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Craft the Perfect Creative Space
Creative business can be big business, but having a functional work space in the home is key. Here's how to design your own
I went to architecture school but am now a design and craft blogger over at Lauren Elise Crafted where I highlight crafts, DIYs and tutorials, photography, vintage finds, and all things lovely.
I went to architecture school but am now a design and craft blogger over... More »
As sites like Etsy continue to grow and the marketplace for handmade items becomes even more mainstream, independent artists, freelance designers, bloggers and creative entrepreneurs are finding their voice in the industry and gaining more power. Today it is easier than ever to share your work, communicate with clients, find inspiration and manage your business.
So many aspects of the creative business are now online, but the actual physical act of making is still something that needs to happen in a work space. The environment you set up for yourself has the potential to affect your organization, workflow, productivity — and even mood. Here are some ideas for creating one that works best for you.
So many aspects of the creative business are now online, but the actual physical act of making is still something that needs to happen in a work space. The environment you set up for yourself has the potential to affect your organization, workflow, productivity — and even mood. Here are some ideas for creating one that works best for you.
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As a designer and blogger, I have struggled with my own studio space over the years. There have been moments of complete inefficiency, when finding the right tools in the unorganized chaos was a challenge. But with a few simple tweaks, my space is more organized and pleasant, and I really enjoy my time in there.
Here are 10 elements of a creative space that is both beautiful and functional.
Here are 10 elements of a creative space that is both beautiful and functional.
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1. Lots of light. If you are trying to decide which part of your home to designate as studio space, I highly recommend the part with the best light. Light is always important, but this is especially true for creatives who may need to check colors, photograph products or display artwork.
This attic space has great lighting conditions with those extra skylights — an ideal painter's studio.
This attic space has great lighting conditions with those extra skylights — an ideal painter's studio.
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2. Light, neutral colors. Not everyone gets a choice when setting up a home studio, and natural light may be sparse in your work environment. If so, banish the dark with light, neutral paint colors. This will brighten up your space instantly. The natural light that does come in will reflect off the white walls and help eliminate harsh shadows. White walls also make for a great blank canvas for adding colorful and interesting artwork and decorative pieces.
This office would look much less inviting if the walls and cabinetry were darker.
This office would look much less inviting if the walls and cabinetry were darker.
by The Locker
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3. Flexible work surfaces. When considering furniture, I recommend pieces that give you the most flexibility. Large, flat tabletops can function as a computer desk, a sewing station, an easel — whatever you need them to be. If you have a smaller space, try to fit in one larger surface that can multitask for you.
Try not to clutter this surface too much. It is helpful if you can quickly and easily clear everything away.
Try not to clutter this surface too much. It is helpful if you can quickly and easily clear everything away.
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by Vintage Renewal
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| Drafting desks are a great, flexible solution. Use them flat when needed, but prop them up to save space the rest of the time. |
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4. Furniture that moves. Nothing makes a space more flexible than the option to move furniture around easily. Purchase a few pieces on wheels or add rollers to your existing furniture, like this combination work surface and storage solution.
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I have a worktop on wheels that usually sits like an island in the center of my studio. But I immediately push it out of the way when my work calls for more room. I can leave one project on that surface and come back to it later, and the project is right where I left off.
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| 5. Open shelving. Open shelves and bookcases are some of the best organizers you can buy. I own a couple Ikea Expedit bookcases that are feature points of my space. Obviously you can store books and boxes on their shelves, but they also function as display areas. |
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I like adding a few of my own creations and collectibles, like fabulous antique store finds, to personalize my studio and remind myself of past accomplishments.
6. Boxes and jars. Something I learned a while ago is that I work more quickly if my tools and supplies are organized and readily available. Before, I would throw stuff into one big box. Now I separate things out into smaller boxes that I label and store on my shelves.
Ikea has some great inexpensive pieces like the ones in the Kassett series, which I personally use.
Ikea has some great inexpensive pieces like the ones in the Kassett series, which I personally use.
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| I also keep a lot of mason jars around my studio and separate paintbrushes, pens, rulers, scissors and markers into these jars. The tools I use the most are out in the open within arm’s reach. You can also move them around and find new homes for them quickly. |
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7. Blank space. If you sell something you make, there is a good chance you need to photograph your products, and your workspace will have to double as your photo studio.
I take pictures in my studio all the time. I have a designated space with an empty wall, and that is where I hang things, move in props and style my products and projects.
This blank wall and neutral color scheme put all the focus on the chair and pillow.
I take pictures in my studio all the time. I have a designated space with an empty wall, and that is where I hang things, move in props and style my products and projects.
This blank wall and neutral color scheme put all the focus on the chair and pillow.
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8. Double-duty pieces. If you can, fill your studio with pieces that are functional but also beautiful. I have a vintage suitcase and an old tea crate in my studio that do double duty. Both appear to be decor, but each is an organizer filled with supplies. They are quirky vintage finds that I would want in my creative space anyway, but I appreciate them even more since they are also functional.
by Jeanette Lunde
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This space is also filled with vintage treasures that have eclectic appeal but are still useful organizers. The wood crate is a great storage solution for rolls of wrapping paper.
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9. Vintage charm. When I was setting up my studio, my budget was minimal, as is the case for a lot of new business owners. I could not afford the furniture and decor I wanted and had to settle for simple, utilitarian pieces instead. But I added a few vintage collectibles that have given my space more charm.
If you are on a budget, find some antiques that personalize your work environment and make it more inviting. You can even repurpose existing furniture with a new, bright color, as with this blue hutch.
If you are on a budget, find some antiques that personalize your work environment and make it more inviting. You can even repurpose existing furniture with a new, bright color, as with this blue hutch.
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| 10. Make it yours. Possibly the most important element is also the most simple: your own style. No matter the size, the lighting and the furniture you put in it, your space will feel like home if it reflects you. You will actually want to work in an environment that is full of things that inspire you and your business. An easy way to do this is with your own artwork and other collections. This wall functions like an inspiration board, where the artist can organically add things that speak to her. |
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In my own studio, I have an old door propped up that I tape and pin things to. I collect paper goods, new and old, and this is a spot for me to display my findings and my own little creations.
Tell us: What basic advice have you followed in setting up your creative space? What furniture and organizational tools make your space more efficient and inspiring?
More:
Decorate With Vintage Suitcases
Fresh Start: Organizing Your Craft Room
Tell us: What basic advice have you followed in setting up your creative space? What furniture and organizational tools make your space more efficient and inspiring?
More:
Decorate With Vintage Suitcases
Fresh Start: Organizing Your Craft Room
Ideabook updated on April 23, 2012.
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P.S. Adorable dog!
one ceiling light and one window. The walls are a tan. I'll try painting them out white and see if that helps. Any additional suggestions would be appreciated.
I also use wooden clip boards and pants hangars to hang posters and other paper items that I am using in projects or just to inspire me.