Man Caves & She Sheds: Spaces just for you

No longer are homes just simple shared spaces. There’s been a personal space revolution and backyards have become prime real estate waiting to be claimed.

The terms “Man Cave” and “She Shed” have become part of our vocabulary – popular phrases that our customers often use when describing their dream backyard retreats. While these catchy names have stuck, our customers show us that a Man Cave or She Shed is simply a personal sanctuary steps from home, with designs and purposes as unique as the individuals who create them.

While the terms Man Cave and She Shed might suggest certain stereotypes, we’re well aware any hobby or interest can be anyone’s passion. Our customers consistently prove that, despite their coined names, these spaces are about individuals.

Women wanting their own sports-watching sanctuary or workshop, men seeking an art studio or quiet reading and writing nook. Both Man Caves and She Sheds feature yoga mats and tool racks, plants and car parts, sports memorabilia and sewing machines.

Our customers have shown incredible creativity in how they use their Man Caves and She Sheds. Here are some popular options we’ve seen, regardless of what they’re called. 

Creative Studio

For budding ceramicists, artists or sculptors, gone are the days of spreading out across the dining table only to pack everything up at dinner time. No more working in a dingy corner of the garage or carving out what space you can in the spare room. A She Shed or Man Cave is a place dedicated to your creative endeavours; a place where imagination and artistic intent can roam free. See an example here.

Big Screen Viewing

Many Man Caves and She Sheds feature a big TV or a projector for watching sports, movies, gaming…or all of the above! When the household TV has been taken over by the kids, or the big game is on and needs big screen appreciation, the She Shed or Man Cave is your domain for your viewing pleasure. Sink into that recliner chair, kick back, and enjoy. See an example here.

Hobby Room 

Likewise, the hobby room. Whether the passion is for sewing, textiles, jewellery or card making, imagine a space where materials and tools can be left out, projects can remain a work in progress and 100% focus can be given to your task without household interruptions. See an example here.

Bar and Beer 

Imagine a built-in bar where you can enjoy a pub-like experience from the comfort of your own home. Your own social HQ where you can hang with your friends on a Friday evening and enjoy a night out with no closing times. Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to do a spot of home brewing or distilling – your barrels and equipment might not be allowed to take over the kitchen but there are no restrictions in your She Shed or Man Cave! See an example here.

Writing Retreat

Nothing requires peace, quiet and the ability to concentrate like writing does. Whether you’re journaling, blogging, crafting short stories, or penning the next prize-winning literary masterpiece, you’ll find the solitude and inspiration you need in a Man Cave or She Shed. See an example here.

Sports and Recreation 

Whether rugby, AFL, golf or something else is your thing, never miss a match and catch every final in full HD in your own sports hub. Or if you’re more of the hands-on type, the Man Cave or She Shed is the rumpus room you always dreamed of. That pool table you suggested could replace the dining table? The dartboard you weren’t allowed to put up in the lounge? The pinball machine that you bought off Gumtree and is gathering dust in the garage? Your She Shed or Man Cave is ready to give them all a home. See an example here.

Making Music 

Let’s face it – nothing makes more noise than banging away on a drum kit, nailing that riff on an electric guitar, or belting out the blues on some brass. And unless you live alone in a cabin in the woods, making music often requires careful compromise. Instead, take yourself off to your own music studio where you can play loudly and proudly whenever inspiration strikes. See an example here.

Zen Zone

However you choose to practice mindfulness, a Man Cave or She Shed is a peaceful place in which to do it. Perhaps yoga or Pilates is your thing and a backyard studio in which to do that is your dream. Maybe morning meditation is how you start your day – picture this in your back yard as the sun rises and the birds start their chorus. See an example here.

Workshop 

For those who love a spot of DIY or craftsmanship, a workshop dedicated to tinkering, hammering, sawing, fixing, drilling and everything else in between is a dream come true for many. If building models or repairing parts is your passion, ditch the kitchen table and take it to your She Shed or Man Cave where it’s welcome! See an example here.

Rest and Relaxation

Sometimes, all you need is to escape the noise of the house – the dogs, the kids and the TV. A Man Cave or She Shed allows you the luxury of slipping away with a cup of tea to curl up in a comfy chair and lose yourself in a good book. Enjoy an evening glass of wine in peace as the sun sets and the world around prepares for bed. Listen to your favourite music or simply enjoy the peace. See an example here.

Equally, there’s a rise in what we like to call the She Cave-Man Shed! A versatile, shared space where everyone’s interests are catered for in the one place. And this is being seen time and again in many Melwoods across the country.

Perhaps your She Cave-Man Shed will feature a workshop area to one end and a meditation space to the other? Maybe you need an area dedicated to cake decorating by day and music practice at night? It might simply be a shared rumpus room with a huge comfy sofa, a big TV, a games console and a small library of books?

We’ve found that these combination spaces allow couples to have a zone catered to their personal pursuits as well as a space to enjoy shared activities together.

(And sometimes they even allow the kids in!)

A Melwood garden room gives you the luxury of personal space – free from household distractions – so you can focus on what you love while keeping harmony at home.

Peace and creativity or noise and entertainment? A shared space or yours alone? The beauty of a Melwood is that it’s yours to customise and call whatever you like. Whether you call it a Man Cave, She Shed, studio, workshop, or simply “your space”, what matters is that it reflects your personality and supports your passions.

Keep in mind that how you use your space – whether it’s classed as habitable or non-habitable – will determine the regulatory requirements for your build. With both options available, our team is here to help determine the perfect space for you.