My Studio

In Amy Butler's new book, Midwest Modern, she shows us pictures of her and her husband's design studios.  I was so inspired, I thought you might be inspired by my space as well.

This is a lovely 15 x 8 foot room in our warehouse/office space.  Note the design details only available in buildings of this era (1980's concrete block business park buildings).  Nothing beats the simplicity of a linoleum floor and suspended ceiling with fluorescent lights.  It is a multi-function space, storing various hardware, including the computer type (in that refrigerator-like cabinet in the back corner).  The table is decoratively strewn with works in progress.  Mona is hanging out in the background in a new dress I'm making for her- more on that later.

Another view of the inspiration room. The bookshelf in the back has been meticulously organized with plastic containers with labels.  The grid wall on the right provides a home for a few well-organized patterns. I insist on a neat, clean sewing surface, so Olivia is going to have to move her blue block.

But this isn't the only space I put my special design touch on- there's also my office.

Again, I find organizational containers an absolute necessity and these in cute colors from The Container Store fit the bill.  And once they got filled up, the floor provides easy access. I love the frosted glass doors on the book cases (from Ikea)-- you can close them and it will hide the mess.  I prefer the airiness the open doors provide.  It makes me feel like those books are free to come and go as they please.

In front of my desk, I like to keep my inspirational objects and images.  Apparently, most of my inspiration arrives in cardboard boxes.   The couch is what I like to call "interactive furniture"-- you must clear a spot before you can sit down.  Rearranging its contents really helps you get to "know" the furniture.

I call my design philosophy "cluttered genius" and I hope this inspires you to redo your studio, office or even your home.

Comments

[Rhonda]

Wow! I do feel inspired. However, Olivia's blue block is really an eyesore. You should teach her to put her stuff away.

In case any of your readers are interested, October is National Sarcasm Month. :)

[crystal munoz]

Caroline!! I love these pics it makes me feel like I am there!! You are the only person I know that has so much clutter and can tell you where everything is!!

[Steph]

I LOVE IT! I'm so glad I'm not the only one who lives in a constant state of disarray. . . though I did completely overhaul my sewing room last week and have done an abnormally decent job at keeping it clutter free so far. Anyway - thanks for the pictures! They made my day!

[Heide]

Too funny... I love the idea of books freely roaming in and out of their well-aired shelves... You truly are an inspiration! Or, at least a kindred spirit in the world of messy work spaces. :)

[janice]

HA! That's one great post :)

[jessica haddad]

Your inspirational space is just proof of your creative genius -- you are so busy working and creating that you do not have time, or need, to put anything "away."

[Lisa NYC]

ROTFLMAO!!!! Awesome!

[Carrie S.]

This is hilarious! I can so relate to this today, as I was going to post what my studio looks like when I'm getting ready for a show! It's not much different from yours!

[The Simple Family]

Please tell me that there are crumbs under everything....

[j. caroline]

Crumbs? How about half-eaten food- probably in a fast food bag.

[Kim]

Wonderful post. Thanks for the laugh!

[Nicole]

oh, that's awesome! Thanks for posting this!

[Laura Weaver]

This is undoubtedly the FUNNIEST thing I have read in ages! It thrills me to know that someone else's studio is as much a mess as mine! You have made my day! :)

[Sally]

Well, I think you should write a book. This is hilarious and exactly what us crafty ladies need to see. I'll be back to read this one again and again...thank you!

[Angie]

That is awesome! And much more realistic than the magazine photo shoot ready studios.l Yours looks like people actually work there. It looks so much like my sewing room. I clean it up but then I have to work in it!

[kathy]

I knew we were kindred spirits! I've always found people with messy desks usually have good memories (out of neccessity)!

[Elizabeth Grisham]

Looks like Sister Elizabeth needs to come make a visit.

[Kim]

Thank you those amazing photos! It was almost as if someone came and took pictures of my office/bedroom/laundry room combo. Except mine has a copy of Peter Walsh's Book, It's All Too Much, balanced on top of one of the piles. Guess the book hasn't helped much yet! I should probably actually read it! Ha!

[Missy Mangum]

I heard that if a cluttered desk is the sign of a cluttered mind, then what is the sign of an empty desk? See, you are a multitasking genius!

[Jess]

Oh my gosh, Caroline. That's HILARIOUS. If I didn't already know you, I'd be scared. :)

[teri]

i am laughing my head off at your descriptions! too funny! thanks for sharing!

teri

[karen gray]

I love it! Genius..... truly :)

[Melanie]

Oh, I am laughing so hard. I'm thrilled to see I'm not the only one :-) The only difference is that I did not grow up cleaning the house every Saturday and I did not have to make my bed daily. Thankfully neither did my husband, so he doesn't mind too much. Our kids have no chance.

[Junie]

That was a classic! I think the truth is that MOST of the sewing rooms/studios of productive women look just about like YOURS! I'm always amazed at the beautiful creations that come forth from my friends' messy hideaways.

[Bettina]

Hey...you named your dress dummy. Mine is "Myrtle". :)

I'm getting new shelves for my studio, today and was looking for inspiration for my re-organizing, when I stumbled on to your blog. Little did I know, I was already a studio design expert! :) Yay me! And yay YOU, for a great blog post!