As you know we have always loved the world of sheds and the sheddies (more than Ten years of shedlove in fact!) but we are now officially welcoming all the world’s sheddies to join us – with an International category – enter now for Shed of the year 2017
STRESSED? BUILD YOURSELF A SHED-SANCTUARY
- New global research reveals that shed owners are ditching their tools and transforming their sheds into zen dens and backyard yoga studios –
- The humble garden shed has evolved with more people than ever finding new and creative uses for their outdoor space
- More than a quarter of shed lovers from around the world are now using their sheds to enhance their sense of wellbeing through meditation and 20% are practicing yoga
- The research comes as the Cuprinol Shed of the Year competition joins forces with aspirational shed fan site, Cabin Porn, to launch the first ever global category
More people than ever are ditching their tools and transforming their sheds into zen dens where they can get away from everyday stresses (71%) and enhance their sense of wellbeing with yoga and meditation (19%).
The new research from the Cuprinol Shed of the Year competition has revealed that ‘shed-scapism’ is sweeping the globe as people upgrade their spaces to a personal sanctuary; with people claiming they feel more relaxed (74%), happier (75%) and even healthier (65%) when they retreat to their shed.
In fact, 63% of Brits claim that they feel more creative in their shed and 71% say they feel more focussed, so it’s no surprise that more people transforming their sheds into home offices, with 39% of people admitting they would work more in their shed if they could.
Sheds have evolved further than you might realise, with people installing electricity (36%), Wi-Fi (13%) and cosy furnishings and decorations (22%). Almost 60% of global sheds are kitted out with a cooking station or BBQ with the Canadians topping the tables as the biggest entertainers (69%) closely followed by the Australians (67%) and the Norwegians (66%).
But the Brits are top of the leader board when it comes to sheds. British sheds were voted the most inspirational in our global research with 53% of the votes, beating the kings of cabins in Canada (19%) and the original saunas in Sweden (15%).
This is good news for UK sheddies who for the first time will be going head to head with sheds from around the world, in this year’s Cuprinol Shed of the Year competition. The first ever global category has been opened in partnership with aspirational shed fan site, Cabin Porn, to mark the 10th anniversary and celebrate the ever growing sheddie community.
The competition has already had an influx of global entrants, with a children’s castle, a tree top writing pod and a mountaintop hideaway all bidding to be crowned ‘Global Shed of the Year.’
Founder of Cuprinol’s Shed of the Year competition, Andrew Wilcox (Uncle Wilco) said: “Each year the competition seeks to crown the most amazing sheds from across the nation and this year we wanted to celebrate the ever-expanding community of ‘sheddies’ by opening the competition to the wonderful world of sheds that exist across different shores.
“We’ve already seen a massive influx of entries into this year’s competition, spanning everything from those inspired by the architectural conquests of Grand Designs to the wacky and wonderful hand crafted creations.”
Matt Cassidy from Cabin Porn said: “Since 2008, we’ve collected cabin inspiration from around the world, with an emphasis on handmade, authentic spaces. Like Shed of the Year, Cabin Porn celebrates the joys of creating, building, and DIY spirit. The competition is perfectly suited to our mission – creating a home of your own – be it a remote off-the-grid getaway or a backyard shed hideout.”
Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Cuprinol said: “Since the start of the competition we’ve certainly seen a trend towards people viewing their garden shed as an extension of their home and more people are finding amazing uses for their sheds which goes beyond DIY.
Over the past 10 years’ sheds have certainly evolved from eccentric museums to personal sanctuaries where people are escaping from everyday stresses and growing their passions, talents and even businesses.”
Top Shed-scapism Stats:
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The Cuprinol Shed of the Year competition for 2017 is now officially open for registration. To register your shed, visit www.readersheds.co.uk and fill out the form.
