It started out with a message from a woman named Debbie. She stated that she had a Kloter Farms shed and that we may want to send someone out to take pictures of it. After hearing a little more about what sounded like a sweet little potting shed, we set up a date to visit her in Bloomfield, CT.
Debbie is cheerful and talkative, and she greeted us her Papillon puppy named Benji, along with a warm hug. There is no doubt that her friends are made to feel as special as we did when we visited.
Earlier this year, Debbie told her husband, Andre, that she wanted her own shed. Andre is a carpenter, and many years ago, he built their first shed in the back yard for storing tools and equipment. It’s still there, rugged and proud. However, this time, Andre told his wife that he didn’t have time to build another one, so they came to Ellington to pick out her shed. (click here for directions)
Once the shed was delivered, Debbie began to transform it into her potting shed. As she collected, shopped and created, she enlisted in Andre’s help. It’s easy to see that these two have partnered their treasures and talents to create a charming and inviting space that is a beautiful expression of who they are.
The Pottage Interior
Debbie selected the New England Colonial – characterized by a classic steep roof pitch and doors on the gable end. This versatility of this building style and layout can also be seen in the DIY shed transformations: Kloter Farms She Shed, He Shed and Pub Shed.
The size of this one is 12’ wide by 16’ deep, and Debbie chose to add a mini shed dormer and transom windows to allow for more natural light into the space.
The Pottage Shed by Kloter Farms
It also created a perfectly lit place to display her delightful colored glassware collection.
Vases in The Pottage window
Every detail of this shed has been thoughtfully planned and placed. The back wall is home to a custom-made trellis that Debbie designed and Andre built.
Trellis built on the backside of The Pottage
She shared with us that it’s a blend of a cottage and a potting shed. Once Andre saw what she was really creating, he told her, “This isn’t a potting shed, it’s a Pottage!”
Gardening in The Pottage
This DIY shed transformation included adding a loft with ladder, shiplap walls, paint and laminate flooring. For loft support, they utilized an old door adorned with the original doorknob and distressed chippy paint. Adding the door served a dual purpose – it was a smart way to create a storage space below the loft. Debbie repurposed a vintage tablecloth into a curtain.
Closet in The Pottage
This loft was not created ‘just for storage.’ It is a safe place to display special keepsake toys that belonged to Debbie’s son who passed away when he was just 28 years old. What a special way to preserve those priceless memories of him!
Special Keepsake Toys live in the loft of The Pottage
As you step inside this bright space, your eyes are instantly drawn upward. You see the loft, framed art on the ceiling, and right above your head is a laminated beam that Andre created. He embedded a 2016 penny right into the wood. It’s a clever and inventive way to display the “established” date of this structure.
The Pottage and its Penny
Throughout ‘the Pottage’ is an eclectic mix of purposeful and pretty items. Everywhere you look, you will see carefully arranged collectibles, antiques, vintage signs, family heirlooms and thrifted treasures that express the heart of its creator.
