*This post is in collaboration with Sherwin-Williams®*

SG Style Studio Unveiled: My Dream Backyard Office Takes Shape with Sherwin-Williams

I’m thrilled to finally share the grand unveiling of SG Style Studio – my backyard office studio! This project has been a labor of love, and seeing it 100% complete fills me with immense joy and creative inspiration. It’s a space where dreams are not just conceptualized but brought to life, and I’m beyond excited to invite you into this journey, especially highlighting the striking exterior transformation with Sherwin-Williams.

Designing My Creative Sanctuary: The Interior Story

Before diving into the exterior, let’s briefly revisit the heart of the studio. I recently shared the interior design of this space, where I embraced a bold and empowering color palette. My choice of Sherwin-Williams Positive Red and Magical as the base colors continues to be a source of obsession. These vibrant hues create an energetic and inspiring atmosphere, perfectly reflecting the creative spirit I wanted for my studio. Since the initial reveal, I’ve layered in even more personality with unique art pieces and thoughtful decor, making it feel distinctly “me” – a truly incredible place to ideate, craft, and work.

An All-Black Exterior Vision: Choosing Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black

With the interior perfected, my focus shifted to the studio’s exterior. I specifically ordered the studio with pre-primed lap siding and raw, unfinished eaves because I envisioned a custom paint job. From the moment it arrived, I knew an all-black exterior was the only option for my creative haven. My absolute go-to, all-time favorite black paint, Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams, immediately came to mind. This color is simply unparalleled; it’s a pure, deep black with no distracting undertones, offering a timeless sophistication that feels both modern and classic. It was the foundation of my exterior vision: a sleek black studio complemented by warm copper lights, robust cement planters overflowing with cheerful yellow roses, and a lush, intentional landscape designed to serve as a stunning backdrop.

Essential Tools & Materials for a Flawless Finish

When the forecast finally promised a few rain-free days, I wasted no time gathering my supplies to bring this vision to life. For this project, I relied exclusively on Sherwin-Williams products known for their quality and durability. I chose Emerald® Exterior Acrylic Latex paint in Tricorn Black, a premium choice lauded for its exceptional hide, fade resistance, and mildew protection, ensuring a long-lasting, beautiful finish. To prepare the unprimed surfaces, I used Multi-Purpose Latex Primer, tinted gray for optimal coverage with black paint. My secret weapon for pristine windows was Masking Liquid H2O, a game-changer for intricate glass panes. For application, I utilized both my Graco handheld paint sprayer for detail work and a Graco Airless Magnum X7 sprayer for efficient, uniform coverage on larger surfaces. Using high-quality equipment alongside premium paint truly makes a difference in achieving professional results.

The Art of Preparation: Laying the Foundation for Perfection

Though this was my first time painting an entire exterior structure, the studio’s manageable size gave me the confidence to tackle it solo. The most critical, albeit time-consuming, step was the preparation. Getting this right was paramount, as it dictates the success of the entire project. Luckily, the prep was straightforward since I intended to paint everything – eaves, doors, trim – the same consistent color. My primary task was meticulous masking. I carefully covered the mini-split unit with plastic sheeting and used the incredible Masking Liquid H2O for all the glass on the windows and French doors. This liquid simplifies the process immensely; you brush it on the glass, let it dry, paint directly over it, and then simply peel it off once the final coat is dry. It’s an absolute lifesaver for achieving crisp, clean lines on windows and doors with multiple small panes, making cleanup virtually effortless.

When I initially ordered the studio, I selected pre-painted doors in Tricorn Black. However, after the construction phase and several months of unpredictable weather, they needed a refresh. A fresh coat of Tricorn Black ensured they matched the newly painted siding perfectly. The original trim appeared black but was actually a bronze hue. Since a true black trim option wasn’t available, I opted to paint it the same Tricorn Black as the siding, creating a seamless, monolithic look that truly enhances the studio’s modern aesthetic.

Transforming the Exterior: The Painting Process

With the extensive preparation complete, it was time to paint. The lap siding, being pre-primed, didn’t require an additional coat of primer. However, I diligently sprayed the eaves, all the trim, and the electric box with the Sherwin-Williams Multi-Purpose Latex Primer using my handheld sprayer. Tinting the primer gray was a strategic decision; it provided an excellent base that allowed the Tricorn Black paint to achieve superior coverage in fewer coats, saving both time and material. Next, I switched to my larger airless sprayer and began coating the entire studio in Tricorn Black. The process was incredibly fast – the spraying itself took only about 20 minutes! Watching the rich black color instantly transform the studio into the sophisticated vision I had imagined was immensely satisfying. The sprayers delivered a remarkably smooth and uniform finish, which would have been far more challenging and time-consuming with brushes and rollers.

Bringing the Vision to Life: Final Touches & Landscaping

The painting was just one step; the finishing touches truly brought my exterior vision to life. I adorned the studio’s entrance with substantial cement planters, each bursting with cheerful yellow roses, providing a vibrant contrast against the deep black. Hanging planters, filled with seasonal colors, added another layer of life and charm. Around the office perimeter, we installed a trench filled with the same salt and pepper pea gravel used in our patio area, ensuring continuity in our outdoor design and providing excellent drainage. The pièce de résistance, however, are my favorite copper Carson lights from Rejuvenation. These same lights illuminate our main house, and I was keen to extend that elegant detail to the studio. Opting for the larger size, they create an incredibly dramatic and welcoming glow, their warm copper finish popping beautifully against the stark Tricorn Black exterior. The interplay of textures and colors, from the smooth black paint to the rugged cement, the delicate roses, and the lustrous copper, culminates in a truly captivating aesthetic.

Cultivating the Landscape: Future Plans for My Studio Oasis

Our backyard landscaping has been an ongoing project for several years, and I’m eagerly anticipating the day all the new plantings around the office truly grow in and flourish. My “dream hobbit shire grass” is already establishing itself beautifully, and I look forward to gazing out from my studio window, seeing it nestled within our blossoming backyard meadow. This natural integration is crucial for the serene and inspiring atmosphere I aimed to create. I also have plans to introduce some bougainvillea or another vibrant vining plant along the side of the studio, next to the tall window. This addition will soften the architectural lines, add a dynamic layer of organic texture, and provide a glorious flush of color, creating a picturesque view when looking over to the studio from other areas of the backyard.

A Dream Realized: My Fully Completed Backyard Studio

It’s incredibly fulfilling to finally cross this significant project off my to-do list. I still find myself pinching myself, marveling that this dream space is now a tangible reality right in my backyard. This studio isn’t just an office; it’s a dedicated sanctuary, a hub for creativity, and a testament to the power of thoughtful design and quality materials like Sherwin-Williams paint. It embodies years of dreaming and planning, now beautifully executed. Make sure to follow along on my Instagram for more behind-the-scenes glimpses in stories and reels as this amazing space truly comes to life in its daily use!

Until next time…..

Sources

White planters – Pottery Barn

Sconces – Rejuvenation

Hanging Planter – Rejuvenation

Planter Hook – Rejuvenation