Arbor Shepherd Huts

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Small space, big ideas! Making the most of your Shepherd Hut

Living in a compact space doesn't have to mean sacrificing comfort or style. In fact, with a little creativity and some clever design tricks, you can transform your Shepherd Hut into a fully functional tiny home.

Here, we'll delve into a treasure trove of ideas to maximise your square footage and create a space that feels light, airy, and perfectly suited to your needs.


Lighten Up: Colour and Light Strategies


  • Embrace the Power of Light: When designing your shepherds hut always remember, natural light is your best friend. Have you thought of having a skylight in your shepherds hut bathroom? Assuming privacy can be guaranteed when considering the positioning of your hut, having a skylight can transform your shepherds hut bathroom into a light and airy space. In terms of lighting, consider installing dimmer switches for adjustable lighting that creates different moods throughout the day. Using dimmers can be a brilliant way to transform your shepherds hut into a calm and relaxing zone for the evening.

  • Lighten Up Your Walls: Opt for light and airy colours like white, beige, or soft pastels for your walls. These hues reflect light, making the space feel more open and expansive. If you are feeling bold, we are keen to make your vision come to life so let us know your ideas and lets run with them!

  • Mirrored Magic: Strategically placed mirrors can work wonders. Consider the placement of mirrors and artwork in your hut to ensure that you are maximising the light entering the space. We encourage our customers to have a play around with the pieces they choose and the positioning. They may be small, but there are a lot of options to choose from!


Multitasking Marvels: Furniture with Double Duty

  • The Mighty Murphy Bed: Fold-away Murphy beds are lifesavers in shepherds huts. By day, you have floor space for a living area or home office or even make it a shepherds hut dining area. By night, the bed effortlessly folds down, creating a sleeping zone. The perfect solution to less available floor space and a firm favourite for those living in their huts throughout a home renovation

  • Transformers Assemble!: Invest in furniture that does double duty. If the Murphy bed isn’t your style, opt for under the bed storage and truly maximise your available space.

  • Think Vertical: Take advantage of vertical space with tall cabinets that reach the ceiling, and floating shelves. This maximises storage capacity without sacrificing floor space.



Declutter and Organise: Creating a Sense of Calm

  • Declutter Regularly: Clutter is the enemy of small spaces. Regularly declutter your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer use or love. Consider employing the KonMari method or another decluttering strategy that works for you.

  • Storage Solutions: Utilise every inch of space with smart storage solutions. Drawer dividers, under-bed storage containers, and hanging organisers can help you keep things neatly tucked away. Out of sight, out of mind!

  • Open Shelving with Style: Open shelving can be a great way to display decorative items without feeling cramped. However, be selective about what you display to avoid a cluttered look.





Personal Touches: Making it Your Own

  • Statement Pieces: Don't be afraid to incorporate a statement piece, like a bold artwork or a vintage armchair. Just make sure it complements the overall scale of the space.

  • Upcycled Treasures: Breathe new life into old furniture with a fresh coat of paint or reupholstery. Thrift stores and vintage shops can be treasure troves for unique pieces that add personality to your space.

  • Nature's Touch: Bring the outdoors in with potted plants or hanging greenery. Plants not only add a touch of life but can also help purify the air.




Huts, by their very nature, can feel cosy and even a little confining. But what if you could introduce a sense of spaciousness and connection to the surrounding environment? That's where a strategically placed picture window comes in. Here's why incorporating a picture window into your hut design is a brilliant move:

  • A Framed View, Not Just a Window: A picture window acts as a living painting, showcasing the beauty of the outdoors. Whether you have a breathtaking mountain vista, a calming lake view, or a vibrant forest scene, the window transforms your space into a haven directly connected to nature.

  • Natural Light Magic: Picture windows bathe your hut in natural light, making the interior feel brighter and more spacious. This not only reduces the need for artificial lighting but also has mood-boosting benefits.

  • An Illusion of Expansion: A large picture window visually expands the perceived size of your hut. The view becomes an extension of your living space, creating a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.

  • Enhanced Connection to Nature: A picture window allows you to experience the changing seasons and the beauty of your surroundings from the comfort of your cozy hut. You can observe wildlife, watch the sunrise paint the sky, or simply bask in the calming effect of nature's beauty.

  • A Focal Point for Design: A well-placed picture window can become the central design element of your hut. Arrange your furniture to maximize the view, and incorporate natural elements like wood and stone to create a cohesive indoor-outdoor feel.



Things to Consider:

  • Window Placement: Carefully consider the view you want to frame and position the window accordingly. South-facing windows will bring in the most natural light, while east-facing ones are perfect for enjoying sunrises.

  • Privacy: If privacy is a concern, consider window treatments like sheer curtains that diffuse light without blocking the view.

By incorporating a picture window, you can transform your small hut into a light-filled haven that fosters a deep connection with the natural world. So, when you design your cosy refuge, consider adding a window to the wall – a window that opens not just to the outside, but also to a world of wonder and beauty.



Remember, small spaces can be incredibly cosy and stylish with a little planning and creativity. By incorporating these tips and tricks, you can transform your compact abode into a functional and personalised haven that reflects your unique style.

Bonus Tip: Don't be afraid to experiment! There's no one-size-fits-all solution for small space living. Try out different layouts, furniture arrangements, and decorative elements until you find what works best for you and your space.