taupe and mauve. A Persian rug is a timeless investment that you won’t tire of seeing.
Indian Rug
Dressing Screen
Even though “she” most likely won’t have an audience, a dressing screen is a sexy object for a lady lair. It can be used as a space divider to create partition or as an opulent decorative object.
Dressing screen
Dressing screen
Reading Rack
Time to catch up on some reading. Whether tabloids or design tomes, this whimsical rack adds playful nonchalance.
Magazine rack