Dopamine Décor to the Max with @the_shoestring_home

When popular interior DIY creator @the_shoestring_home set out to transform her garden, she had a clear vision: a functional workspace that felt like a true sanctuary, bursting with personality, colour, and “dopamine décor”.

By partnering with Dunster House, Rachel turned a blank garden canvas into an uplifting, multi-purpose retreat – proving that a garden office can be just as vibrant and welcoming as the main house.

The Brief: Energising, Functional, and “Like a Hug”

Working from home doesn’t have to mean staring at four plain magnolia walls. Rachel wanted a space that would keep her energised while working on Zoom calls or tackling DIY crafts, without feeling over-stimulated. Beyond aesthetics, practicality was key – she needed a solution that offered dedicated storage to help clear clutter from the main house and attic.

To tick every box, she opted for the EvilAmy 6.0m x 2.5m Multi-Room Log Cabin, which combines a spacious main living/working area with a handy built-in side shed.

The Build: “In Shock About How Easy It Was”

Like many DIY enthusiasts, getting hands-on with the installation was part of the excitement. Taking on the build themselves, Rachel and her partner were surprised by just how straightforward the assembly process was, quickly taking the cabin from bare timber walls to a weather-tight garden room.

“I’m still in shock about how easy it was to build the W6.0m x D2.5 cabin … I didn’t know that a room could feel like a hug.” — Rachel via Instagram.

The Transformation: Dopamine Décor Done Right

Once the EvilAmy Log Cabin was up, Rachel worked her signature maximalist, budget-savvy magic. Rather than leaving the interior bare wood, she spent time curating a joyful, cohesive colour scheme that makes the cabin feel like a seamless extension of her home:

• Soft Pastels & Warm Tones: Painted timber ceilings and walls in blush pinks and warm peaches create an instant sense of calm and warmth.
• Playful Details: A hand-painted pastel checkerboard floor, bold floral curtains, and eclectic vintage-style furnishings bring effortless charm.
• Smart Storage: Built-in shelving and floor-to-ceiling cupboards keep craft supplies and office essentials neatly tucked away, while the integrated side shed takes care of bulky household items.

One Year On: A Space Completely Hers

More than a year after installation, the “She Shed” has become the ultimate everyday retreat. Whether she is enjoying a quiet morning coffee listening to the birds, logging into work meetings, or getting stuck into a new craft project, the cabin continues to deliver on its original brief.

“One year of the she shed and I can honestly say that my little log cabin has brought me so much joy… I still get such a feeling of joy when I step into my space that’s completely mine.” — Rachel via Instagram.

Inspired to create your own garden sanctuary?

Explore our full range of Multi-Room Log Cabins and Garden Rooms to find the perfect layout for your garden – whether you want minimalist Scandi calm or full-throttle dopamine décor.

Explore our full range of EvilAmy Multi Room Log Cabin and find the perfect size for you.