By Lisa Albert, Sunset guest blogger
As I leaf through Debra Prinzing’s Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways: Big Ideas for Small Backyard Destinations (Clarkson Potter, $30), it occurs to me that “shed” in its traditional sense is a four-letter word. It’s an undeserved descriptive for the wonderfully unique structures that populate the pages of her book. Ignoble, utilitarian outbuildings hidden in backyard corners have given way to something so much better—and much more fun.
Debra and photographer William Wright take readers on a journey to discover 28 inviting garden dwellings, sharing the personal stories behind each creation while divulging tips, ideas, design challenges, and solutions, including cost-cutting suggestions, along the way. For all whose childhood daydreams included storybook, tea-time-perfect dollhouses, tree houses in leafy realms, George Jetson-like spaceships, or something in between, they encourage you—heck, they almost dare you—to envision and build a grown-up version to call your own. Wonderfully written with gorgeous photographs, Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways sparks seemingly unlimited possibilities, ranging from rustic to elegant abodes for quiet contemplation, artistic pursuits, or social celebrations.
If only I’d had this book when we built our (boring) shed 12 years ago I could have carved out space for myself without ditching tool storage in the process. I wonder if I could talk my husband into a remodeling project….
Psst, one of the 28 hideaways is the Creek House, owned by Terry and Dave Maczuga of Bellingham, Washington. Their garden is equally amazing; I wrote about it in Sunset’s February 2008 issue.
Drop by Debra’s blog Shed Style where she writes about architecture, interiors and ornamentation in the garden. Definitely read her post about the amazing walking shed. Have house, will travel?
