The Backyard Shed Transformation: From Playhouse to Productive Office Space

We’ve always dreamed of having a backyard shed—a cozy little spot outside to hang out in, or even a space for extra storage. At our old house, we thought about adding one to boost the home’s value and give us a fun outdoor retreat. So, when we found out that the previous owners of our new place had already built a backyard shed, we knew this was going to be the perfect project.

Melisa and the kids had their hearts set on turning it into a playhouse. I, on the other hand, was thinking more along the lines of an outdoor office. I typically worked from home a couple of days a week, and it seemed like the ideal quiet space, away from the noise and chaos of the main house. But then, 2020 happened—cue the pandemic—and suddenly, I was working from home every day while the kids were home full-time, too. Now, this backyard office idea wasn’t just a “nice to have”; it became a necessity!

We started by decking it out with a Tresanti standing desk from Costco, which has quickly become my favorite piece of office furniture. Not only does it have a sleek white glass top, but it also doubles as a whiteboard! I use it to jot down diagrams and ideas for work, and the kids love doodling on it, too—so, it’s become a win-win for all of us.

The shed originally had some basic carpet inside, but we wanted to give it a real upgrade and turn it into a proper office space. Even though Southern California weather is relatively mild, we wanted to make sure the shed would be comfortable year-round. We started by installing foil insulation, which I’d used before on our garage doors. It’s great for moisture control, and we followed that up with ⅝” thick drywall for an extra layer of insulation.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit—I’m not a pro when it comes to drywall finishing or texturing. So instead of stressing over that, we decided to put up shiplap boards for a clean, modern look. I’d already worked with shiplap in other parts of the house, so this was right in my comfort zone.

For the flooring, we went with a bold black hexagon tile from Floor & Decor. I’d never done tiling before, except for a small backsplash in our first house, so this was definitely a new challenge. But it turned out amazing! With the layers of insulation, drywall, and tile, the shed stays cool, even without AC—though I’m still considering adding one down the road. And on nice days, I can just open the windows and enjoy the breeze.

To finish it off, we added a cozy couch that fits perfectly in the corner, giving us extra seating and a quiet place to relax. Whether I’m working, reading, or just needing some alone time, this shed has become the perfect little escape in our backyard. It’s the ultimate blend of functionality and comfort—my outdoor office and a place where the kids can hang out (when they’re not at the desk scribbling away on my whiteboard, of course).