Tuesday, June 9, 2009

The Chinoiserie Shed




A growing trend right now is turning a garden shed into your own personal retreat. It is like a tree house for grown-ups. A brand new book to give you inspiration is Shed Chic by Sally Coulthard. It is full of whimsical spaces for a personal getaway, a reading nook, a hobbyist's den, a child's play house, a home office, or a traditional potting shed. I love the cover photo of a shed that is modeled after a stunning Chinoiserie pavilion or folly.  Above is a photo of the inside of my own garden shed that I am having great fun filling with not only my gardening tools, but Chinoiserie inspired items as well. Although the outside is not as elaborate as this, it is antique brick and quite lovely and I am inspired to paint the door in Farrow & Ball Chinese Blue. 

11 comments:

  1. Just lovely.

    Another shed I adore: Michael Devine's outdoor shed featured in May's Country Living. It was stunning (and NOT at all country).

    Eddie Ross posted tear sheets here:
    http://www.eddieross.com/.a/6a00e55391c48e88330115706a929d970b-pi

    ReplyDelete
  2. Averill-I remember seeing it on Michael Devine's blog-it was very French and beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is gorgeous! That roofline is truly incredible - will be sure to show my Mom, who has a pretty little 2 story building in her garden - garden shed on bottom + boys' retreat on top. The bottom is in soft whites, grays, French blue and yellow. The top is very Ralph Lauren Nautical-looking. We are still working on it and always looking for inspiration. Thank you for a wonderful post~

    ReplyDelete
  4. Also, I would love to see yours - it sounds very lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I wish I had room for that in my wee back garden!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sarah-Your mom's sounds beautiful-you should get her this book for more ideas. The second photo is the inside of mine. I will do a post when I finish the door-I just found an antique Chinese door knocker.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Meg-Maybe you could fit in a very wee one!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Absolutely love this post! I love your mix of tools and porcelain on the shelves. Please keep us updated on the progression of your shed. Farrow and Ball is such a wonderful choice for the ceiling. Can't wait to see it.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Theresa-Thanks so much. I have used Farrow & Ball throughout my house and wouldn't use anything else.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks to your recommendation, we ordered the book last night :) Can't wait to receive it!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Sarah-Great-I think you will find some ideas to use.

    ReplyDelete