Move over man caves. It's time mom gets a space of her own! The “mom cave” or “she shed” is having a moment right now, and it’s easy to see why. Whether it’s inside or outside the home, the mom cave should be a dedicated (and preferably secluded) place where mom can relax and replenish herself during a break from her busy day. It should be a spot that feels like an escape from the ordinary—mom’s private retreat. It should also be a place that suits mom's personal style and encourages her creativity. Read our steps and tips for deciding on the perfect space for mom and choosing the right furniture and décor to suit her personal style and needs.

Outer, or Inner, Space

A mom cave can be anywhere inside your home, or even outside. A she-shed in the yard can be turned into a perfect retreat for hobbies, whether it's filled with books and a comfy space to read, craft supplies and everything mom needs to work on her favorite projects, gardening gear and plenty of plants, or anything else mom loves. A finished (and heated) garage is also an option for a mom cave outside of the home.

Inside the home, there are plenty of options for a mom cave. Any room or even a dedicated corner of a room in your house can be sectioned out for this purpose. However, its important that the room be as private as possible. Consider a spare bedroom or part of a finished basement or attic. Even an unused, walk-in-closet can be turned into a personal retreat for mom, whether it’s turned into a dressing space or designed to be used for other activities.

If you are using part of a shared space, consider partitioning off the space with a room divider to create a more private feel. You can also make a visually separate space by using thoughtful furniture placement and decor choices. For instance, an area rug can help create a distinct section within a room that serves multiple purposes.

Fun and Functional Furniture

The type of furniture needed for your mom cave or she shed depends on how the space will be used. A sophisticated, feminine day bed can provide a useful space for relaxing with a book or even enjoying a nap. A neutral accent chair or chaise can also provide a versatile spot for relaxation. However, if the space is going to be used primarily for hobbies, an ergonomic office chair, such as a stylish, grey office chair or stool, as well as an office desk, may be a better fit. Depending on the available space, a small writing desk may be an ideal choice. For larger spaces, consider a project table with built-in shelves.

Accessorize. Accessorize. Accessorize!

The home accessories and decor should reflect mom's taste, from traditional to contemporary. However, there are certain options that make the space feel more like a private and peaceful retreat. Opt for light colors to create a more relaxing, spa-like space, and incorporate various textures to add visual interest. You can also borrow from outdoor elements to bring life to the space. Choose wall art featuring serene landscapes or mom's favorite flowers. Live plants also make a great addition to the space.

Need an idea for a sophisticated, yet subtle design style, perfect for a mom-cave? Read our tone-on-tone blog post.

Does mom love florals? Read our floral focus post for the latest floral home décor trends.

Lighting is also important to give mom a space that’s bright, cheery and conducive to her activities. Enhance ceiling lighting with a floor or table lamps that suit the style in the space, and give mom plenty of light for her projects. Don’t forget accent pillows and throw blankets to enhance the comfort and give the space a more completed feel.

With these considerations, you can create a mom cave or she shed just as unique as mom herself, and a place she can enjoy for years to come.