Renovation Diary: Potting Shed Update

The holidays are long gone, but I haven't gotten back into a blogging rhythm, Lord knows why.
However, the renovation is moving quickly at Rattlebridge. One project is almost finished: the potting shed.

Do you remember how this part of the yard looked "before?"

 

By late December, the potting shed was 85% finished. 



 We ordered the plans online and asked the framer to make the shed taller and wider. He also modified the roof so that it wouldn't be top heavy. Then he followed the plans perfectly, which called for lattice windows, herringbone bricks, and a "witch hat" roof. The windows will eventually be fitted with Plexiglas. Right now, we're debating whether to paint, stain,
or just let the shed "weather" naturally.
 

 Inside, we'll probably seal the wood (clear, no stain).

 

We decided to cover one window because I'll need a place to hang tools.

My GC, Mike Cox, put up a board and moved it from window to window, so

we could study the light.

 

I love the "Stay Out" sign (below). Here's the history behind it: Mike had propped the sign on the garage door, warning folks that the interior floors were being refinished. I ended up taking the sign home and using it for a paint sample. Quite a journey for one little piece of wood.

We talked about the electricity and lighting, too.



 Mike had a few suggestions for the floor. We could stain the concrete, leave it alone,
or do a brick floor (pavers or just fill with sand rather than mortar), etc.

But first, we needed to eliminate a window.
It wasn't easy. Sunlight looked so pretty as it streamed through the lattice...which window had the least light? The North. But this decision was complicated by the placement of the shed. The door is at an angle, facing the potager and the driveway. Wouldn't it look odd to cover one of the "front" windows?

We made Bandwidth walk around outside the shed, holding a board up to each window.

We finally chose one that faced the backyard.
A word about the lattice. From the outside, you can't see
inside the shed. When you're inside, the view is clear.



 

What a joy to look up and see rafters.

I've never had an opportunity to play with vertical decorating,

but it'll be fun.

 

A barn pendant will provide the main lighting.

Source: Restoration Hardware

I couldn't resist string lights--they'll add a touch of whimsy. (This type of bulb won't be

made anymore, so I bought extras.) I can totally see these lights in the shed.

Source: Ballard Designs

 I'd had my heart set on a Dutch door.

 I showed the framer a photo of a JELD-WEN Dutch door. Over the holidays, he made one

just like it in his workshop.

 

A view of the door, shaker shingles, and a copper weather vane. We're looking for a stone slabs to use as a door step. Meanwhile, the garden sleeps under a snowy crust.

Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful weekend!

 

 

 

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