Garden Studio Makeover: See How an Online Bargain Was Transformed
Goodbye asbestos-ridden shed and hello sleek, new home office – see how this slice of backyard magic was born
In this Q&A series, we turn the spotlight on one thought-provoking renovation each week. Here, Denise Staffa, creative director at Outside In, reveals how she turned a portable office she found for a song into a chic and functional backyard design studio where she can conduct her landscape design business.
The backyard before works
What was here originally?
An old asbestos-ridden shed.
Inspired to create your own backyard beauty? Find a local landscape designer on Houzz
What was here originally?
An old asbestos-ridden shed.
Inspired to create your own backyard beauty? Find a local landscape designer on Houzz
The shed before works
Why did you choose this particular portable office?
I found it online – it was cheap, portable and easy to crane into the back garden.
Why did you choose this particular portable office?
I found it online – it was cheap, portable and easy to crane into the back garden.
The shed’s interior before works
Why did you want a backyard office?
I used to rent an office space of around 90 square metres and had five or six staff working for me. For my personal health, I decided to downsize and go back to basics. It’s less stress and I’m back to working for myself instead of working to pay wages and overheads.
I’ve worked hard in my business for over 20 years. I felt it was time I put some energy into my wellbeing. I sleep better at night now and I’m so much more creative as my mind is free.
Why did you want a backyard office?
I used to rent an office space of around 90 square metres and had five or six staff working for me. For my personal health, I decided to downsize and go back to basics. It’s less stress and I’m back to working for myself instead of working to pay wages and overheads.
I’ve worked hard in my business for over 20 years. I felt it was time I put some energy into my wellbeing. I sleep better at night now and I’m so much more creative as my mind is free.
What was your brief for your backyard office?
Small, functional, practical and seperate from my personal space (my house is about six metres away).
Small, functional, practical and seperate from my personal space (my house is about six metres away).
What were your must-haves ?
Enough space to move and breathe, a design that nestled into my backyard space with lush tranquil surrounds, and room outside to sit, ponder and entertain Friday afternoon drop-ins!
Enough space to move and breathe, a design that nestled into my backyard space with lush tranquil surrounds, and room outside to sit, ponder and entertain Friday afternoon drop-ins!
What exactly did you do?
- I removed an existing asbestos-ridden shed and craned in a portable office that needed a lot of love if I was going to work in there.
- I bought the shed, which came complete with air conditioning and power, online for $2,500. It was an absolute bargain as they normally sell for around $8,000 to $10,000.
- The additional bonus was that this one was custom made at 6.2 x 3 metres. They are usually a standard 6 x 2.4 metres in size, and the extra depth made a huge difference to me.
- The internals were divided into separate office spaces. I gutted everything and opened it up to create one space.
- I painted the timber paneling, installed a timber-look vinyl floor, painted the vermiculite ceilings and cladded the outside with timber battens and faux green wall panels (not normally my design aesthetic – they came from my previous rented office space).
How do you use it?
This is my home studio. I use it to curate exterior landscape designs and run my business.
Even though it’s literally six metres away from my back door it feels disconnected from my personal space, which is very important to me as I get older.
This is my home studio. I use it to curate exterior landscape designs and run my business.
Even though it’s literally six metres away from my back door it feels disconnected from my personal space, which is very important to me as I get older.
What was the budget?
Around $8,300, made up of:
Around $8,300, made up of:
- Portable office: $2,500.
- Crane: $800.
- Refurbishing materials: around $5,000.
- On the refurbishment and my time.
How did you make it feel so bright and open inside and chic outside?
- It’s all about making the right paint choices. I used Dulux Natural White internally and Monument outside.
- Keeping everything white and fresh internally makes the space feel larger. Also, not cluttering up the interior with too many heavy elements – you want just enough to add warmth and depth.
- As an exterior landscape designer, the surrounding space meant a lot to me. My studio needed to nestle into the garden and give me a functional pondering/entertaining space as I have a very small backyard.
What challenges did you have to work around?
- Shifting from a 90-square-metre studio space to an 18-square-metre space was an adjustment.
- Working with no staff has been challenging as I’m always super busy with projects. But all in all, it’s been a very cleansing experience.
How important was it to have indoor greenery in your office?
- Greenery is everything to me. As I’m a landscape designer I want to feel as if I’m in my own sanctuary when I work.
- I’ve added lots of my hardy indoor favourites as I’m time-poor, such as boston ivy, asparagus fern, philodendron scandens and string of pearls.
- The outside was mostly already in place. I planned the studio positioning around my established garden.
- I’ve added pots on the deck and a few bits and pieces over time.
Key features
- Light
- Compact yet spacious
- Convenient
- Cost-effective
- Tranquil, peaceful and nestled.
Key design aspects
- I clad the Colorbond steel shed in timber and then painted it in Dulux Monument.
- I painted the internal timber panelling and ceiling in Dulux Natural White.
- Timber-look vinyl flooring.
- I reused my existing studio furnishings, such as the table, drawers and chairs (which I had bought at Ikea and Freedom), and picked up a few new ones.
Your turn
Could you picture yourself working in this charming home office? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save these images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Want more clever ideas for backyards? Don’t miss Green Dream: A Fast, Affordable & Eco-Friendly Build for a Rental
Could you picture yourself working in this charming home office? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save these images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Want more clever ideas for backyards? Don’t miss Green Dream: A Fast, Affordable & Eco-Friendly Build for a Rental
Answers by Denise Staffa creative director at Outside In
What is the shed used for: A home office for a landscape designer
Location: Rossmoyne, WA
Size: The shed is 18.6 square metres; the entire renovated area is 40 square metres including the fire pit and surrounding gardens
Budget: Around $8,300 ($2,500 for the portable office; $800 for the crane; $5,000 for the refurbishing materials)
Builder: Outside In
Interior design: A collaboration between Outside In and Grey Peg Interiors
Styling: Grey Peg Interiors