Category: studio

How to create an artist studio (even if you just use it for WFH)
Creating an artist studio can be an exciting and fulfilling endeavor. Here are some steps to guide you in to create an artist studio:

Create An Artist Studio
- First, Define Your Space:
  - Choose a space that suits your artistic needs. It could be a spare room, a garage, a basement, or a dedicated corner in a larger room.
  - Consider factors like natural light, ventilation, and space for your art supplies.
- Organize and Plan:
  - Plan the layout of your studio. Arrange furniture and art supplies in a way that maximizes efficiency and creativity.
  - Invest in storage solutions to keep your supplies organized. Shelving, cabinets, and drawers can help keep everything in its place.
- Select Art Supplies:
  - Gather the art materials you need for your preferred medium. This might include paints, brushes, canvases, sketchpads, pencils, and any other tools specific to your art form.
- Set Up Workstations:
  - Create dedicated workstations for different aspects of your art. For example, have a painting station, a drawing station, and a workstation for any digital art if applicable.
- Lighting:
  - Ensure good lighting in your studio. Natural light is ideal, but if that’s not possible, invest in quality artificial lighting. Adjustable lamps and track lighting can be useful for focusing light on specific areas.
- Comfortable Seating:
  - If your art involves long periods of sitting, invest in a comfortable chair or stool. This is important for maintaining your comfort and focus during creative sessions.
- Inspiration Board:
  - Create an inspiration board or wall with images, quotes, and samples of your work or other artists’ work. This can help fuel your creativity.
- Ventilation:
  - Ensure proper ventilation, especially if you’re working with materials that produce fumes, such as certain paints or chemicals. This is crucial for your health and safety.
- Personalize Your Space:
  - Add personal touches to make the studio feel like your own creative haven. Decorate with artwork, plants, or other items that inspire you.
- Tech and Connectivity:
  - If your art involves digital elements, ensure you have the necessary technology and connectivity. This may include a computer, tablet, and a reliable internet connection if you need online resources.
- Consider Storage for Finished Pieces:
  - Plan for storage space for your finished artworks. This can include portfolios, frames, or other protective measures.
- Safety Measures:
  - Be aware of safety precautions, especially if you’re using tools or materials that could pose a risk. Have a first aid kit handy.
Lastly, your artist studio is a personal space that should cater to your creative process. Tailor it to your specific needs and preferences, and don’t be afraid to experiment with the setup until it feels just right for you. Need more inspiration? Check out this studio to ur!
January 24, 2024
How To: Updating Your Old Wood Ceiling Beams

Are your wood ceiling beams looking outdated? Don’t worry. You don’t have to go through the expensive process of replacing them. Various simple and cost-effective ways exist to update your old wood ceiling beams and bring them back to life. Here, we will guide you through how to update your old wood ceiling beams, from preparing the surface to finishing off with a protective coat of sealant. Read on to learn how to quickly and affordably update your wood ceiling beams!

Assessing the condition of your old wood ceiling beams

Before updating your old wood ceiling beams, assessing their condition is important. Inspect the beams for any signs of damage, such as rot, cracks, or insect infestation. Determine if any structural repairs are necessary before proceeding with the update. Look for discoloration or fading in the wood, which may require additional sanding or treatment. Understanding the condition of your beams will help you determine the best approach for updating them and ensure that they remain not only safe, but durable for years to come.

Photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash

Choosing a new finish or paint color

When it comes to updating your old wood ceiling beams, choosing a new finish or paint color can make a big difference in the overall look of your space. Consider a clear varnish or stain to bring out the natural wood grain if you’re looking for a more natural look. For a more modern look, a white or black paint coat can be a bold choice. You may also consider adding a pop of color to match your decor or metallic accents for glamour. Whatever you choose, make sure it complements your existing decor and style.

Photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash

Sanding and prepping the surface of the beams

Once you have assessed the condition of your old wood ceiling beams and chosen a new finish or paint color, it’s time to sand and prep the surface. Start by using medium-grit sandpaper to remove any existing finish or imperfections. Be sure to sand in the direction of the wood grain for a smooth and even surface. After sanding, wipe down the beams with a damp cloth to remove dust. Finally, use fine-grit sandpaper to further smooth the surface and ensure the new finish or paint adheres properly.

Photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash

Applying the new finish or paint to the beams

Once you have prepped the surface of your old wood ceiling beams, it’s time to apply the new finish or paint. Start by applying a primer coat to ensure the finish adheres properly. Once the primer is dry, use a brush or roller to apply the chosen finish or paint color evenly to the beams. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying additional coats if needed. For a more rustic look, consider using a stain instead of paint to enhance the natural beauty of the wood.

Photo by Julia Kun on Unsplash

Optional step: adding decorative elements to the beams

Consider adding decorative elements if you want to take your old wood ceiling beams to the next level. This can be anything from carving intricate designs into the wood to adding metal straps or hardware. For a unique touch, you can also paint patterns or designs onto the beams. Just remember to keep your home’s overall style and aesthetic in mind when choosing decorative elements to ensure they complement the rest of the space.

Updating your old wood ceiling beams is a great way to refresh the look of your space and add character to your home. By assessing the condition of the beams, choosing a new finish or paint color, and properly prepping and applying the new treatment, you can transform your outdated beams into a stunning focal point. Don’t forget to consider adding decorative elements for an extra touch of style. With time and effort, you can enjoy the beauty of your updated wood ceiling beams for years. Thanks to Reclaimed Michigan for Consulting.

July 28, 2023
AMAZING Victorian Interiors

Victorian Interiors

Victorian isn’t my style really, but I definitely can appreciate the history and flair of the style. It’s also a style that goes well with fall and winter, since all of it’s flair and opulence really emphasizes that cozy-up at home feeling.

via Impressive Interior Design

One of the first elements people probably think of when they think of Victorian is wood details. The interior below is a Bed-Stuy brownstone on Doctor’s Row that was painstakingly restored and has wood details for DAYs. If you like a modern look you might think it would be hard to work with all that wood, but there is a plethora of inspiration online to show you how to make it work.

via 6sqft.com

Modern victorian design incorporates elements of traditional Victorian interior design – velvet, tufting, and fringe – but uses modern style lines and incorporates modern pieces, as seen below:

via Emily Henderson

Even if your space doesn’t have Victorian bones per se, or just “light” Victorian elements, like the medallion and crown moulding below, adding some elegance via your furnishings and textiles can make a huge impact toward the Victorian!

via Emily Henderson

Shop this look (these links may be affiliate links)

This floral rug would be quietly stunning in any Victorian-inspired space, and it’s 49% off right now. Get this Victorian rug here

Uhm..hello!! A turquoise velvet tufted sofa. And 53% off! This sofa could be played up (adorn with fringed pilows), or played down (add a causal throw blanket). Get this tufted chesterfield sofa here.

November 2, 2018
7 Interior Design Secrets for Small Spaces

When you live in a small house, there is not much choice but to maximize the space that you have. You cannot extend the house without having to spend thousands of dollars so you will have to make do with the area you have now. These are seven interior design tips that will help you make a pleasant home even with a small space:

1. Paint With Neutral Colors, Accentuate With Bold Hues

One of the most effective ways for a small space to feel welcoming is by picking out the right colors. Colors can set the mood of the people in the room so it is important that you choose something that is relaxing to the eyes. The cardinal rule is to use light but neutral paint or wallpaper. This is effective in making the area look more spacious and airy than it is. Apart from that, it also gives you a wider range of choices on what you can use for the accessories later on. Just because you are using neutral colors does not mean that you should shy away from putting up other decorations. In fact, you should pick those with bright or bold hues as it adds drama. When you have a cramped space, drama will distract a person’s eye from assessing just how small the room is.

via Studio McGee

2. Get Rid Of Clutter

When your space is limited as it already is, clutter is the last thing you want in a room. When you see that the room has a lot of stuff and furniture, you no longer want to get inside. Visual and actual space are important in this regard. You have to get rid of the things that you do not need. Only those that you truly value should be left on display. You want to leave as much spcae for people to move around.
If you must, buy storage equipment. You can put them in other rooms. Or you can choose storage pieces that will fit in with the small space.

via Studio McGee

3. Use A Large Area Rug

If you are to choose an area rug for your floor, make sure that it is something that covers the majority of the floor space. Picking smaller ones will draw attention to the small space, which you do not want.

via Studio McGee

4. Be Mindful Of Scale And Proportion

Scale and proportion are two important things that every homeowner should remember in trying to decorate a small space. There should be balance between large and small furniture pieces. One example that shows how important proportion and scale are is when you choose the couch. A small couch will seem too dwarfed while a large one can only highlight the size of the space.

via Studio McGee

5. Be Smart About How You Arrange Furniture

How you arranged the furniture can make or break your efforts to design a small space. You need to minimize the space that the furniture you have occupies so that there will still be room to move around. As a general rule, always leave adequate space between furniture pieces and with the wall.

via Jac Interior

6. Use Mobile Furniture

If you easily bored with your furniture, why not consider having mobile furniture? This way, it will be easy for you to do redo the arrangement of the furniture should you want it. This will give you more chances of experimenting with the interior design. Interior designers from top interior design firms know exactly what kids of mobile furniture is perfect for small rooms. Maybe you can consult a professional designer around you about it.

via Studio McGee

7. Hang Beautiful Curtains

Curtains are a blessing for anyone who has a small room. For one, if you choose great curtains, it can add beauty to the space. Pair a curtain with light color to a wide window and you will surely enjoy looking out into the balcony. Another advantage of using light-colored curtains is the fact that it maximizes the natural light. It eliminates the dark corners that make the space too tight. By letting in more light, you are highlighting the décor as well which, as already mentioned above, distracts the eye from the small space that is in front. When putting up the curtains, it would be best if you mount it as high as possible. There should be a slight overlap with the windows as well. This creates the illusion that the space is bigger and that the window is larger.

via DecorPad

Conclusion

These are some useful tips to make a small space look gorgeous. If you are not an experienced and skilled interior designer, you can hire an interior designer to make your small rooms bigger and look beautiful. If you are from Los Angeles, you can try best interior designers Los Angeles for professional interior designs of your rooms and homes.

Thanks to Jac Interiors for partnering on this post

May 8, 2018
Outside In: The Gardens and Houses of Tichenor & Thorp

One of my favorite books from 2017, hands down – Outside In by M. Brian Tichenor and Raun Thorp with Judith Nasatir. Outside In combines two loves of mine, interiors and gardens.

A little teaser before we begin?

From Vendome Press (the lesser quality images are from me)

From the publisher

“Deeply fluent in the Mediterranean and American vernaculars and the modern forms of the California Tradition, Tichenor & Thorp design exceptional properties that integrate large-scale residences and luxurious gardens and landscapes into a singular, unified vision: house and landscape imagined as one complete expression for a given site and particular client. The duo traverses the spectrum of periods and styles to craft beautifully realized, finely choreographed, highly appropriate living environments that resonate with individuality and precedent. Featured projects include a Spanish-inflected courtyard house and garden in Las Palmas that spectacularly frames the palm trees and the mountains; a Bel Air estate and grounds tinged with English and French influences; a Newport Beach hilltop hideaway that evokes a Portuguese quinta; a Provençal bastide and surrounding gardens transplanted to the côte sud that is Rancho Santa Fe; a Pasadena retreat inflected with John Soane–inspired details; a renovated Harwell Hamilton Harris house in Holmby Hills with a cruciform plan and corresponding gardens of individual character; two luxe contemporary Manhattan apartments; and a modern mountain getaway at the foot of the Tetons in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.”

Dreamy right? I just realized Leo snuck his hand in this photo!

The image above is from my favorite home that is featured, a “modern mountain getaway at the foot of the Tetons in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.” I have come to that section of the book over and over again.

I always love a good home library, and there are many in Outside In

One day I hope to have a studio where I can paint again, as I majored in illustration.

Outside In is a magical book that I can’t recommend enough – it will surely be one of your favorites!

*disclosure: I received a copy of Outside In courtesy of the publisher to review, but the opinions above are my own and genuine!

January 9, 2018
Home Office Inspiration

Home Office Inspiration

Some times we all need a little inspiration – and for me, that couldn’t be more true. I’ve been feeling particularly unmotivated and I can’t really put my finger on why. When the weather is beautiful all I want to do is be outside, so that’s understandable, but otherwise, I’m not sure where my malaise is coming from.

Hopefully you’re not in the same boat, but regardless I hope you enjoy these beautiful home offices!

exposed brick and white- gorgeous!

via 79ideas

high ceilings and great natural light help.
via apartmenttherapy

a very cool impromptu inspiration board
via apartmenttherapy

for me, natural light is the best medicine for a lack of motivation. Fresh flowers don’t hurt either.
via stylemepretty

pretty and whimsical must help productivity

via kellyraeroberts

via michaelhaverland

Do you have an inspiring space in your home?

April 19, 2017
Inspiring REAL Home Offices

via Lonny Magazine

via Lonny Magazine

via Lonny Magazine

via Apartment Therapy

via Apartment Therapy

via Apartment Therapy

March 1, 2017
Inspiring Home Office Spaces

Some times we all need a little inspiration!

via 79ideas

via apartmenttherapy

via apartmenttherapy

via stylemepretty

via kellyraeroberts

via michaelhaverland

Do you have an inspiring space in your home?

May 28, 2015
Inspiring REAL Home Offices

via Lonny Magazine

via Lonny Magazine

via Lonny Magazine

via Apartment Therapy

via Apartment Therapy

via Apartment Therapy

July 22, 2014
Keeping Small Spaces Beautiful

You would think that having a small flat or studio would mean minimalistic decoration and the end to all clutter forever. But like most people, you probably find yourself holding onto stuff which you can’t justify discarding. I believe that if you have space, you’ll fill it, so one has to be careful to remember to purge, purge, purge, or you will run out of space, no matter how much you have.

This is easier said than done however, especially if your sweetums or the kiddies hate to throw things away or donate them. Here are a few rules I follow to try to keep clutter at bay. Here are a few rules from Glimmr Cardiff that I follow to try to keep clutter at bay.

Be brutal

Home decoration is one of those areas where you have to be ruthless no matter how big or small the job.

The fact is that you are going to be living in the space you are decorating so you have to be absolutely sure that what you are bringing into your home is what you want AND has either a function or very sentimental value.

Keep it to a minimum or keep it hidden in plain sight.

Baskets and bins are my mantra if you have a lot of small toys or tools that need to be kept accessible. Open shelves are great for accessibility but they can start looking messy very fast. An easy way to remedy that is matching baskets or totes.

via Apartment Therapy

Use color decisively

In a small space, every color and item has more impact than it does in a more spacious abode. It is a myth that dark colors make a small space seem smaller. What makes a space seems smaller is high contrast, because of it’s play with perspective. Your can use that idea to your advantage though if you want to create depth in a room. Painting three walls a light color and saving the last one for something rich deepens the sense of space.

Nowadays, space is at a premium especially in large cities. They say that less is more and there is no reason why this can’t also be true for making a small flat or studio a delight to live in.

Large pieces of art make a space seem larger than it is and mirrors work wonders for giving the illusion of increased space.

Keep it slick

There is nothing wrong with clutter if you like the crammed-and-cosy look.

However, if you want to create space, turf out the unwanted odds and ends immediately. I always feel amazing after dropping off boxes at good will!

To keep it simple work on one set of items at a time to stop you from feeling overwhelmed. After all, de-cluttering is not just a physical task but emotional too. It is tough discarding objects which and quieting that voice that always says “but I may use it one day…”.

Once you are de-cluttered, some cleaning tips will help you along. Clean as you go each day so that you can not only relax in comfort in your space but you don’t have a huge job at the end of the week. Even cleaning a studio flat can take days if left too long.

With less clutter, 15 minutes of daily cleaning will be a breeze.

this post was in partnership with supersavvyme.co.uk

October 2, 2013