There are a list of plants that I have for a cozy cottage indoor and outdoor spaces & climbing roses are at the top. We have been collecting them & placing them around the farm including here in the kitchen garden around the greenhouse. We have been training them with a diy system that we made & we have yet to add to it this year with the new growth, but the messy growth is so cozy cottage garden right? It would be nice to be able to use the door though right?
We clearly need to train the new growth still this year, but I wanted to shoot it in it’s natural gorgeous state before we pruned it back & tightened it up.
Hey there! I’ve been completely obsessed with the latest trend in outdoor spaces – the rose shed! Ever since Joanna Gaines unveiled her dreamy retreat on her Waco farm I’ve been diving deep into everything rose shed related. Let me share what I’ve learned about this charming garden escape that’s taking the design world by storm.
What Exactly is a Rose Shed?
A rose shed is basically your own little slice of heaven – a small outdoor structure that’s been transformed into a peaceful hideaway surrounded by nature Think of it as a she-shed meets secret garden! The name comes from the climbing roses that typically adorn the exterior, but it’s so much more than just a pretty garden structure
Joanna Gaines popularized this trend with her own rose shed on her 40-acre farm in Waco Texas. She took what was just an old storage shed and turned it into the most gorgeous retreat you’ve ever seen. I mean, who wouldn’t want their own cozy escape wrapped in roses?
Key Features That Make a Rose Shed Special
Every rose shed is unique, but here are the must-have elements that really make it special:
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Size Matters (But Smaller is Better): Most rose sheds are pretty tiny – usually between 80-150 square feet. It’s meant to feel cozy and intimate!
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Nature Connection: Large windows and glass doors are super important to bring the outside in. You want to feel like you’re literally sitting in your garden.
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Moody Color Palette: Dark, dramatic colors rule here. Forest greens and deep blacks are popular choices that create that magical garden room feel.
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Natural Materials: Lots of:
- Rough wood textures
- Stone accents
- Wicker furniture
- Natural fiber textiles
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Plants Galore: This is non-negotiable! You’ll want:
- Climbing roses (duh!)
- Trailing vines
- Potted herbs
- Fresh cut flowers
- Leafy greens
How to Design Your Own Rose Shed
Ready to create your own garden escape? Here’s my step-by-step guide:
1. Choose Your Structure
You’ve got two main options:
- Convert an existing shed
- Build a new structure from scratch
Pro tip: If you’re converting an existing shed, make sure it’s structurally sound and has good bones!
2. Plan Your Color Scheme
For that signature rose shed vibe, try these paint colors:
- Benjamin Moore’s Forest Green
- Kilz 1905 Green (the exact color Joanna used!)
- Deep navy blues
- Rich blacks
3. Add Windows and Light
Make sure to include:
- Multiple windows for natural light
- A glass door if possible
- A skylight (if your budget allows)
- Dimmable lighting fixtures for evening ambiance
4. Choose Your Furniture
Keep it cozy with:
- A comfy reading chair or loveseat
- Small side tables
- Storage solutions that double as decor
- Vintage or antique pieces for character
Ways to Use Your Rose Shed
I love how versatile these spaces can be! Here are some ideas:
- Reading Retreat: Create the perfect spot to curl up with a good book
- Creative Studio: Use it as an inspiring space for writing or crafting
- Tea Room: Host intimate gatherings with friends
- Meditation Space: Design a calm spot for morning mindfulness
- Home Office: Work surrounded by nature’s beauty
- Plant Paradise: Make it your ultimate gardening headquarters
My Top Tips for Rose Shed Success
After researching tons of rose sheds, here are my best pieces of advice:
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Keep it Simple: Don’t overcrowd the space – let it breathe!
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Focus on Comfort: Add:
- Cozy throws
- Soft cushions
- Comfortable seating
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Add Personal Touches: Include:
- Family photos
- Vintage finds
- Meaningful artwork
- Special collections
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Make it Seasonal: Switch up decor with the changing seasons to keep it fresh
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Plan for All Weather: Consider:
- Heating for winter
- Ventilation for summer
- Proper insulation
- Weather-resistant materials
Common Questions About Rose Sheds
Q: How much does it cost to create a rose shed?
A: Costs vary widely depending on whether you’re converting an existing structure or building new. Budget anywhere from $1,000 for a basic conversion to $10,000+ for a new build.
Q: Do I need a permit?
A: Check your local regulations! Most areas require permits for structures over a certain size.
Q: Can I use it year-round?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure you plan for proper insulation and temperature control.
Ready to Create Your Own Rose Shed?
Y’all, I’m telling you – a rose shed is such a special addition to any outdoor space. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to read, a creative workspace, or just a peaceful retreat, this trend is totally worth jumping on.
Remember, there’s no “right” way to create a rose shed. Make it your own, fill it with things you love, and create a space that brings you joy. That’s what Joanna would want!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some rose shed planning of my own to do. Happy designing, friends!
P.S. Don’t forget to tag me if you create your own rose shed – I’d love to see what you come up with!
The goal of the climbing roses:
We planted these bare root climbing roses [HERE] about 3 years ago, planting them on each corner of this cute little greenhouse right off our kitchen garden.The goal is to walk through a rose archway when you enter the greenhouse. We planted, pruned, and trained these climbing rose to hopefully one day fully wrap this greenhouse, pruning away openings for the windows and door. People often ask what we do to train our roses and we take a few different approaches but we feel one has been very successful for us, and causes no damage to the plant.
How we train & Prune the roses:
Very early-early spring we prune aways dead runs, shoots that are crossing each other, and identifying the main steam, ensure it has enough energy to continue growth. Lastly we prune and shape the plant to ensure it doesn’t encroach the main passage way and grows in a way that will follow the outline of the windows. We have installed eye hooks to the greenhouse with taught wire attached to them over the main base of the plant to keep it close to the greenhouse & trained up. Our little trick to shaping and training the coming rose to install little electrical NM cable staples with the plastic sleeves and pin nails.
The non-metallic cable staples come in a few different sizes and are very inexpensive. An entire rose bush takes between 5-10 staples if places strategically, and you can buy a pack of 25 from Home Depot (link) for under 2 dollars. In early spring before heavy growth happens, we will find shoots as big as your pinky finger, and nail in places this plastic staples. We will help guide the plant around doors and windows, and prune them to promote the continued growth of our choosing. The reason we love these staples is the pin nails are so tiny they are really easy in nail in place, and the plant sleeve is flat on the bottom side, mitigating any type of gauging or scraping of the plant as it grows. Also, the nails being so little, it takes little to no effort to pull them out and slide them up the bush as it grows. And if the plant outgrows the staples before you can get to them, we have had the bush simply push the staples out on top the floor, a great signal to retrain the plant. I included these items we talked about & more rose care/climbing rose items in my “rose” folder [HERE] for you. Hope that helps!