Creating My Dream Flower Shed
The first thing I did after retiring?
Completely diverge from my plan of what to do NEXT.
What did I plan?
That’s right… a big project.
My vision was to create the perfect backdrop for this next chapter of life, and the best place to begin was by reorganizing and repurposing our little playhouse.
I’ll have to share the origin story of our playhouse another day—it’s had many lives, renovations, and purposes over the years. But this latest transformation may just be my favorite.
Creating My Happy Place
I wanted a space where I could fully enjoy my hobbies and make greater use of the beautiful flowers we grow in our gardens.
I already have a potting shed and a cold-frame greenhouse for starting seeds and repotting plants. What I didn’t have was a place to finish the journey—a little “Flower Shop.”
A space to create floral arrangements.
A place to hang and dry flowers and herbs.
Somewhere to display treasured collections, gather inspiration, and work on all the creative ideas swirling around in my head.
June seemed like the perfect time to begin. By making the changes now, I’d be ready to enjoy the growing season and give myself a jump start on my NEXT adventure.
I also discovered something unexpected.
Keeping busy with a meaningful personal project helped me gently detach from work. Instead of replaying meetings or thinking about the responsibilities I’d left behind, my energy shifted toward creating
something that was entirely mine.
Starting with a Vision
My process is usually pretty simple.
First stop: Pinterest.
I spent time gathering inspiration, saving ideas, and collecting the pieces and details I loved most. Then I shared my ideas with Mike, and together we figured out how to make them work in our little space.
The biggest challenge wasn’t finding ideas—it was limiting them.
Our playhouse is only about 8 feet by 8 feet, so every inch needed a purpose. I had to remind myself that I already had spaces for potting plants and starting seedlings. This room needed to focus on the beautiful finishing work that happens after everything has grown.
I also wanted room to display many of the treasured gifts and family keepsakes we’ve collected over the years.
The challenge became fitting storage, work space, displays, and creativity into one cozy little building.
Giving the Space New Life
The first step was easy.
Out came the old shelving, followed by a fresh coat of paint to create a clean backdrop for everything to come.
One of my favorite parts of this project was repurposing furniture we already owned.
A set of wicker drawer units has followed us through several chapters of our home. They first lived in our breakfast nook storing dining and tea supplies, later moved into my craft room to organize fabrics, and have now found their newest home in the playhouse.
Today they’re filled with floral frogs, ribbons, tags, twine, and all the little supplies that somehow multiply when you love making things.
Mike built me a beautiful work area with an oak top and shelving underneath. Even better, most of the materials came from wood we already had tucked away from previous projects.
We often joke that keeping leftover lumber simply means we’re collecting supplies for future ideas. I have a feeling there will be plenty more “scrap wood projects” to share in future posts.
Along the back wall, we installed shelves that stretch the full length of the room. They’re the perfect place to display vases, treasured family heirlooms, and some wonderful thrift store finds when they’re not being used.
The Little Details That Make It Special
Some of my favorite features are the simplest ones.
Closet space-saver hooks now hold my growing collection of baskets. Apparently, I can’t resist bringing another basket home whenever I spot one at a thrift shop or yard sale. Looking at the extra hooks, I’d say I have permission to keep collecting.
Overhead hooks were installed between the beams for drying flowers and herbs. Even better, the bright red hooks we’ve owned for nearly fifteen years have finally found their perfect purpose.
Then there are all the little touches that truly make the space feel like mine:
• A beautiful braided rug inherited from my mother-in-law, a daily reminder of the way she encouraged my love of gardening.
• Wall hooks for my favorite cutters and everyday tools.
• The flower harvest basket Mike made for me, proudly displayed where it’s both beautiful and practical.
• Hooks for my gardening hat and sweater.
• Drying racks—once again built from scrap wood—that tuck perfectly between the roof rafters, staying out of the way while remaining easy to access.
• My one big purchase: a sweet little step ladder that fits neatly beside the wicker drawers and makes hanging flowers and reaching upper shelves so much easier.
It’s often the smallest details that make a space both functional and welcoming.
One Decision Still to Make…
There’s just one thing I haven’t quite figured out yet.
Lighting.
The playhouse doesn’t have electricity, so whatever I choose will need to be solar powered (and let’s not reopen the discussion about running power out there!).
Should I install one central light?
Maybe a pair of wall sconces?
Or perhaps a few charming little lamps to create a cozy atmosphere on cloudy days or quiet evenings?
I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions.
What's NEXT?
Now that my little flower shop is ready, the real fun begins.
My plans include:
• Planting even more cut flowers around the garden for arranging.
• Drying and preserving herbs, flowers, and plants for baking, teas, and seasonal décor.
• Adding a small chair that can live inside—or out on the porch—for peaceful moments spent reading, dreaming, and simply enjoying this beautiful season of life.
Sometimes retirement isn’t about slowing down.
Sometimes it’s about finally creating the space where all those ideas you’ve been collecting can bloom.
