Welcome to our updated blog! As spring turns to summer, we are busier than ever at Studio Shed with numerous exciting initiatives to share.

Throughout the summer, we’ll be showcasing some of our favorite new projects, and letting you hear from Studio Shed owners in their own words about the lifestyle benefits that come with our small detached structures.

First up is a fantastic story from Lauren Fields, owner of Yoga To You PDX in Portland, Oregon:

“Yoga To You PDX is about bringing yoga to non-traditional environments, local businesses, workplaces, events, homes, and Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) Boards throughout the Pacific Northwest. We opened the Alameda Yoga Studio in northeast Portland to provide smaller, more intimate yoga classes and workshops to the local community. We wanted our students to feel more comfortable, be able to ask more questions, and get more individualized time and adjustments in their practice.”

For their Alameda yoga studio, Lauren chose a 12×16 Studio Shed with warm beetle-kill pine siding, multiple operable and fixed windows, and expansive 72” French doors to create an intimate yet inviting space. Rather than convert their existing garage to the yoga studio, Lauren and her husband found Studio Shed online and began designing their own in our 3D Design Studio.

“We really liked Studio Shed because we were able to see what the space could look like step by step by selecting options on the website. We were able to see what the space would look like with windows on the front and see the different types of siding and colors. It was very visually stimulating and really exciting!”

Their studio accommodates between 4 to 10 people for classes depending on the class and style of practice. Natural light and high ceilings topped the list of design considerations, and Lauren reports that the space was an immediate hit with students.

“When individuals walk in and see the studio, they tell us that they already feel more at ease. They speak to the space’s uniqueness. They tell us that it is unlike any other space at which they have practiced yoga. They express feeling cozy and comfortable.”

 Perhaps the best aspect to the studio is the nexus of community that it has created. Integrated into a thoughtful backyard renovation complete with seating areas and an outdoor bar space, Yoga To You offers the space for other community events.

“The space is offered as a rental for other wellness providers, independent contractors and for the use of specialized groups. Local yoga teachers are able to rent it for private clients (individuals who need a space away from their home to practice in peace). Other individuals are welcome to rent the space for women’s groups, book clubs, Pinterest parties, and just about anything and everything that keeps the soul happy.”

Here at Studio Shed, we’re thrilled to see our spaces used in such a thoughtful and positive capacity, and thanks to Lauren for taking the time to share her experience. This project is a perfect example of how a small studio can transform not only your backyard, but enrich your lifestyle as well.

For people wanting to learn more about Yoga To You PDX, you can connect at www.yogatoyoupdx.com, and on social media – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Google+. For additional information please contact, in Lauren’s words, “the best program manager on the planet” Kristen McCormick at Kristen@yogatoyoupdx.com. Photo credits to Adams Real Estate Photography.