By Indiana Lee

Why is it, when discussing spare small spaces in our homes, there’s so much focus on using them as man caves? Women are certainly no less in need of a place to escape the stresses of the world and indulge in fun, creativity, and maybe a little glamor.

Fortunately, there’s a growing trend of women grabbing a place at home and transforming it into their own oasis.

Some of these are spare rooms, while others are sheds that are purpose-built to provide a little respite from the chaos of their main home. In either case, there are few people who have access to massive cave spaces.

So, let’s take a closer look at how you can make the most of a small area to have a big impact.

Create the Illusion of Expansion

Whether you’re using a spare room in your house or a shed in the backyard, there’s no need to feel like you’ve been squeezed into a box. That can only lead to feeling more stressed than you already are.

Even with relatively small woman caves, there are decorative choices you can make that give the illusion of space. We’re not talking about magically transforming it into a ballroom, but enough not to feel cramped.

Here's how you can approach this:

• Lighting: Good lighting choices can help your space feel bigger. Placing lamps so that they cast light upwards, particularly in corners, can give the impression of visual expansion. (This is a tried-and-true design trick.) Playing up natural light can also blur the lines between indoors and outside. Even if you don’t have large windows, using warm bulbs that mimic natural light can fool your mind into having the feeling of the great outdoors.

• Mirrors: Placing mirrors throughout your woman cave is another way to make it seem larger. Not to mention that mirrors can reflect natural light, brightening the space. Pseudo-windows — in which you have wider mirrors on the wall — can be especially good for this. (You can have a disco ball, too, if that’s the vibe you’re going for, but it’s not mandatory.)

• Paint: Your choice of paint job for your woman cave can have a big impact. Wherever possible, avoid using darker shades. This can cause your cave to feel oppressive. Brighter and natural colors, complemented by some colorful accessories, can feel more open. Pinks and purples are particularly on-trend at the moment for sophisticated and airy spaces.

Creating the illusion of space is not difficult with a few smart choices. So, go ahead and experiment occasionally. Don’t be afraid to change things up—rearranging your space can give you a fresh perspective and rejuvenate your space. Remember, this is your sanctuary, a place for you to unwind and recharge, so personalize it to reflect your tastes and needs.

Tip: Switching up the positioning of items, like moving a chair to a new corner or switching around your artwork, can unlock feelings of expansion and can help make the space feel new.

By making a few simple changes, you can turn your woman cave into a dynamic retreat that consistently inspires and revitalizes you.

Prioritize Self-Care

Your woman cave needs to be a break from everyday stress, whether that’s work or — let’s be honest — your family. Working moms, in particular, should prioritize self-care by incorporating various routines into their daily lives Having moments to rest and recharge in ways you find soothing and giving yourself time to just relax are useful for maintaining your well-being.

Why not make design choices for your cave that boost its value as a self-care space?

Some things to think about here include:

• Creating a makeover station: Spending a little time on your appearance regularly can boost your self-esteem and help you relax. You can create an area in your small space dedicated to the types of makeovers you prefer. This could be as simple as a dressing table that holds your home spa products. Vanity tables are perfect for fitting into those awkward nooks.

• Establishing a journaling nook: Journaling can be a good source of self-care; a way to express your feelings and creativity. It's also a great way to vent your frustrations with difficult colleagues without risking your job. You can create a nook, with a small writing desk and a comfortable seat. Maybe place some inspirational stuff around you, like your favorite scented candle, or some plants and crystals.

It’s worth remembering, too, that even when your space is perfectly kitted out for self-care, it can still be surprisingly easy to overlook this crucial part of your routine. Life’s demands often overshadow our personal needs, but neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and stress.

To make the most of your woman cave, try formally scheduling yourself some dedicated woman cave time in your weekly planner. Treat this time as a non-negotiable appointment with yourself, just as you would a doctor’s visit or a work meeting.

It's a crucial part of your overall well-being, providing the opportunity to decompress, rejuvenate, and reconnect with yourself. So, carving out regular time for relaxation and self-reflection, you’re investing in your mental and emotional health.

Frankly, if mundane tasks like paying bills and attending work meetings can find their way into your planner, it’s only fair and right that your me-time gets a rightful place too. Prioritize yourself just as you prioritize other responsibilities.

Tip: Set a specific day and time each week for your woman cave sessions and guard this time fiercely. To really get this time on the clock, set reminders on your phone or leave encouraging notes around your home to remind you to take this valuable time for yourself. Your woman cave is more than just a physical space; it's a commitment to your well-being. Honor it by making it a regular, cherished part of your life.

Support Your Hobbies

Your hobbies are important. They give you a chance to engage in something that is purely in your personal interests, without having to think of work or family for a bit. Some hobbies need dedicated space to do them regularly.

This might be an area for messy woodworking or a place of solitude for writing your series of fantasy novels about punk rock fairies toppling the patriarchy in the far-off land of Wisconsin. No matter what your hobbies are, there are creative adjustments you can make to transform even a small space into a functional and enjoyable spot.

These could include:

• Soundproofing: If your space is in the city or you get a lot of traffic, you’ll want to block out the noise so you can focus on your hobbies. Or, you might have loud hobbies you don’t want those outside to hear, like using power tools or singing 1970s karaoke disco hits. Soundproofing can be relatively simple. In small spaces, it's typically about sealing gaps around doors and windows. Some sound-absorbing insulation on the walls and ceiling can help, too.

• Utilities: Your hobbies are likely to need utilities of some kind. If your woman cave is in your house, this may not be an issue. However, in sheds or garages, you may find it useful to install electricity. Do this by running an armored cable from your home to your shed, and is usually best performed by an electrician. Installing a Wi-Fi router will be necessary for using online software or just streaming your accompanying tunes.

• Collapsible surfaces: Having a dedicated surface for your hobbies is useful, particularly if you’re crafting, growing plants, or playing The Sims or Animal Crossing. Unfortunately, a small woman cave can make this a little impractical. Therefore, it’s worth investing in a collapsible surface. This can be a hinged table attached to the wall that you can raise or lower as needed.

As you grow and evolve, your hobbies and interests are likely to shift and expand, guided by your ever-evolving curiosity and passions.

To flow with these changes, it's important to keep your woman cave adaptable and versatile, rather than dedicating it exclusively to a single activity or purpose. Designing your space to be flexible gives you the freedom to repurpose and reconfigure it as your needs and interests evolve

Tip: Go for multifunctional furniture and storage items that can easily be rearranged or repurposed to support a variety of activities. Like, a foldable desk can transition from a crafting station to a writing nook.

Consider using modular shelves that can adapt to store everything from art supplies to books and gadgets.

This approach not only maximizes the functionality of your space but also ensures that your woman cave stays a dynamic and inspiring environment that evolves with you.

To sum up

With some design smarts and a bit of planning, you can totally craft your dream woman cave even in a cozy space.

To really make the most of your space, make sure you put self-care at the top of your list. Design it with activities that really help you unwind and recharge. Don’t forget to schedule regular woman cave time in your planner, just as you would for work meetings or paying bills.

Your hobbies are also important, and your woman cave should be versatile enough to accommodate them as they change over time. Install soundproofing if needed and use flexible furniture that can easily be adjusted for different activities. That way, your space grows along with you, keeping it a lively and inspiring hideaway.

You don’t have to do everything at once, either. Your cave can be a project that you create gradually over the years, adjusting your needs and tastes. Just don’t make it too inviting, or you might need to add some security to keep it from turning into a shared family cave instead of your private retreat.

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I write about small space design and decorating, sustainable furniture options, positive self care and a variety of do-it-yourself home décor.

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The opinions and views expressed in any guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of Michael Helwig Interiors or its Principal, Michael Helwig. Michael Helwig Interiors, and Michael Helwig, do not have any affiliations with any products or services mentioned in the article or linked to therein. Guest Authors may have affiliations to products mentioned or linked to in their articles or bios.

Indiana Lee is a passionate writer and avid puzzle enthusiast hailing from the serene landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. With a deep appreciation for aesthetics and a strong preference for designs that seamlessly blend comfort and functionality, she brings a unique perspective to the world of interior decor. Connect with her on LinkedIn.