A garden shed can be much more than just a storage space. Gather some unique and creative shed ideas and designs here with our lovely reader submissions.
We received a terrific group of entries for our 2012 Garden Sheds Showoff contest. You’ll find our 11 favorite garden shed designs in this article. In the “Most Colorful/Decorative” category, the winner of the $500 gift certificate from Lee Valley Tools is Barbara and James Stanley’s charming Crickhollow Cottage in Hendersonville, N.C. In the second category, “Best Use of Repurposed Materials,” the $500 gift certificate from Lee Valley Tools goes to Sharon and Dan Clements of Mount Blanchard, Ohio, who built the beautiful, rustic-looking garden shed using numerous reclaimed building materials.
Most Colorful/Decorative Garden Shed Winner
Barbara and James Stanley; Hendersonville, N.C.
To build this combination potting shed/workshop (featured image above), the Stanleys purchased a basic playhouse kit and added custom details using salvaged and bargain materials. Inside the shed is a creamy antique tin ceiling purchased from a Habitat for Humanity ReStore. A galvanized tin and maple potting bench — complete with cabinets and drawers — was salvaged from a school cafeteria. James even installed wiring and plumbing, so the workshop has electricity and running water.
Best Use of Repurposed Materials Garden Shed Winner
Sharon and Dan Clements; Mount Blanchard, Ohio
This shed gets its rustic look from the reclaimed, weathered materials the owners used to construct it. The exterior siding is barn wood, and the metal roof came from a fence that formerly stood on the property. Other reclaimed building materials include pool decking purchased on Craigslist, wire fencing used as a trellis and inside, repurposed croquet mallets used as hooks for hanging garden hoses.
More Creative Shed Ideas
Check out the rest of our beautiful submissions for more unique garden shed designs with charming personality and a touch of character:
Are you ready to build your own garden shed? For a free, basic shed or cabin building plan, see Build This Cozy Cabin.