Cozy She Shed Makeover
(Shedna Mae, Part Two)
After years of being filled with my collection of daycare toys and supplies, my she shed, Shedna Mae, has finally been decluttered, swept out, and is slowly being brought back to life.
Granny Says: If you’re new here, start with Part One of Shedna Mae’s makeover—and take a peek at my original she shed decorating plans to see how the dream began.
This part of my she shed makeover isn’t about big, dramatic changes.
It’s about the little things…
The freshly painted ceiling that brightened the whole space.
The pegboard, now soft and simple, no longer cluttered but thoughtfully arranged.
The warm touch of gilded brass on each hook, catching the light just enough to make me smile.
And those tiny vintage labels… bringing a sense of order, personality and quiet charm to it all.
It’s not finished. Some days I’d rather work in the garden, so progress on Shedna Mae has been slow at times.
But it’s finally starting to feel like mine again
And that, I think, matters just as much as any final reveal.
✨ Clearing Out the Old Chapter
Shedna Mae had become very much a dumping ground. For daycare things. For projects-in-waiting. For… stuff. When I got on a roll while clearing things out, I was loading Grampy’s truck and making drop-offs at the thrift store every week. But then I’d slow down a bit–get tired, or a bit sentimental–and need a break.
But that day, when I cleared the last tubs of daycare supplies out and removed the shelves they had been stored on, I could see the potential, the “blank slate,” and it was exciting!
Seeing the whole back wall cleared, I envisioned what my little retirement cocoon might become–and the ideas have been brewing ever since!
🕯️ A Fresh Start from the Top Down
We had a warm spell in early April, so I decided to begin painting the interior of Shedna Mae. I started with the ceiling, which is the underside of the storage loft, so it’s plywood with 2 x 4 beams across it. I cleaned it well (sheds are dusty!), removed the lights, and then fixed any holes with wood filler. There were several dark knotholes in the plywood, so I primed them to prevent bleedthrough.
Using a brush for the corners and a 3/4″ nap roller for the flat areas, the painting went quickly. I applied two coats of Benjamin Moore White Dove in a Matte finish. Because the boards had some texture, it took almost a half gallon of paint to cover the 10 x 12 loft area.
The shed interior was originally painted white. But it was a cool-toned white and not very cozy. Even with just a bit of the new color applied, I could tell the space was going to feel fresh, clean, and perfectly cozy. No more harsh, cold white. Just the warm, creamy White Dove color. ❤️
🌼 The Pegboard Comes Back to Life
I loved painting the chippy grey pegboard in Benjamin Moore Pale Oak. It took the pegboard from “mechanic’s shop” to “cozy Granny workspace.” Grampy was a sweetheart and shared some of his extra tools with me. My pegboard won’t be filled with perfectly matchy-matchy tools. It will be practical, organized, functional, but pretty.
✨ A Little Touch of Gold
Because I can be a little…extra…when it comes to my projects, I decided that shiny silver pegboard hooks would just never do. I took a bit of time one afternoon and painted the hooks with Gilded Brass spray paint from Rustoleum. I think it is the perfect touch.
I don’t worry much about what other people think when I’m doing projects. Is it silly to think about the color of your pegboard hooks? Maybe. But this project is for me, and soft brass hooks on my pegboard make me happy. She sheds especially are about creating a space that you love. Being extra is allowed.
🏷️ The Sweetest Little Labels
One of my challenges when it comes to projects is putting my tools away and being able to find what I need when I need it. To help me do better with this, I am designating places for my things on the pegboard and adding cozy and practical labels. This way, everything has a home–and a cute vintage label to tell me where it goes.
The labels were simple to make. I used tools from my craft show days: A paper punch that cuts out a tag shape, scissors that give the edge of paper a torn look, and my Dymo labeler. This was a relaxing little project to do while watching gardening videos on YouTube! I love the soft floral contact paper. I have plans to use it for little accents throughout the she shed.
I’ve already used some of my tools while building my compost bin (post on that later), and it was great to know exactly where to find my tape measure!
🌿 Not Finished… But Finally Mine
After taking out the daycare items, I still had some things left in Shedna Mae. They are currently in the middle of the shed, covered with a drop cloth while I am painting. Some will stay (like my little oak desk). Some will go when I bring in things like my floral wingback chair that is currently in the sunroom. (Sorry, Tater Kitty!) With each little project I can definitely feel the shift from “storage for work things” to “a space for me to enjoy.”
The shed definitely did its work storing all those daycare supplies, and now that I’m retired, it will have its new job as my place to relax and create.
Granny Says: Sometimes it’s not the big transformations that change a space…it’s the quiet moment when you realize it finally feels like home again.
🎨 What Comes Next for Shedna Mae
In Part Three of Shedna Mae’s makeover, I will be painting the walls, repurposing some storage containers and giving the interior of the door a new look.
Until next time, happy creating! 😊
