What if you could turn that old shed into a comfortable mini home for friends and family? Basically <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/tiny-homes-1938816/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a tiny house</a> that lives in the backyard, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/pinterest-home-decor-trends-2020-1934550/#currentSlide=5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">“granny pods” are increasingly trendy this year</a>. If designed right, a granny pod can offer a comfortable, quiet place to stay that’s still seriously close to home. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/blog/grandmas-in-the-backyard-kids-granny-pods-are-becoming-a-thing-1897303/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grandma’s in the Backyard, Kids! Granny Pods Are Becoming a Thing</a>

Finding space (and a place) to relax is super important for self-care, so — if you have an underused shed or garage — consider giving it <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/15-mindful-ways-to-make-your-living-room-feel-more-zen-1897307/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a zen makeover</a>. For this <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Backyard Builds</em></a> couple, for example, Sarah and I <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/photos/all-the-backyard-inspiration-you-need-right-now-from-backyard-landscaping-ideas-to-backyard-studios-1938180/#currentSlide=54" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">revamped an old shed and turned it into an all-season yoga studio</a>. Keeping the serene purpose in mind, we incorporated details like an easy-to-clean antimicrobial cork floor, sliding glass doors (to let in the light for early-morning sun salutations) and minimalist wall hangings for chill vibes. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/inspiring-yoga-meditation-spaces-1934892/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Inspiring Yoga Spaces That Will Keep You Feeling Zen All Year Round</a>

Exercise is one of my favourite ways to recharge. If you <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/lifestyle/photos/creative-ways-to-stay-active-and-healthy-while-at-home-1938042/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">love to stay active</a>, why not <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/lifestyle/photos/rooms-proving-valuable-while-at-home-1937660/#currentSlide=3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">create a home gym</a> in the garage? This could be a simple as clearing out the space and setting up some basic equipment (like free weights, bands and kettlebells) — but you can also go all out by insulating the walls, installing workout-appropriate flooring and adding bigger-ticket fitness pieces like a treadmill or weight machines. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/basements/photos/basement-home-gym-designs-1935931/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Basement Home Gym Designs You'll Want to Work out In</a>

If, on the other hand, you’re more into watching athletics than you are in participating in them, your garage may score more points as sports-themed relaxation space — like this cozy lounge Sarah and I <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/photos/couple-living-with-in-laws-build-backyard-sports-bar-to-hide-in-1897779/#currentSlide=5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">created for <em>Backyard Builds</em></a>. The game plan for our winning design? Comfy seating, a mounted television and a cool custom football mural. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/ottawa-mansion-basketball-court-1939172/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Miss Pro Sports? Then This Ottawa Mansion (With an Indoor Basketball Court) is for You</a>

Musical taste can be a pretty personal thing — so having a place that’s away from the rest of your family to practice an instrument, jam with your band or just listen to your favourite albums at full volume without bothering anyone is a good use of garage or shed space. For the drum room that we designed for <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/photos/kids-clubhouse-with-rainbow-pencil-crayon-wall-is-the-stuff-of-childhood-dreams-1898097/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this <em>Backyard Builds</em> kids’ clubhouse</a>, we created colourful wall art that doubles as soundproofing — which is important for keeping the neighbours happy, too! Not sure where to start? Here are <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/audio-rooms-totally-our-jam-1936236/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 cool ideas for audio room inspiration</a>.

Want to cut down on your commute time? Bring your office home — and right into your backyard. Whether you need a dedicated space away from the kids for <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/lifestyle/photos/tips-working-from-home-with-kids-1938845/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">working from home</a> or you just want a quiet <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/offices/photos/our-editors-share-their-best-work-from-home-secrets-1929187/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">place to take care of business</a>, a shed or converted garage tend to be the perfect size for a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/offices/photos/celebrity-home-offices-1935460/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">home office</a>. Don’t have a garage, but have some extra backyard space? Don’t be afraid to think outside (or inside) the box: for this <em>Backyard Builds</em> family, for example, we created a unique <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/photos/shipping-container-doubles-living-space-in-this-busy-canadian-home-1897271/#currentSlide=4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">backyard home office out of a shipping container</a>. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/offices/photos/best-home-office-furniture-accessories-under-300-1936575/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Best Home Office Furniture Picks (and Accessories) Under $300</a>

I know that <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/outdoor-renos-stress-free-summer-1917166/#currentSlide=5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">storing your tools in the garage or shed</a> isn’t exactly a groundbreaking idea, but throwing a mess of equipment in a bin in the corner isn’t exactly the best use of space, either. Adding organizational elements like <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/20-products-under-25-thatll-keep-your-home-neat-and-organized-1937428/#currentSlide=11" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wall-mounts for brooms and gardening tools</a>, as we did for <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/photos/all-the-backyard-inspiration-you-need-right-now-from-backyard-landscaping-ideas-to-backyard-studios-1938180/#currentSlide=45" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this <em>Backyard Builds</em> custom garage workspace</a>, is a relatively simple project that makes a big difference. If you’re feeling crafty, here are <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/videos/backyard-builds-diy-storage-solutions/1465711171780/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">three DIY projects for garage-ready storage solutions</a>. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/diy/photos/home-improvement-projects-diy-1910792/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Home Improvement Projects You Never Thought to DIY (But Definitely Should)</a>

It’s not always just about what’s on the inside: giving the exterior of an old shed a refresh can totally update the look of your yard. Case in point? When we transformed an old shed for <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/photos/all-the-backyard-inspiration-you-need-right-now-from-backyard-landscaping-ideas-to-backyard-studios-1938180/#currentSlide=12" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this <em>Backyard Builds </em>home</a>, we used a mix of dark vinyl siding and wood panels on the exterior for a bold, modern look. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/blog/behind-the-scenes-backyard-builds-1927202/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Go Behind the Scenes of Backyard Builds’ Most Dramatic Transformations</a>

Unless you live alone, compromise is the name of the game — so it’s a good idea to think about how your garage makeover could benefit everyone. For <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/photos/all-the-backyard-inspiration-you-need-right-now-from-backyard-landscaping-ideas-to-backyard-studios-1938180/#currentSlide=10" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this <em>Backyard Builds</em> garage update</a>, we created a multi-purpose room with both a relaxing living space and a mini home office. We also used plastic windows on the side of the garage so that backyard fly balls won’t lead to ambiance-busting shattered glass — an important consideration for any space that’s adjacent to a kids’ play area! <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/former-auto-garage-transformed-into-2-5m-luxury-biodome-is-the-ultimate-laneway-home-1914995/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Former Auto Garage Transformed Into $2.5M Luxury ‘Biodome’ is the Ultimate Laneway Home</a>

There’s nothing like curling up with a good book on a rainy afternoon — except curling up in your own reading room. Whether you want a little library or just need a cozy place to read, a backyard shed could be the perfect solution. The key? Have a comfy place to sit and store your favourite books — this <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/photos/a-magical-his-and-hers-hideaway-in-the-middle-of-the-city-1898083/#currentSlide=6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DIY storage banquette we created for <em>Backyard Builds</em> </a>ticks both boxes (and <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/videos/diy-storage-banquette/896971843585/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">I’ll even show you how to make it</a>). <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/turning-books-into-works-of-art-1930729/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">We Love These Novel Ways of Turning Book Collections Into Works of Art</a>

Give kids the space to tap into their imagination with their own little art studio shed, like this <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/photos/kids-clubhouse-with-rainbow-pencil-crayon-wall-is-the-stuff-of-childhood-dreams-1898097/#currentSlide=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">fun art space</a> Sarah and I designed for <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/photos/kids-clubhouse-with-rainbow-pencil-crayon-wall-is-the-stuff-of-childhood-dreams-1898097/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Backyard Builds</em></a>. When designing for kids, keep things bright and light — and consider <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/photos/all-the-backyard-inspiration-you-need-right-now-from-backyard-landscaping-ideas-to-backyard-studios-1938180/#currentSlide=25" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">incorporating some contrasting colours and interesting shapes</a> to stimulate creativity, too. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kids-rooms/photos/kids-craft-rooms-design-ideas-1919391/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Kids' Craft Rooms Packed With Colourful Design Inspiration</a>

A shed is the perfect place to really hone in on your passion or side hustle, whatever that may be. Love to bake? Bring on the fondant fun with a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/photos/this-professional-baker-has-a-gorgeous-cake-studio-in-her-backyard-1897768/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">customized cake studio</a>, like we did for a professional baker mom for <em>Backyard Builds</em>. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/diy/blog/it-doesnt-get-more-personalized-than-this-diy-painted-cake-1914618/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tiffany Pratt Makes Personalizing a DIY Painted Cake Easy With This Clever Trick!</a>

For tweens or teens, a customized space that’s tailored to their hobbies is a cool way encourage their creativity and interests, too. For example, for <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/photos/all-the-backyard-inspiration-you-need-right-now-from-backyard-landscaping-ideas-to-backyard-studios-1938180/#currentSlide=46" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this mother and son on <em>Backyard Builds</em></a>, we created a special after-school hangout in the backyard — complete with <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/photos/all-the-backyard-inspiration-you-need-right-now-from-backyard-landscaping-ideas-to-backyard-studios-1938180/#currentSlide=50" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">space to display skateboards</a> and practice hip-hop dance. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/50k-shed-now-million-five-storey-home-1935613/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">This Shed Was Bought for $50K, Now It's a $2.25M Five-Storey Home</a>

Adding an outdoor dining area is a great <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/low-cost-ways-backyard-permanent-staycation-1938419/#currentSlide=10" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">way to make your backyard feel more functional and fun</a> — but what about when the weather’s unpredictable (as Canadian weather tends to be)? Try turning your backyard shed into a cool custom dining room, as we did with <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/50-beautiful-backyard-ideas-1050256/#currentSlide=6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this stylish <em>Backyard Builds</em> space</a> with a bold wallpaper accent wall.

<a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/pinterest-home-decor-trends-2020-1934550/#currentSlide=16" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Outdoor kitchen bars are a rising trend</a>, with good reason: who doesn’t want to enjoy their outdoor time with easy access to snacks and beverages? A covered <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/16-outdoor-kitchens-that-will-blow-you-away-1927639/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">outdoor kitchen</a> complete with a bar space, like the one that Sarah and I <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/50-beautiful-backyard-ideas-1050256/#currentSlide=19" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">created for <em>Backyard Builds</em></a>, is ideal for outdoor entertaining (even just for the family). <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/common-reno-mistakes-to-avoid-1903506/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">18 Common Reno Mistakes You'll Probably Make (and How to Avoid Them)</a>