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A shed doesn’t have to be an eyesore! Use these outdoor storage shed makeover ideas to add function and charm to your garden.
More often than not, when I begin a project, I have only a vague idea of how it will turn out. Some things go exactly as planned, while others end up looking completely different than I imagined. This outdoor storage shed makeover definitely fell into the “better than expected” category.
This little outdoor storage shed has been part of our backyard for over 25 years. It came with the house, and aside from one paint job, I hadn’t done much to it. The doors were weathered and rotting at the bottom, the latch was rusted, the paint had faded, and the cement blocks in front were sunken and messy. It was long overdue for some attention.
I didn’t have high expectations going in, but once the updates began, everything started to fall into place. The result is a refreshed and functional outdoor storage space that finally looks like it belongs in the yard.
Much-Needed Repairs
The first step was addressing the shed’s structure. The bottoms of the doors were rotted, so the damaged wood was replaced. I removed the old, rusted door hardware and took off the flower box, which had never worked well for plants anyway. There was also a crack along one side of the shed that was tightened and reinforced with screws.
A Fresh Coat of Paint
Nothing makes a difference quite like fresh paint. This shed was last painted over a decade ago, and the finish was dull and chipped. I chose Sherwin Williams Morning Fog, which coordinates with the siding on the house. It’s a soft gray that feels clean and timeless.
New Decorative Hardware
One of my favorite updates for this outdoor storage shed was the new hardware. I wanted something decorative with a bit of charm, and black wrought iron was the perfect choice. I found a classic cabin latch first, then selected handles to match. The new hardware not only looks beautiful, but it also functions well.
Simple Door Wreaths
To soften the look of the doors, I made a pair of matching wreaths using faux lavender. I attached them with sturdy wire to nails so they stay put, even on windy days. They add just the right amount of charm without being fussy.
Updated Garden Art
The old flag hanging on the shed had definitely seen better days. It was faded and falling apart, and I debated trying to bring it back to life with a little paint. In the end, I ordered a new one from Etsy, and the quality exceeded my expectations. We hung it with a large picture hook and secured the corners with nails so it wouldn’t blow away.
Clean Pavers and Fresh Plants
The original cement blocks at the shed entrance were uneven and worn. I replaced them with two large 24-inch square pavers from Lowe’s, and they instantly made the area feel more tidy. I added black-eyed Susans for color and spread a layer of fresh mulch to pull everything together.
Final Thoughts
Like most home projects, this one took a little longer than expected. I had to wait on a handyman and the painters, and I postponed finishing up until the weather cooled off a bit. In all, it took about a month from start to finish.
This outdoor storage shed makeover was simple, budget-friendly, and made a big difference in how the backyard looks and feels. If you’ve got an old shed in need of attention, a few thoughtful updates might be all it takes to give it new life. There are still a few things on the to-do list. The shed roof has seen better days, and eventually it may need gutters too. But for now, those updates will have to wait for another summer. One step at a time.
Shop + Source
- Paint Color: Sherwin Williams Morning Fog
- Hook Latch (similar)
- Set of Handles
- Wood American Flag (19.5 in. x 37.05 in.)
- 24 inch pavers
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What color was the white trim paint?
It was straight off the shelf at Lowe’s, not a custom color. Just plain white!
Ann, is that caulk between the two 24″ square pavers? Good idea so they’re together and no weeds getting in between the spaces. Thank you……..
Hi Julie…no there’s nothing between the pavers. I believe it’s just the angle of the photo!
Some serious elbow grease and a good vision and you made your shed look brand new again. Great job
Good job) I also love black iron hardware. It works very well. Definitely gives a more finished and designer look. Well done!
Hello from Western North Carolina 😊 your beautiful shed project has been my inspiration. We just finished building our pool shed and I have already ordered the hardware you used.
This is just perfect! Your back yard has been the inspiration for my own!
Just too cute for words.
The shed looks perfect and ready for a beautiful summer. How about that 90 degree weather yesterday in Ohio? We lost power from 9pm till 2:30 this morning, a tree went down in our allotment. I noticed your blooming hydrangea by the perfect shed. Would love to have hydrangeas in our yard.
I know. It is so hot but I’m not complaining…yet that is! I’m actually going to have to water my plants. Enjoy the weekend Sandy!
Your new flag made me smile! Beautiful job on your shed and yard!
Love the Sherwin Williams Morning Fog paint ! Great refresher for the shed 😊
Love it! What is the color of your trim?
Hi Peggy! The trim color on the shed is basic white. It’s not mixed…just right off the shelf!
Wonderful job! I looks elegant with the lavender wreaths!
Ann, I love your shed makeover! Would you be willing to tell where you purchased the shed?
I am in the market for one and really like yours.
Looks nice !great job !
You must be thrilled with this Ann, it’s just perfect!
LOVE your Potting Shed make-over!! I have been putting off re-modeling mine on our small Idaho farm. (In Way worse shape than yours!). But you have given me such Inspiration!! Great ideas that have given me some “direction”. It is beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing. Know you will enjoy it for yrs. to come.
Everything looks Amazing! You have inspired me to transform mine in the near future! Especially Love the wreaths!!
The shed looks great but I would like to know how to make the lavender wreaths since I have a garden gate and try to put a wreath on it.
Hi Ann! What an amazing transformation, simply charming reminds me of a doll house. I love your flower beds, beautiful design. Your hard work really shows. You’ve given me some great ideas for my landscaping. Have a beautiful weekend and stay cool, I live in Texas and we are reaching the 100 mark😀
Now the shed looks dressed in it’s Sunday Best. The ground work looks great.
What an inspiration! I look at my old shed differently now. Oh the possibilities!!
Love the look of your new shed! What are the bushes that have the big white flowers along side the shed? I know it’s some form of hydrangea. Is it limelight?
The bush on the left (as you are facing the shed) is an Annabelle hydrangea. It’s probably about 15 years old and some years it blooms…some years it doesn’t. This year I got lucky!
Your shed looks fantastic. I have a salt box shed. We put a gutter on the back with a rain barrel. Absolutely amazing how fast that barrel fills up.
Ahhhhh brilliant idea!
Looking good!!! I also have hostas around my shed, but it is so in need of help…
Ann, your shed looks so GOOD now. I really like the new black hardware you added to the refurbished doors. The landscaping improvements also add a lot of “curb appeal” . Too bad your cute little shed probably can’t be seen from the street, however I’m sure YOU are enjoying it immensely now.
Acutally it can be seen from the street! Not the front of the shed, but the side with the flag and the garden. I’m not sure I would put so much effort into it if I was the only one looking at it!
It looks great Ann! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Your storage shed came out lovely. It looks brand new! Our shed is beyond repair. It’s over 40 years old and should have been replaced years ago. When we get a new one I’m going to use ideas from your make over like the pavers in front and flower bed on the side to jazz up the area.
Love the shed make-over! Would like the print out with the piano but can’t seem to find it.
Hi Judy…I’m not sure what print you are talking about? I don’t have one with a piano…
Hi Ann! Your shed looks wonderful and I agree getting projects done is always a process. Good job and thanks for sharing.
So pretty! It’s amazing what a coat of paint and new hardware can do to spruce things up. I love the wreaths on the doors and the flag on the side!
I love your makeover!! It is amazing how a few changes can make such a large impact on an area……the well manicured garden makes for a show place! Good Job.
Love the color! It looks beautiful! The pavers are perfect!
Invest in a gutter now and you will save on replacing future rot along the bottoms of the doors again.
I thought about installing gutters and downspouts…but ran out of time and money. Maybe next year!
Love your shed makeove! Once again you have inspired me to take action at home, thank you!
Good luck!
Nicely done! I love the updates that you did. The paint color doesn’t appear to have changed, but a fresh coat, plus new hardware and pavers makes it pop!
Ann,
It is beautiful! I love the color and hardware- everything! Your personal touches make all the difference. Thanks for the inspiration!
Absolutely Darling ! Now I want to get started on mine…just maybe it has hope, too : )
Now I don’t feel so bad when it takes forever to get one of my projects done! Your shed looks really cute! I’m still waiting for my son to pull the guts out of a large TV console that I am going to make into a kitchen island. I especially like the handle and latch you picked out.
Beautiful, Ann!
I adore your website and information you provide us. Thank you for an interesting read!
ReNey
Okay, this is going to sound crazy, but I have very close to that same shed, right down to a wooden flag hanging on the end that is visible to the street. It never occurred to me to take the ugly window box off, but I will. I have it painted the same colors as my house, including teal with white cross pieces on the door. I love your choice of hardware and will definitely check into replacing mine. You’ve really inspired me to think about landscaping around it. Thank you Anne!
Our flag is visible to the street too…and I love that so good choice!
Your shed is adorable, Ann, I covet it! I know exactly what I would store in mine if I had it. However, with two full-fledged barns on our property, I don’t think I will ever have a cute little shed. Love the hardware, the wreaths, and they flag. They definitely set it off. It was a project that turned out beautifully, if you ask me!
Beautiful.
Ann,
Your projects turned out very nicely!
The shed looks clean and classic with a touch of country with the lavender wreaths. I love your hydrangeas and hostas! I have around 30 hydrangea plants. I just think it makes your yard romantic! Hydrangeas are just beautiful. Getting back to your projects, I like the gray color you picked with the white trim. The hardware for the shed is perfect. I also love wrought iron items. Just one other thing about your yard that I love is the curvy bed boarders. I love that! Overall, you did an outstanding job executing your projects. The flag is a wonderful touch supporting our country!
Bravo!
What a lovely comment Marla…thank you so much for taking the time. It made my day. :)
Great and uncomplicated makeover, Ann! This was so fun! I wish our shed was inside our fence. Everything outside of it is, well, the woods :) Never thought about a wreath for the door. That is beautiful!
Very nice. The color is just right with the black hard ware!
Looks very nice i too also live in Ohio and we always try to extend our back yards into living space before winter sets in so we always want it to look good even sheds!!!
Looks very cute, your back yard looks very cool.
I think it is super neat and very pretty!
Great job! It’s such a cute little building now. The landscaping beside it looks great too. I love the latch and handles too.
I just went back and looked closely at your stone pavers- I think they would be great on the side of my house in my pea gravel for a walkway- it looks like you laid them in cement? Or are they just laid firmly in the ground and it appears like its cemented?
Hi Joleen! The pavers are actually sitting on plain dirt. It looks like cement because it’s hard as a rock. I am not an expert, but if your ground is somewhat level, I think the pavers will be fine with no real base.
Thanks for answering- it will be a great fall project!!
Simply adorable- and all those green trees- miss that since I live in Arizona!!!
The shed looks so pretty – it must have been fun to do – Love it!
Love your shed and all the improvements. It must feel so good to have this all completed. Great job.
What a lovely clean up, Ann…you must be very pleased!
The shed looks so charming.The wreaths and the hardware are the perfect touch, nice job Ann !
Very nice makeover
Absolutely charming! “You did good”!
Your shed is so pretty in her new paint and with new hardware (jewelry).
It’s wonderful! Thanks for the ideas!
Ann ~ BEAUTIFUL!!! And very timely. I am just getting ready to complete this project too. I have a question for you. Should the shed color always match the siding color? My home is white with some brick in front similar to your brick, and the roof is a charcoal gray. The metal shed now is a horrid worn barn red with a light gray metal roof. I just purchased the house last fall. Thank you so much in advance! I LOVE your blog! When I see an email from you in my inbox, it’s the first thing I read! ~ Cynthia
I think your shed color is a personal choice and definitely doesn’t have to match your house. My shed is visible from the street so it looks more cohesive with the matching paint. Since your roof is gray, your shed could be white or a lighter gray. Just an idea!
Beautiful makeover! Your project looks very clean, classy, and timeless!
You did a terrific job…and gave me some ideas to revitalize my hubby’s shed! ;)
I love the new repairs and additions to your shed. It is a great job, one I have grown used to you sharing. I have a shed which has been completely redone in my backyard. My husband completed the inside for me for my crafting. I design silk flowers and make homemade cards there too. I love my shed!
Oh you have a She Shed! You are a lucky girl…enjoy!
Looks lovely Ann…love the wreaths on the door.Can never go wrong with black wrought iron.Another project …done and completed!!!
Hi Ann, your shed looks just beautiful and I love it! I truly enjoy your projects AND your recipes. Last month I made your recipe for pineapple ice box cake and my husband wants me to make it again. Other people had heard of ice box cakes but I have not. Super easy.
Thank you for taking the time and thank you for your creative gifts and sharing with us all.
It is soooo cute! Great job!
So clean and inviting! When I was a little girl my best friend from the house behind ours and I would empty my father’s shed regularly to make it our dressing room since we were circus stars on the swing set. That set me off on a love of garden sheds. Were I six I would be begging to make it mine!
Love this makeover, Ann! So fresh and pretty. I’m sprucing up our shed this summer, too. Just added two window boxes, in fact (haha!). Thanks for sharing the inspiration!
Great job! Thanks for all the info and especially where everything was purchased. Really pretty!
I Love projects like this. Looks great.
I’ve redone our shed in the spring. I even put an old window on the side.
My mother always said I could make a silk purse out of a sows ear.
Great inspiration.
It looks so pretty Ann. I especially like the new hardware, and repaired doors. The lavender wreaths are such
A nice touch!
amazing… would love to start changes to my husband’s workshop….