Highlighting the Winners of the #MyStudioShed2023 Photo Contest

This year, Studio Shed reinvited customers nationwide to enter our annual Photo & Video Contest showing off their backyard studios and their Accessory Dwelling Units. We were blown away by the incredible range of submissions and are honored to be a part of so many unique stories! We are grateful to everyone who participated.

 

Without further ado, it is time to celebrate the two winners of the #MyStudioShed2023 Photo & Video Contest! Read more below.

View of Zion from a Studio Shed

Charissa's 120 SF Music Studio

Charissa’s journey to her private yet inviting music studio began years before Studio Shed was in the picture. Charissa and her husband, Dana, moved from Chicago to Los Angeles over 20 years ago. The two are both heavily involved in the music world, with Dana being a sound engineer and mixer and Charissa as a musician and music therapist. Charissa and Dana previously shared their workspaces in their home, often alternating between headsets and going to separate rooms. Sharing these music spaces proved difficult. Charissa’s music therapy sessions (often heard throughout the house with loud drums and singing) are not masked easily by audiophile headphones. So, the two set out to find a solution in their backyard.

 

Initially, the couple wanted to find Dana a separate backyard space. They began working with an architect to create a 1000 SF custom music studio addition before the pandemic. After the pandemic hit, they were shocked to find that the price for Dana's custom music studio had nearly quadrupled! Due to the unexpected budget increase, the two decided to look into more suitable options for their problem.

 

The couple then learned about Studio Shed. Charissa says she loves the modern and prefabricated option for their studio dreams. The two decided it would be more beneficial for Charissa to have a detached space from the house due to the noise and privacy needs of music therapy. She enjoyed Studio Shed's simple design process and choosing the colors and windows. They did their due diligence by working with their local Planning & Building Department to confirm that their project was feasible and confirmed that a permit was not required. The two had never been involved in the construction world before this moment and had an easy and streamlined experience during installation.

 

Now, Charissa can teach individuals ages 6 through 70, in private group sessions, and her patients say they feel confident in doing therapy work in this confidential space.

Charissa's Shed
Charissa's Signature

Joel's 352 SF Guest House and Airbnb

Joel and his wife, Leah, moved to Greater Zion a few years ago. They were drawn to the rich and stunning landscapes of the southwest and found their home outside the Vermillion Cliffs. Joel and his family adored the area and often found that family and in-laws wanted to visit their stunning new home. The family decided that they wanted to provide extra space for their in-laws to stay. Since they also recognized the beauty of the area and the opportunities before them with a detached guest house on their property, they wanted to share the view with others via Airbnb!

 

Joel is an artistic individual and works as a Creative Director for a nonprofit. He wanted to elevate our interior packages to meet his creative vision and put a colorful spin on them. He took inspiration from Cuban and Spanish interior design and created a beautiful guest house. Both his in-laws and short-term rental guests adore the charm. Joel says he appreciated Studio Shed's willingness and accommodation and enjoyed the step-by-step process and collaboration.

 

Joel says his guest house is now a "gift to others" to stay in a beautiful area and is a wonderful space for their loved ones to reside. He now gets to have splendid interactions with tourists and has enjoyed the fun investment. Joel and his family love to point others to great spots near Zion and are overjoyed to be a part of others' vacation memories.

Joel's Guest House
Joel's 16x22 Summit

Thank You, Studio Shed Fans!

Studio Shed wants to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the #MyStudioshed2023 Photo & Video Contest. The quality and creativity of the submissions we received were truly outstanding, and it was an absolute pleasure to see so many people sharing their talents with us. Whether you submitted a photo or simply took the time to view and appreciate the work of others, please know that your participation made this contest a huge success. We are so grateful for your support, and we can't wait to see what you'll come up with next year!

8 Easy to Implement Backyard Shed Landscaping Ideas

Adding a studio or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to your backyard instantly provides you with extra space and a whole world of possibilities. You’ve probably spent time dreaming about how you’ll use your Studio Shed, but have you considered how you’ll landscape around your shed? The landscaping experts from our partner, Tilly, are joining us to share their advice on how to integrate your lifestyle shed into your backyard.

Tilly is an entirely online landscape design company that makes expert landscaping accessible to more people across the U.S. and Canada. Homeowners are matched with a landscape designer who has residential experience in their specific area. Through photos and a video walkthrough of the space, a custom landscape plan is created that matches the homeowner’s goals, specific climate and needs. Tilly will then deliver your plants to your curb, making the process easy and fun. Best of all, everything is done on your schedule and your budget.

They’ve mastered the art of making your shed or ADU an organic and beautiful part of your landscaping. Here’s their advice on how you can do the same.

landscaping around shed
A Studio Shed with Tilly landscape design

Why is Landscaping Around Your Studio Shed Important?

Everyone wants a beautiful landscape that feels like a backyard retreat—and a Studio Shed makes that oasis even better. However, simply placing an ADU in the middle of your outdoor space won’t make it feel like an integrated part of your yard. By landscaping around your ADU, you can create a natural flow throughout your space and turn your shed into a striking focal point of your backyard.

 

The other factor to consider is accessibility to your shed. If getting to your backyard home office or She Shed requires weaving between garden beds or slogging through mud, that’s a sign that your shed isn’t working with your landscaping. Whether you’re using your shed as a home gym, guest suite, an office space or man cave, creating a clear, intentional path from your home to your backyard home away from home will make every trip to and fro easier.

 

With that said, check out some easy shed landscaping tips you can try in your own backyard!

garden shed

1 // Find the Right Site for Your ADU

First things first, the shed's location within your space is important. In addition to town codes and practical concerns like distance from the house and routing electricity to your space, you’ll want to consider sun exposure when designing and positioning your ADU. Also think about the views from your windows and either direct them toward an existing landscape feature or plant something beautiful to gaze out at while working from home or powering through your workout.

2 // Create a Path Leading to Your Shed

Making your space welcoming and easily accessible all starts with a clear path to the front of your shed. You have a wide range of options to suit every design style and budget from a rustic stepping stone path to colorful tiles to the soft touch of decomposed granite. If you live in an area with snowy winters and you’re going to be using your Studio Shed daily all year round, you may want to consider a heated pathway or a surface that’s easy to shovel.

shed landscaping with outdoor furniture

3 // Light your Landscape

Adding outdoor lighting to your landscape adds ambiance well into the night and is an important safety feature to make your nighttime journeys to your backyard shed easy and stumble-free. Incorporate path lighting from your home to your shed, add exterior sconces to light your way or hang string lights around a fire pit that's nearby. This way, you can keep enjoying your backyard retreat long after the sun sets.

4 // Expand Your Outdoor Living Space

Why stop with the extra square footage that your ADU gives you? Add a patio with a sitting area outside your shed to seamlessly move into outdoor living and lounging. Add a pergola for extra shade to create a perfect spot for a sunny brunch. If your ADU is an exercise studio, you can easily use this space for outdoor yoga or meditation.

 

Once you decide what the perfect feature for your space is, all you’ll need to do is open your shed doors to take advantage of the best of both indoor and outdoor living.

 

shed landscape

5 // Integrate Your Studio Shed Into Your Yard

It’s great if your Studio Shed stands out as a focal point of your backyard—it’s less good if it stands out as a confusing addition to an otherwise cohesive landscape. Make it feel like a seamless extension of your space by surrounding it with some of the plants that you’ve already used elsewhere in your landscape and match your garden style. Use your plantings to hug your studio and nestle it in your yard or to frame and highlight the shed’s design as a showpiece all its own.

 

For example, if your shed has a modern edge, use minimalist landscaping, ornamental grasses, a smaller color palette and plant in clean lines. Going for a cottage feel? Focus on natural materials, curved lines, colorful flowers and full lush garden beds.

6 // Highlight the Entrance

Even if your shed is in your backyard, it helps to think about its very own curb appeal! You’re going to spend a whole lot of time looking at your Studio Shed, so why not make it as beautiful and welcoming as possible?

 

The simplest way to do this is to frame the entrance. Group beautiful plants on either side of your door- this can be in garden beds, on a paver patio in planters or flower boxes. If you prefer your plants elevated, hanging potted plants and window boxes add some whimsical charm to your ADU.

 

You can also landscape the shed's perimeter. If you aren't sure where to start, remember that sometimes less is more. Start simple and use repeating patterns. You can add to your garden as you like. Focus on evergreens that will provide color year round and you can plant seasonal flowers for a pop of color. Layer taller plants or shrubs in the back, then medium and low lying ground plants. Having multiple levels will give your garden a full feel.

aerial view of a shed landscape in the corner of backyard with a lawn, shrubs and trees

7 // Functionality

Think about the purpose of your Studio Shed and then consider the functionality you need to make it a great addition to your backyard. For example, if it's a guest room you may want to focus on privacy. Utilize your landscaping to achieve this! You can place tall hedges, fencing, or screens to block the view of the neighboring properties or your own kitchen window. Is it an office and you'd love a patio to enjoy breaks and a morning cup of Joe? Add Adirondack chairs or a bistro table to a front patio.

 

There is also functionality in terms of upkeep for your Studio Shed. If you plant flowers in a garden space around the shed, maybe you'll want to add a piece of furniture that can be a storage space for garden tools so you don't have to trek back and forth to maintain the area.

8 // Keep it Low Maintenance

At Tilly we always recommend low maintenance landscaping. There are a few ways to achieve this! The first is to focus on native plants. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them more likely to thrive without requiring excessive watering or fertilizing. These plant options will also support the local ecosystem by providing food and habitat for your local wildlife (yes - you can purposefully plant so you see more butterflies and hummingbirds!)

 

Using plants that thrive in your area will also mean they require less water than non-native plants. This can help reduce your overall water usage and save you money on your water bill (yay!).

 

Native plants are often more resilient and long-lasting than non-native plants. They can better withstand extreme weather conditions, such as heat waves or droughts, and are generally more disease-resistant. When in doubt, go native!

shed landscaping with lawn and stone and a garden in a back corner

If all of these design ideas are inspiring you to add a shed into your landscape or update the landscaping around your current shed, let us help. At Studio Shed, we’re experts at designing the perfect shed for your style and your space. Over at Tilly, they’re the experts at designing beautiful landscapes and incorporating all the elements you love—including your Studio Shed. Together, we’re ready to take your backyard to the next level!

 

Want to see more? Browse Tilly on Instagram!

: landscaping ideas around a tiny house

How to Make Your Studio Shed a Beautiful Part of Your Landscape

Adding an accessory dwelling unit (or ADU) to your backyard instantly provides you with extra space and a whole world of possibilities. You’ve probably spent time dreaming about how you’ll use your Studio Shed, but have you considered how you’ll landscape around your shed? The landscaping experts from our partner, Tilly, are joining us to share their advice on how to integrate your lifestyle shed into your backyard.

 

Tilly is an entirely online landscape design company that makes expert landscaping accessible to people across the U.S. and Canada. Homeowners are matched with a landscape designer who has residential experience in their specific area. Through photos and a video walkthrough of the space, a custom landscape plan is created that matches the homeowner’s goals, specific climate, and needs. Tilly will then deliver your plants to your curb, making the process easy and fun. Best of all, everything is done on your schedule and your budget.

 

They’ve mastered the art of making your shed or ADU an organic and beautiful part of your landscaping. Here’s their advice on how you can do the same.

A Tilly project in Colorado with a fire pit area, raised garden beds and plantings that tie the yard and dwelling together.

Why is Landscaping Around Your Studio Shed Important?

Everyone wants a beautiful landscape that feels like a backyard retreat—and a Studio Shed makes that oasis even better. However, simply placing an ADU in the middle of your outdoor space won’t make it feel like an integrated part of your yard. By landscaping around your ADU, you can create a natural flow throughout your space and turn your shed into a striking focal point of your backyard.

 

The other factor to consider is accessibility to your shed. If getting to your backyard home office or shed requires weaving between garden beds or slogging through mud, that’s a sign that your shed isn’t working with your landscaping. Whether you’re using your shed as a home gym, an office space or man cave, creating a clear, intentional path from your home to your backyard home away from home will make every trip to and fro easier.

Tips for Landscaping Around a Studio Shed

 

Find the Right Site for Your ADU

First things first, you have to decide where to place your Studio Shed. In addition to practical concerns like distance from the house and routing electricity to your space, you’ll want to consider sun exposure when designing and positioning your ADU. Think about the views from your windows and either direct them toward an existing landscape feature or plant something beautiful to gaze out at while working from home or powering through your workout.

A fire pit area outside an ADU in a Tilly project in Maine.

Create a Path Leading to Your Studio Shed

Making your space welcoming and easily accessible all starts with a clear path to the front of your shed. You have a wide range of options to suit every design style and budget from a rustic stepping stone path to colorful tiles to the soft touch of decomposed granite. If you live in an area with snowy winters and you’re going to be using your Studio Shed daily all year round, you may want to consider a heated pathway or a surface that’s easy to shovel.

Light your Landscape

Adding outdoor lighting to your landscape adds ambiance well into the night and is an important safety feature to make your nighttime journeys to your backyard shed easy and stumble-free. Incorporate path lighting from your home to your shed or add exterior sconces to light your way. This way, you can keep enjoying your backyard retreat long after the sun sets.

A Texas Tilly landscape design with modern features and landscaping around an ADU.

Expand Your Outdoor Living Space

Why stop with the extra space that your ADU gives you? Add a patio outside your Studio Shed to seamlessly move into outdoor living and lounging. Add a pergola for extra shade to create a perfect spot for a sunny brunch. If your ADU is an exercise studio, you can easily use this space for outdoor yoga or meditation. Once you decide what the perfect feature for your space is, all you’ll need to do is open your shed doors to take advantage of the best of both indoor and outdoor living.

Integrate Your Studio Shed Into Your Yard

It’s great if your Studio Shed stands out as a focal point of your backyard—it’s less good if it stands out as a confusing addition to an otherwise cohesive landscape. Make it feel like a seamless extension of your space by surrounding it with some of the plants that you’ve already used elsewhere in your landscape. Use your softscape to hug your studio and nestle it in your space, or to frame and highlight the studio’s design as a showpiece all its own.

A Tilly project in Colorado with an ADU seamlessly incorporated in the backyard through the landscape design.

Highlight the Entrance

Even if your shed is in your backyard, it helps to think about its very own curb appeal! You’re going to spend a whole lot of time looking at your ADU, so why not make it as beautiful and welcoming as possible? The simplest way to do this is to frame the entrance. Group beautiful plants on either side of your door in garden beds or large containers for classic appeal. If you prefer your plants elevated, hanging potted plants and window boxes add some cottage charm to your ADU.

If all of these design ideas inspire you to add a studio or ADU to your landscape, let us help. Here at Studio Shed, we’re experts at designing the perfect shed for your style and space. Over at Tilly, they’re the experts at designing beautiful landscapes and incorporating all the elements you love—including your Studio Shed. Together, we’re ready to take your backyard to the next level!

A pool/guest house integrated into a Connecticut Tilly client’s backyard.
Brother vs Brother Season 8 / BVBS8, LOS ANGELES - 800's  Drew Scott BEAUTIES / BEAUTY SHOTS OF ALL SPACES. As seen on Brother Vs Brother Season 8
Brother vs Brother Season 8 / BVBS8, LOS ANGELES - 800's Drew Scott BEAUTIES / BEAUTY SHOTS OF ALL SPACES. As seen on Brother Vs Brother Season 8

Watch Studio Shed on Brother vs. Brother Season 8

 

Stream Season 8, Episode 6 Now on Discovery+

What an incredible experience to build a Studio Shed with the Property Brothers for Brother vs. Brother Season 8! Stream "No Rules, One Winner" (S8, E6) to see Studio Shed help Drew Scott and #TeamDrew elevate his property's backyard with a brand new 'designer studio' in this season's grand finale. Scroll down to view the beautiful 'after' shots and behind-the-scenes photos from the set of the show.

Brother vs Brother Season 8 / BVBS8, LOS ANGELES - 800's  Drew Scott BEAUTIES / BEAUTY SHOTS OF ALL SPACES. As seen on Brother Vs Brother Season 8
Brother vs Brother Season 8 / BVBS8, LOS ANGELES - 800's  Drew Scott BEAUTIES / BEAUTY SHOTS OF ALL SPACES. As seen on Brother Vs Brother Season 8
Brother vs Brother Season 8 / BVBS8, LOS ANGELES - 800's  Drew Scott BEAUTIES / BEAUTY SHOTS OF ALL SPACES. As seen on Brother Vs Brother Season 8
Brother vs Brother Season 8 / BVBS8, LOS ANGELES - 800's  Drew Scott BEAUTIES / BEAUTY SHOTS OF ALL SPACES. As seen on Brother Vs Brother Season 8
Brother vs Brother Season 8 / BVBS8, LOS ANGELES - 800's  Drew Scott BEAUTIES / BEAUTY SHOTS OF ALL SPACES. As seen on Brother Vs Brother Season 8
Brother vs Brother Season 8 / BVBS8, LOS ANGELES - 800's  Drew Scott BEAUTIES / BEAUTY SHOTS OF ALL SPACES. As seen on Brother Vs Brother Season 8
Brother vs Brother Season 8 / BVBS8, LOS ANGELES - 800's  Drew Scott BEAUTIES / BEAUTY SHOTS OF ALL SPACES. As seen on Brother Vs Brother Season 8

See Behind-The-Scenes Photos on Our Instagram

 

Follow @studioshed on Instagram and Facebook

Peek behind-the-scenes of last week’s episode with Studio Shed Co-Founder & Creative Director Jeremy Nova, and our favorite Property Brother, Drew Scott!

Studio Shed Expands Colorado ADU Manufacturing Facility to Ship

Over 1,000 Square Feet a Day

 

Accessory Dwelling Units Rise in Popularity as Regulations Change Nationwide

October 11, 2022, Louisville, CO – As local officials across the country relax accessory dwelling unit (ADU) zoning regulations to alleviate the national housing crisis and catalyze new housing options, the prefabricated modular home industry leader, Studio Shed, announced today it has tripled production capacity at its manufacturing facility in Colorado to meet consumer demand. The company is now shipping up to 1,000 square feet of product a day thanks to an additional 20,000 square feet of manufacturing space and investments in new industrial equipment, fabrication stations, and employees.

 

Studio Shed expands ADU manufacturing facility as homeowners look for creative ways to add space to their properties.

 

"We have continued to see increased demand from homeowners to build detached spaces for a range of flexible scenarios. From home offices, guest suites, workout and wellness studios, ADUs are a lifestyle solution with real ROI," said Jeremy Nova, Studio Shed's co-founder, and creative director. "We have been providing end-to-end design, manufacturing, and installation of ADUs nationwide since 2008, and now, with our new factory capabilities, we are able to service even more customers nationwide."

 

Factory-based manufacturing under one roof streamlines production of Studio Shed's ADUs and allows customizable production at scale, while avoiding supply chain, labor shortage and inflation challenges typically faced by general contractors and local design-build firms. The company's team of ADU experts is committed to working with each homeowner individually to help with every step of the process, from navigating complicated permitting rules in each market, designing custom exterior and interior packages, and ensuring efficient construction through Studio Shed's national network of certified installers or, if a customer chooses a DIY approach, hands-on guidance from the Studio Shed team.

 

In 2022, the company has shipped approximately 80,000 square feet from their factory, with the help of Colorado's abundance of high-quality talent and efficient shipping lines that run through the state. In terms of units, the Studio Shed team completed twice as many permitted ADU projects this year as last year. Delivered flat-packaged as a kit, ADUs range in size from 500-1,000 square feet and popular floor plans feature a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. The fully-finished structures include drywall, electricity, and interior finishes and are commonly used as guest suites, home offices, workout studios, and more.

 

"With rising mortgage rates and home prices, we offer a solution for homeowners that doesn't involve expensive architecture design fees and overpriced materials in the field," said Nova. "We manufacture everything in-house and have direct sourcing with partners such as Marvin Windows to produce a high-quality product that is delivered quickly. But, for many homeowners, it's tough to know where to start since ADU regulations vary greatly state by state, even neighborhood by neighborhood."

 

ADU permitting and zoning laws are changing daily across the country right now. With Studio Shed, after a customer submits a design online, the homeowner receives a permit-ready engineer-stamped plan set for the local building department, which is tailored to the specific lot and local building codes and energy regulations for permit approval. Once the permit is approved, Studio Shed produces and ships the kit (including fully panelized wall sections and precut roof sections, prepainted siding, and prehung operable and fixed windows) in about four weeks. Typical shipment out of the factory is two or three large pallets that are shipped through regular freight-transport networks and installed in a few weeks or less, depending on options, complexity, and site conditions.

 

"We've done a tremendous amount of critical analysis on hybrid prefabrication and this particular manufacturing process for ADUs," Nova said. "Hybrid prefabrication allows us to be extremely efficient and create a repeatable and scalable production for customers across the country."

ABOUT STUDIO SHED

 

Studio Shed provides smart, flexible, and space-conscious structures that have the potential to transform the way people live, work, and play. Several different models are available to customize online in hundreds of ways and can be ordered, delivered, and installed without the disruptions caused by a typical remodel. Studio Shed ships to all 50 states and select locations in Canada. For more information, please visit www.studioshed.com.

Media Contact:

Holly Sprague

Feed Media

Studioshed@Feedmedia.com

Announcing the #MyStudioShed2022 Photo Contest Winners

The inaugural #MyStudioShed photo contest has come to a close and it's time to celebrate our participants and announce the winners of the Studio Shed Award and People's Choice Award!

 

This year, we invited Studio Shed customers across the nation to enter the #MyStudioShed2022 photo contest and submit photos showing off their backyard studios and ADUs. The response we received left us speechless. From home offices to Airbnbs, and art studios to yoga sanctuaries, each and every photo entry was unique and inspiring in its own way.

 

Of all the incredible submissions received, there were a few that stood out. After hours of deliberations, our internal panel of judges selected a winner for the Studio Shed Award, while the People's Choice Award winner was selected by YOU, our voters.

 

Please find the winning photo entries below. Congratulations to all!

STUDIO SHED AWARD

 

Shannon – 10x12 Signature Series

Shannon's gorgeous 10x12 Signature Series home office/she shed combo features 'Elegant Red' lap siding, 'Elegant Red' doors, natural eaves (no paint or stain), and our Lifestyle Interior Package with 'Sandcastle Oak' flooring. As the recipient of this year's Studio Shed Award, Shannon has won a $3,000 shopping spree with Tortuga Outdoor!

PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD

 

Mimi – 12x18 Signature Series

Mimi's beautiful 12x18 Signature Series home gym features 'Volcano Gray' lap siding, 'Yam' doors, natural eaves (no paint or stain), and our Lifestyle Interior Package. As the recipient of this year's People's Choice Award, Mimi has won a $1,000 shopping spree with Tortuga Outdoor!

Thank you to everyone who submitted photos and voted during this year's contest — without your participation, the #MyStudioShed2022 photo contest couldn't have been such a success!

 

Missed the deadline to enter? Come back next year for our second-annual #MyStudioShed photo contest for a chance to show off your Studio Shed space!

STUDIO SHED NAMED COLORADO MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR

April 20, 2022, Louisville, CO – Studio Shed, the leader in accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and modern prefabricated backyard structures, has been recognized as 2022 Builder/Manufacturer of the Year by CompanyWeek's Colorado Manufacturing Awards (CMA) program. Since 2016, the CMAs have recognized industry leaders for their critical roles in shaping American manufacturing across an array of sectors.

“Building & Construction Manufacturer of the Year, Studio Shed, represents everything that's great about Colorado manufacturing, from the vision of the company’s leadership to the innovation reflected in its market-leading living spaces," stated Bart Taylor, CompanyWeek founder and co-presenter of the CMAs.

In 2021, Studio Shed saw an enormous surge in demand for its home office designs and ADUs, as the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for additional space in homes across the country and municipalities relaxed zoning and permitting regulations for homeowners. To meet this demand, Studio Shed tripled production capacity at its Boulder County facility, adding industrial equipment, fabrication stations, and staff, and expanded its product lines and national footprint with the help of Colorado's abundance of high-quality talent and favorable location for shipping logistics.

“Thanks to our amazing team in Colorado and our growing network of professional installers across the country, Studio Shed was able to increase our production capacity dramatically last year and, in turn, we decreased turnaround times on our most popular products - namely ADUs that are commonly used as ‘granny flats’ or guest suites and quick-ship home office one-room designs,” said Jeremy Nova, creative director and co-founder, Studio Shed. “We are honored to receive this award.”

 

Studio Shed leads the ADU market nationwide and announced its North American expansion into Canada last summer. The company has been able to avoid significant supply chain and shipping delays with Colorado’s efficient shipping lines that run through the state and Studio Shed’s climate-controlled factory to create products in-house.

The company recently launched new customer shopping experience features including an innovative virtual showroom, online location-based permitting tools, and a comprehensive financing platform that allows homeowners to review numerous payment plan options within minutes.

The Colorado Manufacturing Awards bring together business leaders in a celebration of the modern manufacturing economy, focusing on highlighting the importance of manufacturing for Colorado. Sponsors include JPM Chase, IMA, Kaiser Permanente, Moss Adams, Neenan Archistruction, Benchmark Commercial, the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade, and H2 Manufacturing Solutions. For more information, visit https://coloradomanufacturingawards.com/.

ABOUT STUDIO SHED

Studio Shed provides smart, flexible, and space-conscious structures that have the potential to transform the way people live, work and play. Several different models are available to customize online in hundreds of ways and can be ordered, delivered and installed without the disruptions caused by a typical remodel. For more information, please visit www.studioshed.com.

Media Contact:

Holly Sprague

Feed Media

Studioshed@Feedmedia.com

Fiddler on the Shed: An Interview With David Bragger

Music is one of the greatest gifts that we have on this earth. Whether you write it, play it, mix it, or simply listen – everyone can feel it. It’s a means of expression that isn’t bound by language or education level, and since the dawn of time, people and cultures across the globe have utilized music to connect, share stories, and pass traditions down to generations to come.

Like many traditions, music continues to evolve throughout the years resulting in more genres and sub-genres to explore than humanly possible. While many musicians are looking to the future and working to create sounds and styles that have never been heard before, it’s important to look back and recognize the unsung heroes who are doing their part to keep true traditional music alive and thriving. Today we’re taking a moment to recognize one of those not-so-unsung heroes who has played an integral role in preserving the traditions of old-time American folk music – who also happens to be a Studio Shed customer!

David Bragger is a Los Angeles-based old-time musician and instructor, director of the UCLA Old-Time String Band Ensemble (where he teaches fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and guitar), and co-founder of Tiki Parlour Recordings – an independent label devoted solely to hardcore traditional music where every release is 100% produced by traditional musicians. In 2009, David founded The Old-Time Tiki Parlour, the online headquarters of Tiki Parlour Recordings, as a space for the greatest living traditional masters to bring concerts, workshops, jam-sessions, film, and recordings to Los Angeles and beyond.

David has devoted his life to playing, documenting, and celebrating American folk music and is passionate about passing down the old-time music traditions to new generations, worldwide. He is a wildly popular workshop instructor at music festivals and camps across the nation and abroad, but mostly teaches traditional American music on the fiddle and banjo from his Studio Shed in Los Angeles!

We caught up with David to learn more about his journey to becoming one of the greatest old-time American musicians of our time and to hear what he and the Old-Time Tiki Parlour have been up to lately.

When did you first become interested in old-time American/folk music? What was it about this genre that you first fell in love with?

I inherited my great uncle’s fiddle when I was in my mid-20s. Soon after, I encountered my aunt’s banjo while visiting her in Pennsylvania. Those were pivotal moments for me. I was hooked on the sound instantly. I was also a fan of Doc Watson and early country blues pickers. This all occurred just before I left for India to study street magic and collect folktales. However, while in India I couldn’t stop thinking about the banjo! When I returned home three months later, I purchased a cheap banjo and started studying old-time fiddle and banjo. I was especially obsessed with the old sounds from old recordings made in the 20s and 30s, as well as a handful of living musicians who retained those magical sounds in their playing. Artists like Edden Hammons, Tommy Jarrell, Louie Bluie, Bruce Molsky, Dan Gellert, Jim Bowles, Dink Roberts, Joe Thompson and the list goes on.

 

How did you get started with your music? Are you self-taught or did you take banjo/fiddle lessons?

I was lucky to study under two masters from two generations: Tom Sauber and Mel Durham. Like several great old-time musicians from different parts of the country, Mel moved to SoCal from Illinois just after World War II. He and Tom Sauber had a huge impact on the old-time scene in these parts. Since this is traditional music, it makes a huge difference to learn from somebody who knows the old secrets and teaches by ear. It’s not really a sheet music or a DIY genre. It’s a traditional art best learned master-apprentice style. Multi-instrumentalist and old-time god Tom Sauber taught me so much.

 

Have you noticed any changes in the old-time/folk genre since you first started playing?

There are many more people playing old-time music now compared to when I started. Especially younger folks. It’s really become a thriving genre, but it isn’t exactly the same as bluegrass. Bluegrass is a commercial offshoot of the old-time traditions that were happening in people’s homes for many generations way before Bill Monroe and Flatt & Scruggs came along. There were also African American fiddle and banjo players that had a huge impact on traditional old-time players like myself. The African American and indigenous influences in this music are undeniable and basically absent from modern-day bluegrass music. These influences are heavily cherished in old-time music and many of the younger musicians today are representing the diverse side of our tradition. This is a wonderful thing.

How has your style/music evolved over time?

The rhythmic nuances of fiddle bowing and clawhammer banjo are a lifetime devotion. I’m constantly working on rhythmic expression and digging up old melodies and recordings that give me new obsessions to work on. As time moves forward, I keep reaching back further to develop the old sounds. Ironically, while many contemporary Americana musicians are trying to be new and innovative, musicians like myself are reaching into the depths of history and repeatedly re-discovering that past musicians were doing more interesting and awe-inspiring things, by and large. Old is the “new” new.

 

Which recording from your discography are you most proud of? I know this is a difficult question, so feel free to pick a few!

Impossible! My solo CD “Big Fancy” was a major feat. It reflects the music that I’ve been obsessed with since I started playing. It also features two tunes from the once enslaved fiddler Alonzo Janes who taught these tunes to my mentor Mel Durham. I’ve also connected with his descendants and am currently teaching two Janes family members the music of their great patriarch. It’s an amazing story and I’m honored to be part of this lineage.

My second CD “King’s Lament” I recorded with Susan Platz. It’s the first double fiddle CD in the old-time genre. That album is groundbreaking, and it’s even embraced by the electronic music crowd of all things!

“Holy Smoke” was my third CD that I recorded with one of my fiddle idols Rafe Stefanini, the great Italian old-time fiddler. Those three releases are a big deal to me. I also recorded fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and guitar on Greg Graffin’s solo CD “Millport.” Greg Graffin is the front man of the punk group Bad Religion. It’s a very different album than my others and I’m quite proud of that one too.

Speaking of your discography, I read that you are the co-founder of the label that has released much (if not all) of your music! Is there a story behind the Old-Time Tiki Parlour’s name?

My mid-century style home has been nicknamed the Old-Time Tiki Parlour. It’s chock full of traditional American instruments, velvet paintings and weird curious. I’ve hosted countless jams, workshops and house concerts here. So the label is aptly named Tiki Parlour Recordings. I love old music and cheesy Tiki culture! I take great pride in releasing non-commercial traditional music from my “parlour.” In fact, I edit all of our films right here in my Studio Shed! I even have students who purchased a Studio Shed after they visited mine!

 

Between recording your own music, teaching lessons, directing the UCLA ensemble, co-founding a record label, directing music festivals, and recording documentaries, you have quite the extensive resume! What do you enjoy doing most out of all your work?

It all boils down to my love for keeping the music alive. Especially the old sounds. I don’t want them forgotten. So I help to preserve them with my label and one of the best ways to preserve these sounds is by keeping the tradition alive through teaching.

 

What (or who) inspired you to teach music?

I’ve had many great teachers and musical idols in my life. Tom Sauber, Mel Durham, Bruce Molsky, Brad Leftwich, Greg Graffin and the legendary Mike Seeger had a profound impact on how I teach.

When did you decide that you needed to create a dedicated space for your music lessons and purchase your Studio Shed? What influenced this decision?

I was visiting some folk musicians who had a Tuff Shed set up for playing music. That’s where the initial idea came from. But it was still a Tuff Shed. When my mother found out that I was considering this, she frantically called me and told me about this amazing article in Sunset magazine that did a feature on this company called Studio Shed. The moment I saw the article, there was no going back. The Studio Sheds featured in the article were beautiful, functional and affordable! The company seemed top notch. And now I can vouch for them. A super American company.

 

How has your Studio Shed space impacted your music/career?

I teach private lessons daily from my Studio Shed and edit all of my music and DVD releases from within its walls. It is my home outside my home. It is my musical and creative kingdom.

 

What’s next for you and the Old-Time Tiki Parlour? Any big projects in the works you can tell us about?

We’re about to release our 25th album on February 25th, 2022. It’s by one of the greatest old-time fiddlers in our genre, Bruce Molsky. However, this CD features his guitar playing! Musicians in the folk, rock and bluegrass worlds like John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, Sarah Jarosz, Chris Eldridge and Julian Lage have already deemed it a masterpiece. We’re also about to release a CD & DVD Set of banjo master Bill Evans where he plays just about every banjo stye imaginable on a variety of different banjos. It’s called “Banjo in America.” We’re also finishing up an album featuring the Japanese old-time musician Bosco Takaki, as well as a Peruvian fiddle/harp CD by the great late El Cholo Victor. We’ve done a lot in only seven years. It might be time to think about a Tiki Parlour “Best of” album!

WOW – so many amazing projects in the works! Thanks so much, David, for taking time out of your busy schedule to pass on a bit of knowledge about the Old-Time traditions to us. We’ll be sure to check out your latest album on the 25th and maybe even sign up for a fiddle lesson or two!

To learn more about David Bragger and the Old-Time Tiki Parlour, check out his website at oldtimetikiparlour.com or jump right in and stream his music and fiddle lessons on YouTube! You can also find his music on the major streaming platforms, such as Spotify or Apple Music, and start your own old-time American folk playlist.

Design a Space to Pursue Your Passion Project!

Are you looking to take the next step to turn your dream into a reality? At Studio Shed, we provide the extra space you need to pursue that passion, hobby, or even a hidden talent that you never thought you had room for before. Whether you want a customizable solution or are looking for a prefab, turnkey option, our team is committed to helping you create a space ideal for you! Get started in our 3D design center and create the perfect backyard space to bring your passion to life.

A Realtor's Guide to Accessory Dwelling Units

An Interview with Laura Shaffer

Have you ever shown a client a home that was in the perfect location, with the perfect lot size, and within their price range, but they just wish the home had one extra room? Many realtors can relate.

While buyer demand is currently strong and expected to continue in the coming year, housing inventory is predicted to remain low compared to previous years. With fewer houses on the market, buyers may not be able to find that perfect home they’ve been dreaming about, especially in popular locations. In 2021 alone, demand for multiple home offices more than doubled from 24% to 48%; demand for home-based fitness and yoga spaces jumped from 23% to 39%; and demand for au pair/in-law suites rose from 35% to 42%, according to an AIA Home Design Trends Survey.

Home renovations are top-of-mind when considering adding more space to a home, however, there is a simpler and less intrusive option available that can help ease your clients’ qualms about a lack of space in a home that otherwise checks all the boxes. Rather than suggesting a home renovation or addition to clients who can’t find the perfect home, the alternative is to suggest adding a single-room studio or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to the backyard.

Why Backyard Studios & ADUs?

Backyard studios and ADUs have gained national attention in recent years for the myriad lifestyle and financial benefits they provide to homeowners. These backyard modular additions are the fastest and most affordable way to add flexible square footage to the home and are often designed for home office spaces, music and art studios, and she sheds to name a few.

Backyard studios and ADUs are also a great way for homeowners to add significant value to their property. According to a recent study from Porch.com, in America’s largest cities, a home with an ADU is priced 35% higher on average than a home without one. A well-appointed ADU is effectively a fully functional second dwelling on your property complete with kitchen and bath that can be used for guests, a home studio for hobbies or workouts, or even rented out to provide a new source of income to the homeowner.

It’s easy to see the benefits that backyard studios and ADUs provide to homeowners. To better understand why it’s important for realtors to know about these flexible structures we sat down with Laura Shaffer, a realtor in our home state of Colorado. Here’s her perspective on ADUs in the real estate market as well as her own personal experience adding a backyard home office from Studio Shed to her home:

Q: What type of ROI do clients typically see by adding an ADU or backyard studio to their home?

A: While it’s hard to pinpoint an exact ROI, a separate studio/ADU will boost the value of a home by adding finished & conditioned square footage.

 

Q: Have you seen any emerging trends in the real estate market involving backyard studios or ADUs?

A: As more companies allow their employees to work from home on a permanent basis, workers are moving wherever they desire to live. When they do find a home, they will need a dedicated office. A backyard studio/ADU or the ability to add one offers the perfect option if the home they find doesn’t have an office.

 

Q: What talking points do you use when suggesting that a client adds a backyard ADU or studio to their home?

A: Many smaller, older homes are not designed with a home office so homeowners need to utilize a spare bedroom as an office space which is often less than ideal. If the lot allows for additional lot coverage, building an external office space can nicely complement a smaller-sized home. As a bonus, a backyard studio offers a much quieter, private space compared to using a spare bedroom which is often adjacent to a basement rec room or another bedroom.

Q: Why do you think realtors should know about Studio Shed as an alternative option to a home renovation?

A: Realtors should know, in some cases, a separate, external space on the property can be more desirable than an attached addition or renovation to the home because the location of the addition may not be ideal to the overall layout of the home. Architecturally, a Studio Shed can complement or enhance a backyard’s landscape.

 

Q: What influenced your decision to add a Studio Shed to your home?

A: Having a separate space was the most important reason for me to add a studio to our property. Second was having a space with a lot of light. My home “office” inside my home was the smallest bedroom with only a 3’ by 4’ window.

 

Q: What benefits have you seen (lifestyle and/or financial) since your Studio Shed was installed?

A: It is much easier to focus on my work in my studio away from all the distractions going inside my home. Even though only 12 feet separate my studio from the home, it’s enough space to feel like I’m disconnecting from my physical office and my work at the end of the day.

Thank you, Laura, for sharing your insight on ADUs and studios in real estate and your personal experience with adding a Studio Shed to your home! Your home office looks absolutely gorgeous and we’re so pleased to hear that you’re enjoying the space.

Realtors: want to learn more about Studio Shed backyard studios and accessory dwelling units? Explore our Summit Series for all things ADUs or check out the Signature Series and Portland Series product pages for more information on our single-room studios. Check out the “Shed Stories” tab on our website to see how customers across the nation have utilized their newfound space with Studio Shed. Then, play around in our 3D Design Center where you can customize your own Studio Shed by selecting from a range of sizes, mix and match colors and materials, add extra doors or windows at your discretion, and more!

Industry Leader in Prefabricated ADUs Makes it Easier Than Ever to Invest in Home Improvement Projects

New online financing provides one-stop shop for backyard modular additions

December 7, 2021, Louisville, CO – Studio Shed, the leader in accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and modern prefabricated backyard structures, today announced a new online feature for customers that will make it easier for them to fund additional backyard projects with their Studio Shed installations. In partnership with Acorn Finance, Studio Shed is updating its online financing platform to provide customers with quick and secure access to a marketplace of competitive financing options not only for a Studio Shed, but also for surrounding projects such as foundation work, electrical wiring, landscape projects, and other home improvement renovations.

“ADUs continue to be one of the hottest home additions, providing additional space and flexibility for a variety of different uses,” said Jeremy Nova, co-founder and creative director at Studio Shed. “As supply chain and construction delays continue to plague the real estate industry, prefab architecture has become a popular solution, offering turnkey, ready-to-install residential structures in less time and often, less of an expense, while still allowing high customization for every project.”

To meet the rising consumer demand for ADUs and make the backyard structures attainable to more customers, Studio Shed’s financial platform with Acorn provides access to multiple instant personalized, pre-qualified lending offers with no impact to customer credit scores. Customers can easily review monthly payment options featuring competitive rates as low as 3.99%. Besides unsecured offers, new home equity loan options are also available in as little as 11 days and funds can be now used for virtually any home improvement expense.

"Studio Shed is going the extra mile to provide its customers with access to straightforward, online financing, which more and more customers are looking for today," said Giri Addanki, CEO, Acorn Finance. "This uncomplicates the financing part of any home improvement project, so customers can securely receive and compare loan offers from multiple lenders within minutes, at no initial cost to them, and get back to the fun part of designing the backyard sanctuary of their dreams.”

Over the past year and a half, Studio Shed saw its biggest increase in sales in its 13 years of business. The company saw an increase in volume not only for its Signature Series models but also, in recent months, tremendous interest in the larger Summit Series ADU designs. The company stands apart from others in the industry as the only business to ship ADU kits nationwide to all 50 states and provide comprehensive permitting assistance online and installation through a certified network of general contractors across the country. The sheds are also available at Costco.

Studio Shed is currently running a holiday promotion featuring five percent off and free shipping on all orders through December 13, 2021.

ABOUT STUDIO SHED

Studio Shed provides smart, flexible, and space-conscious structures that have the potential to transform the way people live, work and play. Several different models are available to customize online in hundreds of ways and can be ordered, delivered and installed without the disruptions caused by a typical remodel. For more information, please visit www.studioshed.com.

ABOUT ACORN FINANCE

Acorn Finance is the world’s first embedded lending marketplace for home improvement financing, empowering borrowers, lenders, contractors and software providers to achieve their goals. Borrowers can shop for the best rates from the best lenders, all within a few seconds and fewer clicks. Contractors can increase sales by offering financing to customers at no extra cost to themselves. Software providers to the home improvement industry can add value for contractors and enhance the homeowner’s buying experience by embedding Acorn Finance’s solution within their estimates and invoices. Lenders can reach more homeowners while also testing the ideal rates for optimum engagement. For more information, visit acornfinance.com

Media Contact:

Holly Sprague

Feed Media

Studioshed@Feedmedia.com

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