It is no secret that Americans value their lawns and gardens. For most families, these are extensions of the living areas inside their homes. That means everything from the garden shed design to the right plants matters. Whether you are looking for an Amish garden shed or some other kind, there are things you can do to make the most of it. Here are a few:

1. Location, location, location. Just like in every other real estate deal, where you place your garden shed will impact how much you use it and how helpful it is to your overall life. A lot of this depends on the purpose of the shed in question. If the main function of your structure will be to hold garden equipment, you will want to place it close to the garden. You should also not put it behind a bunch of shrubs or under big trees where it can be lost and get more debris on the roof.
2. Go big or go home. When you are working on your garden shed design itself, you should go with a size larger than you think you will actually need. As with storage inside the home, you can always use a little more space. Look at everything you will need to store. Do you have seasonal furniture you want to protect? How large is your mower? How much space do you want to stand up and get around inside the shed? These questions can bring you to the right size shed.
3. Plan for the long game. When you are thinking about your garden shed design, remember that it will have to hold its own against the same elements that bombard your house. With that in mind, look at materials that will hold up over time. The right materials will repel water and be inhospitable to pests such as termites. Wood is often a good option for sheds and furniture. It has been said that a piece of decently made wood furniture should have a lifespan between 10 and 15 years.
4. Have fun with your garden shed design. You will want the shed to have a similar style to that of your home but you can still have some fun with it. Is this a storage shed or will it be a work, play, or hang out area? If you plan to spend time in the structure, build for comfort. It does not have to be a “she-shed” to be fun.
5. Think about natural light and air. If you do plan to use your shed as a workshop, play area, or fun room, you will want to make sure you have the right kinds of natural light and ventilation to make it a place you will want to be. Windows make a great addition to a shed that will be more lived-in than one that is just for storage. Again, a lot of your garden shed design will depend on the reasons you want the shed in the first place. Even if you only want to store things in your shed, good ventilation can make a huge difference. If this is a structure you will use after dark, make sure the shed has
   electricity and lighting fixtures.
6. Make your shed easy to reach. When some people go about designing their sheds, they do not put a lot of thought into how people will get to and from the structure. Having a decent path or walkway to the shed can make it easier to use. The good news is that you do not have to do a lot to get a great path to the shed. There are a number of options for premade walkways and paths. If you plan to use your shed as a plate to chill or work at night, do not forget to include lighting for the pathway.

Just as Americans use their outdoor spaces for a large number of purposes, our garden sheds can be used for a lot of different activities. They can be great for projects, playtime, and entertaining friends and family.