Let’s not mention the cardboard in the corner…
Do you fancy taking a peek at my studio?
I don’t know about you, but seeing where others work and hone their craft rather fascinates me. A studio space is always a direct extension and expression of what one likes and one’s personality. I guess that’s why we all find them so interesting. If anyone ever asks ‘do you fancy taking a peek in my studio?’, of course you’re going to say ‘yes please, I love a good nosey!’.
Throughout the years of being in my home studio space, it has gone through quite a few changes. Each year - usually in January when I take a few days off to recalibrate - I deep clean, de-clutter and change my studio around as I fancy it. A fresh start with fresh surroundings is a great way to start the year. Let’s face it, for anyone who sells online or wholesales, Q4 of the previous year can be hectic, and simple things like taking the bin out go out of the window - not literally! Let’s not mention the cardboard in the corner that resembles a mini Everest carved out of packaging and bubblewrap scraps!
Usually when decluttering, I can find things I need to sell, move items to make the space work better for me, and fix it to meet what my needs are currently. During 2020, for example, my online shop grew exponentially, so I had to make new space for additional product storage. Now in 2024, my shop has shrunk back to pre-pandemic capacity, so I don’t need as much space as I did for that aspect of my business.
There will always be an adjustment period when you move into a new space where you’ll need to work out where the best light is in the room, how you would like your desk to be positioned, and how you can best harness the space you have. You definitely don’t need a huge studio space to make the most of it. I know just how lucky I am to have the space at home that I do.
There’s a strong trend of ‘bigger is better’, especially for home studios or luxurious garden offices, that can make your spare bedroom, the corner of a living room, or your kitchen table feel as though it’s not worthy of you working in it, and not very ‘Instagram-able’ (whatever the heck that means these days). But that can’t be further from the truth!
Everyone has different needs for a space. As I work with traditional mediums, I draw and paint on a separate desk to where my iMac/scanner is situated. Previously, there may have been some incidents with ink, keyboards, keys that have then got stuck down - y’know…that kinda thing. So when I got the space to have a separate desk, for the safety of all my electrical items, I added a separate desk space.
This way I can spread my materials out, work on bigger pieces, and within bigger sketchbooks (sparing other studio items from getting covered in ink and paint!). However, if you work digitally and with a tablet / iPad, then you probably won’t need two desks, and you won’t be as messy as me! You can easily have all of your equipment in one neat space.
If you are like me, and you like to change up your space fairly regularly, then I can’t recommend the IKEA desk systems enough! They don’t break the bank and you can mix-and-match as much as you like, so when it comes to moving items around you don’t have to worry about measuring up or changing bespoke pieces because you know everything will automatically fit together. Winner winner, veggie-alternative-chicken dinner!
The same goes for KALLAX systems or MALM drawers. They fit in and around the desks, so it’s like using big Lego blocks - really easy! You will be surprised how many variations you can make with the same few pieces.
Finally, remember the things that make your studio or work space yours is what you put into it! It’s all of your favourite things, your favourite books, magazines, and what you find inspiring; how you decorate the walls, floors and how many cushions you have on your chair. That is what makes your studio great!
I would love to see your studio! Or tell me the things about yours that you love.
Until next week,
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So fun to see your space evolve through the years! 🌿
Your studio space is so beautiful! So interesting to see it evolve over the years. I totally agree about Ikea furniture, it somehow always fits just right. I have an ikea adjustable desk so I can work either sitting or standing, it’s super handy!