Done these before. Add a cupola to match the band stand (?) in background of first pic. Add double doors with barn door tracks so you have a decent sized opening. A pair of 30" doors will get it done.

Add small fixed sash to gables (say 24" x 24")

Shed needs additional larger windows for light as well as proportion. Careful with sizes so as not to go too big and keep the sills up high enough so as not to adversely impact interior use. Match gable windows in details.

Not too much additional color. Doors, door trim and window trim only especially new gable windows and that is enough.

Send pics when done. Good luck

Tackroom Style Shed with design Examples

I would try adding some color to it. Try adding a flower box with flowers, shutters and paint the trim. Could even add a cupola/weathervane to add some architectural interest...

I like the simplicity you already have in mind. You have the tidy little trim on one side which is adorable, and the addition of neat, geometric trellis would compliment the austere aesthetic you want to extend. I think the flower boxes you wondered about too. Possibly some vintage chairs nearby.... :) Have fun! (and post after pics please). Kim

Garden Shed is the only magazine I subscribe to. I save them all!!

I like your idea of a picket fence. I bought the 8' sections at the local "box" store and put them up with green fence post and drywall screws. They have been up for years!! I primed and painted them white! Trellis on both sides of the door in a contrasting color and add a few window boxes. After the fence is up you can add some landscaping and a bench.

I would suggest you plant some Delphiniums, Cosmos and Amaranthus around that area.........then add some white low growing annuals. First, set your Perennials in, then add the Annuals - I love Larkspur, Delphiniums, Climbing Roses, Holly Hocks, and self seeders, like Cosmos and Love Lies Bleeding [Amaranthus]

so I wonder what happened to this Plain Jane Shed, and her owner???? Has there been an update??

Thank you for everyone's comments here. I'm afraid that even after *six years* my shed is still a work in progress. I did manage to plant a bunch of hostas around the shady back side of the shed a few years ago, as well as a peony at the corner, and they don't look too bad. And I had great plans for the front side, with beautiful climbing roses growing up the trellises on either side and flowers in the beds -- but I could never get a rose to survive on the left side of the door for some reason, despite three tries, and then weeds took over. I cleared the two beds last year and meant to plant them up again this year -- but the coronavirus hit and I never managed to do that either. :-(

But thank you for reminding me that I still have an opportunity to improve this area of my gardens -- I've become preoccupied with areas that are closer to my house, which are easier to remember. I'll definitely re-plant the beds by the door next spring with snapdragons and petunias, which grow well here, and maybe some dahlias, and add some clematis for the trellises. I hope to be able to post a further update next summer. Thanks again!