What started as “we just need somewhere to stash tools and start seeds without freezing” slowly — and then suddenly — became our garden cottage. Thanks to a contractor husband who doesn’t know how to do anything halfway, that modest plan evolved into a fully insulated, HVAC’d, plumbed backyard studio that now functions as the heartbeat of our kitchen garden.
This garden cottage is less of an outbuilding and more of an extension of the garden we finally got right last spring — a place designed to work hard, get dirty, and still feel beautiful at the end of the day.
From Simple Shed to Garden Cottage
Originally, this was meant to be a practical garden shed — somewhere to store tools, start seedlings, and escape the cold early in the season. But as plans evolved, so did the vision. We insulated the structure, added HVAC, ran plumbing, and leaned fully into the idea of a year-round garden cottage that could support real life, not just weekend projects.
Now, it’s a true garden shed conversion — one that blurs the line between workspace and retreat.
Designing a Garden Cottage That Works Hard
Every choice inside this garden cottage was made based on my mood of the day and with function in mind. The poured concrete floors were non-negotiable — they handle mud, water, and heavy use without flinching. At the center of the space is a deep cement farmhouse sink that earns its keep daily, whether I’m rinsing pots, soaking bouquets, or cleaning up after a long day in the garden.
The matte black gooseneck faucet adds contrast and polish, but it’s there because it works — tall, flexible, and practical. This is a working garden shed first, just one that happens to look good.
Garden Cottage Interior Details We Love
The interior of the garden cottage balances durability with warmth. I’m going to be quite honest here and say that I winged most of these selection. I picked the paint out with one trip to the paint store and even eyeballed the barn lights and the shelves using painters tape. I guess that’s what happens when your contractor is your husband and needs selections immediately.
I wanted a space that felt airy (to let in as much light as possible) and practical. Hickory floating shelves hold the usual lineup — potted plants, vintage bowls, seed packets, cutting boards, and jars of who-knows-what — all visible, all easy to grab. Nothing is precious, everything is useful.
Above it all, a vaulted ceiling painted soft beige keeps the space light and airy. A black wrought-iron chandelier with exposed bulbs gives the room a cozy glow at dusk and will set the scene for a many a dinner party, while modern black sconces and barn lights provide practical task lighting. And yes, there’s an elk mount watching over the whole thing — quietly judging me I’m sure.
A Multi-Purpose Backyard Garden Studio
This garden cottage wears a lot of hats. Right now, it’s doing double — maybe triple — duty as a backyard garden studio, home gym, and homeschool/work space.
One half (not photographed here) holds a small gym setup with a sauna, weights, bench, and cardio equipment. The center of the room is anchored by a vintage reclaimed table that serves as a homeschool desk, workspace, and catch-all surface. And the rest of the space is dedicated to what it does best: seeding, flower arranging, and plant propagation.
This flexibility is what makes a backyard garden studio so valuable — it adapts as the seasons (and our needs) change.
How We Use Our Garden Cottage Day to Day
On any given day, you’ll find us in and out of the garden cottage constantly. French doors open directly to the garden beds, making it easy to move between planting, harvesting, and cleanup. Double-hung windows let the breeze roll in, and the large barn doors on the side are a total game-changer for rolling in a Ranger full of plants or supplies.
With Starlink keeping us connected, this space has quietly become where we spend most of our days!
What’s Next for the Garden Cottage
The garden cottage isn’t finished — and that’s part of the charm. I’m slowly hunting for antique freestanding tables and additional shelving to expand the planting and potting area. Eventually, the gym equipment will migrate out, opening up space for a bigger office set up and (hopefully) to host workshops, casual dinner parties, or simply sitting with a cup of coffee staring at baby seedlings like it’s a personality trait.
This space will continue to evolve, just like the garden itself and I am SO EXCITED about it!
A Garden Cottage Designed for Real Life
This garden cottage works hard. It gets dirty. And somehow, it still feels calm and grounding every time we step inside. I love that this one little building supports the life we’re living right now, and I’m completely obsessed.
If you’re dreaming about a garden shed conversion, potting shed interior, or backyard garden studio of your own, this is your sign that function and beauty can absolutely coexist.
The Specs & Sources
Paint Colors: Walls and ceiling is SW Shitake & the exterior & windows are SW Tricorn Black
Walls & Ceiling: 1×6 Horizontal tongue & groove with the v-groove showing
Floors: Poured Concrete
Cabinets & Shelves: Hickory shelves with a custom stain
Counters: SlabCo Absolute Black Flamed Granite
Hardware: Cabinet Pulls (Similar here) // Cabinet Knobs
Plumbing: Sink // Faucet
Lighting: Barn Lights (On Amazon here) // Exterior Lights // Chandelier // Wall Sconces
Plans: Shamburger Architecture
