I have never really shown photos of my home studio before. I have had a studio for almost two years now, but have never been particularly connected to the space. It has always felt small and cluttered and I have only really used my studio because I can no longer fit all of my art supplies on my dining room table. I used to look at other peoples studio spaces with envy - they looked spacious, large and full of beautiful light. I would then look at my small and dark studio and think: I can’t possibly transform this tiny space into a room I actually want to spend time in, so I postponed doing something about my cluttered space.
That all changed last weekend. Having complained about my tiny space for a while, my husband decided to help me out. We sat down to try and brainstorm ways we could make the space feel bigger and tidier.
The first, and most important change we made was to change my table. I used to work on a big table which would take up most of the space. We swapped my big table to a smaller table with an in-built shelf. This way, I would not loose any table space by downscaling.
Secondly we slightly remodelled my cupboard to better fit all of my art materials and packing materials. This was easily done by taking off the doors (I was never able to close the glass doors anyway). By taking off the doors, I am able to use the cupboard as shelves without cramming everything in behind closed doors. The remodel also prompted me to clean out the cupboard and get rid of unnecessary things.
Finally, we added an extra shelve above the table and hung my bigger framed works on the opposite wall.
Before
After
In the process of changing my studio, I realised that the secret to having a small studio space work well, is to have plenty of storage space - but the storage space has to be compact. Having in-built shelves under your table is a great way to add storage space without taking up any floor space. Another great way is to hang shelves on your walls.
Having at least one window, which lets in natural light, also make the space look bigger, as do white walls and white interior.
I have since added a few plants and a carpet (which can get dirty) to add some personality and cosiness.
Gallery Wall
A gallery wall is a great addition to any space, but especially a studio space. I have always had my art around my house, but never had a gallery wall of any kind, and especially not one with my own art displayed. As an artist and a perfectionist, I am often too hard on myself and my art. Having a few select artworks beautifully framed and hung on my wall really reminds me of the beauty and the value in what I do, a reminder that is really important in times of self-doubt.