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How to turn a shed into a creative studio

By Bunnings magazine /

An angled view of a large timber shed painted white with a front deck featuring hanging baskets, pot plants and a chair sits in a garden setting. The open French doors show the yellow interior, a desk and stool.

Dedicate a backyard cabin to bright ideas and artistic pursuits.


Craving a creative studio or space, but renovating or extending isn’t an option? If you have a pre-fab shed then that might be your answer. When selected and planned thoughtful it can be used as a flexible creative space for your very own:

  • Kids gaming or play room;
  • An entertaining space;
  • Home office;
  • Study;
  • Hobby space; or
  • Fitness, wellbeing or yoga studio.

Why would I renovate a pre-fab shed?

Perhaps the greatest advantage of a quality pre-fabricated shed is that it can give you many of the benefits of adding space that you can otherwise only achieve through a massively more expensive small renovation or extension.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. 

A front view of a large timber shed painted white with a front deck featuring hanging baskets, pot plants and a chair sits in a garden setting. One open French door shows the yellow interior and a timber cabinet on castors.

How to customise your shed into a creative space

The generous windows and glass doors on this cedar studio make the most of natural light, but colour-drenching the interior walls and ceiling in a sunny yellow hue is a decor trick that amps up the light factor even further. Add a workbench, daybed and beautiful plants, and you have an inspiring space perfect for arts and crafts projects.

  • Line the interior walls and ceiling with Easycraft ‘EasyVJ’ MDF panels, for a bespoke look that can also provide opportunities for added insulation. Disguise joins with DAR pine mouldings for a neat, professional-looking finish.
  • The panels are pre-primed and ready to paint in a hue to suit the mood you wish to create. Our bright buttercup yellow is associated with optimistic energy, and its stimulating effect is great for areas such as studies. Biophilic green evokes the tranquillity of the natural world, while blue forms a calming cocoon for restful spaces.
  • Stilla sheds and studios are available in standard factory-finished raw cedar, or the ‘Designer Studio’ range can be ordered prepainted in a collection of on-trend and classic colours. Other upgrades include additional doors, floor and deck kits and in-home shed assembly (selected stores only). Enquire at the Special Orders Desk for details and pricing.

What is a pre-fabricated shed?

So how exactly does a pre-fab shed differ from an off-the-shelf or flat-pack shed? The most obvious difference is in the scale. Off-the-shelf options tend to have smaller footprints and are designed to go, boxed, into the back of the family SUV, ute or a small trailer. A pre-fab shed, on the other hand, will be delivered directly to site for assembly.

What are Stilla sheds?

Stilla are the Australian made and owned shed specialists and their ‘Hamilton’ 12' x 8' Cedar Timber Designer Studio is a perfect example of a quality pre-fab shed because of the following:

  • Make of the shed: The framing is H3-LOSP timber, the cladding is VJ Western Red cedar and the gable roof is Colorbond steel.
  • Windows and doors: It comes complete with lockable aluminium and glass doors and awning windows.

It is very important that when you order a pre-fab shed you are aware of exactly what is included in the package. Many, for example, are walls and roof only, no flooring or sub-floor frame. This is because they are intended for installation on a concrete slab.

Close up of the interior of a shed showing yellow-painted wall panelling and a timber desk with metal legs, with a pot plant, paint swatches, a fan, craft paints and a mosaic kit on top. A large-leafed plant and an easel are off to the side.

Paint colours used on this creative studio

Team a neutral facade with a vibrant interior that bursts with energy.

Keep in mind...

  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use.

Looking for more outdoor storage inspo?

Check out this guide on how to build your dream shed.

*Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

 

Photo credit: Louise Roche.

If planning to build your own backyard creative studio, first check with your local authority, as development permits may apply. 

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.