As sites such as Etsy continue to grow and the market for handmade items becomes even more mainstream, independent musicians, freelance designers, bloggers and innovative entrepreneurs are finding their voice in the business and gaining more energy. Today it is simpler than ever to discuss your work, communicate with customers, find inspiration and handle your company.
So many aspects of the creative company are currently online, but the actual physical act of making remains something that needs to take place in a work space. The environment you set up for yourself has the capacity to affect your organization, workflow, productivity — as well as mood. Here are some suggestions for creating one that works best for you.
Lauren Donaldson
As a blogger and designer, I have struggled with my own studio space over the years. There have been moments of whole inefficiency, when finding the right instruments in the unorganized madness was a struggle. But with a few simple tweaks, my space is much more organized and agreeable, and I really enjoy my time in there.
Here are 10 elements of a creative space that’s both beautiful and functional.
Dumican Mosey Architects
1. Lots of light. If you’re attempting to select which part of the home to designate as studio space, I highly recommend the part with all the ideal light. Light is always important, but this is especially true for creatives who might need to examine colors, picture products or screen artwork.
This attic space has great lighting conditions with those extra skylights — an ideal painter’s studio.
Clifton Leung Design Workshop – CLDW.com.hk
2. Light, neutral colors. Not everyone gets a choice when setting up a home studio, and organic lighting may be sparse in your work environment. If so, banish the dark with light, neutral paint colors. This will brighten up your distance immediately. The organic light that will come in will reflect off the walls and also help eliminate unpleasant shadows. White walls also make for a great blank canvas for adding brilliant and intriguing artwork and ornamental pieces.
This workplace would look much less inviting if the cabinetry and walls were darker.
The Locker
3. Flexible work surfaces. When contemplating furniture, I recommend pieces that provide you the most flexibility. Large, horizontal tabletops can function as a desk, a sewing channel, an easel — whatever you want them to be. If you have a smaller space, try to fit in one larger surface that can multitask for you.
Try to not clutter this surface too much. It’s helpful if you can quickly and easily clear everything away.
Vintage Renewal
Drafting desks are a great, flexible solution. Use them flat when needed, but prop up them to conserve space the rest of the moment.
Laura Trevey
4. Furniture that moves. Nothing produces a space more elastic compared to the option to move furniture around easily. Buy a few pieces on wheels or add rollers to your current furniture, such as this combination work surface and storage solution.
Lauren Donaldson
I have a worktop on wheels that usually sits like an island at the center of the studio. However, I immediately push it out of the way when my work calls for more room. I am able to leave one project on such surface and come back to it afterwards, and the project is right where I left off.
Norris Architecture
5. Open shelving. Open shelves and bookcases are some of the best organizers you can buy. I have a few Ikea Expedit bookcases that are contain points of my space. Obviously it’s possible to store boxes and books in their shelves, but they also function as screen locations.
Lauren Donaldson
I like adding some of my own sculptures and creations, such as fabulous antique shop finds, to personalize my studio and also remind myself of all past achievements.
Erika Ward – Erika Ward Interiors
6. Boxes and jars. Something I learned some time ago is that I work more quickly in case my resources and supplies are organized and easily available. Before, I would throw things into one large box. Now I different items out into smaller boxes whom I tag and store in my shelves.
Ikea has some great inexpensive pieces such as those at the Kassett series, which I personally use.
Lauren Donaldson
I also keep a lot of mason jars around my studio and different paintbrushes, pens, rulers, markers and scissors within these jars. The resources I use the most are out in the open within arm’s reach. You may also move them around and locate new homes for them quickly.
Lauren Donaldson
7. Blank space. If you sell what you make, there’s a fantastic chance you want to photograph your products, and your workspace will need to double as your photograph studio.
I take photos in my studio all the time. I have a designated space using a vacant wall, and that’s where I hang things, move in props and design my goods and projects.
This blank wall and neutral color scheme put all of the focus on the seat and pillow.
Lauren Donaldson
8. Double-duty pieces. If you’re able to, fill your studio with pieces that are practical but also beautiful. I have a vintage suitcase and a classic tea cage in my own studio that do double duty. Both appear to be decoration, however each is an organizer filled with supplies. They’re quirky vintage finds that I would want in my creative space anyway, but I appreciate them even more because they’re also functional.
Jeanette Lunde
This distance can be filled with vintage paintings which have diverse appeal but are still useful organizers. The timber crate is a great storage solution for rolls of wrapping paper.
Aesthetic Outburst
9. Vintage charm. Once I was setting up my studio, my funding was minimal, as is the case for a lot of new business owners. I could not afford the decor and furniture I wanted and needed to settle for easy, utilitarian pieces rather. However, I added a few vintage collectibles that have given my space charm.
If you’re on a budget, locate some antiques that personalize your work environment and also make it more inviting. You may even repurpose existing furniture using a brand new, bright color, like this particular blue hutch.
sarah & bendrix
10. Make it yours. Probably the most important element is the simplest: your style. Regardless of the size, the light and the furniture you put inside, your space will feel like home if it reflects you. You will really want to work within an environment that’s full of items that inspire you and your company. A simple way to do this is with your artwork and other collections. This wall functions like an inspiration board, in which the artist can add things that speak to her.
Lauren Donaldson
In my studio, I have an older door propped up I tape and pin things to. I collect paper products, old and new, and this is a place for me to exhibit my own findings and my own little creations.
Inform us : What basic advice are you followed in setting up your creative space? What organizational and furniture tools make your space more efficient and inspirational?
More:
Decorate With Vintage Suitcases
Fresh Start: Organizing Your Craft Room