Man caves, media rooms and she sheds – flexible design spaces for modern living

From the Resene decorating blog

Here are some ideas from Resene for finding your own fun zone whether it’s a she-shed, a man cave or a family media room.

Finding space for creative time out, or calm family time can be tricky in modern family homes. Activities and belongings like life admin, working from home, homework, school bags and sports gear seem to develop a life of their own, spreading out to take over your house.

Carving out a space devoted to hobbies, running a side business, or just chilling out feels like a treat; the chance to claw some space back for something you find stimulating and inspiring. But where do you start – and where do you find the space?

Here are some ideas from Resene for finding your own fun zone whether it’s a she-shed, a man cave or a family media room.

Work with what you have

Not everybody has a large garden where they can add a purpose-built shed. Not everybody has a house big enough to devote one room to hobbies or creativity. It doesn’t have to be the end of your ideas for a devoted creative space.

As Resene Colour Expert Amy Watkins says, with some literal ‘outside the box’ thinking and organisation you can carve out spaces within spaces.

“This is where colour blocking is a great tool that you can use to create different zones inside other rooms,” she says.

“One way is to use a solid paint colour and paint out a section of the wall in a geometric shape. Continue that colour and shape onto the ceiling, and even the floor, to create the sense of a separate zone within a larger room.”

Wallpaper can also be used to create the same effect, Amy says, and with the right pattern, can give your separate zone immediate flair and personality, even if it’s just a simple drop of wallpaper behind a desk. For a whimsical reading or art space in a child’s room try the woodland creatures of Resene Wallpaper Collection 38119-1 or, for a grown-up workspace try the sophisticated elegance of Resene Wallpaper Collection 22091.

The idea is to create a visual ‘step-change’ in your space so your newly created area stands on its own. If you want that effect without too much visual shock, compared to the rest of the room try a bold stripe like Resene Wallpaper Collection 101077144 with walls in a similar shade of jade like Resene Japanese Laurel, or a neutral like Resene Alabaster.

Embrace flexibility

If you can’t dedicate a space inside a space, or you want to make your new zone multi-functional, look for ways to add a good amount of storage. Cupboards, drawers, hooks and shelves all mean everyone who uses the area knows where their stuff goes when it’s not in use and you can help avoid the space becoming cluttered and unusable for anyone.

It could be a good opportunity to upcycle an old desk, chest of drawers or bookshelf, and as Amy suggests if you’re creating a space to suit different people and multiple tasks, it may make more sense to go with a simpler colour scheme that makes good use of texture, like Resene Wallpaper Collection M35607. instead of a bold pattern. “You could also try a paint effect like Resene FX Paint Effects Medium to create a limewashing effect using two different colours. Try two similarly-toned muted shades like Resene Rolling Stone and Resene Duck Egg Blue.”

Plan ahead for colour

Putting some careful thought into how you will use your new, or upgraded shed space or creative zone, will help ensure it’s fit for purpose and actually gets used for what you are planning. It will also help you choose your colour palette. Ask yourself some of the following questions before you start:

• Will the space be primarily for relaxing?
• If it’s primarily for an activity, how big a space do you need?
• Will you need to manage mess?
• How many people does the space need to accommodate?
• What storage and work areas do you need?
• How much light – natural or artificial – will you need?
• What existing furniture and fittings could you re-purpose with a coat of paint, wallpaper and stain?

If you want a cosy, soothing and relaxing space to read or watch a movie with the family Amy suggests opting for a restful colour scheme like Resene Bud, Resene Soothe or Resene Inside Back. For a space dedicated to movies or a quiet, bolthole to escape, consider playing with cosier darker shades like deep green Resene Welcome brightened with notes of Resene Wabi Sabi, or charcoal Resene Thunderstorm with off-white Resene White Pointer.

If you want to try uplifting and inspiring colours for a play or creative zone, Amy suggests Resene Java, Resene Tango or Resene Turbo for extra visual impact.

If you’re creating an art studio, or a designated space for detailed work like sewing or writing, it’s probably a good idea to go for lighter, brighter shades on the walls, ceiling and floor to maximise light. Try layered neutrals like Resene Blanc with Resene Half Blanc, Resene Quarter Blanc and notes of Resene Double Blanc. For extra colour add highlight pieces in sea blue Resene Spinnaker or muted orange Resene Hero.

Be brave

Amy’s advice for starting your shed or workspace project is to embrace the opportunity to be bold and creative. “Don’t be afraid to use colour! Look at what you want to put into the space in terms of furniture and decor so you can draw the colour palette ideas out from those items.

“You can either go darker or lighter than the furniture as a way to offset the items or use wallpaper to give you a real impact and a layered look.”

Have fun and create a space that inspires creativity.

October 09, 2023

If you need help choosing colours and wallpapers for your creative space, ask an expert at your Resene ColorShop or use the free Ask a Resene Colour Expert service online.

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