When we decide to use a corner of our home to integrate an art space, we must be sure to do it well, keeping everything inside the box.
Not being able to pay (or just not want it) for a separated studio demands a very well thought out and organized decision, taken in advance, not to let that little corner occupy the rest of your house. Also, it will help to prevent guilty feelings, postponing, or procrastinating.
Choose the right spot.
An #artspace doesn't really need to be huge; it could be a small nook in your room, kitchen, or living room. If you find a corner near a window, even better.
When the time comes to change the space, choose to integrate all the pernephenalia of materials, tools, and equipment practically and effectively, fitting everything together.
Adapt and make the right choices about small storage in this house division to bring a good look and the coziness that will invite you to come back more often.
Opt for the most efficient storage options
Any small space dweller knows that hidden storage is the key to have everything at hand, without too much clutter at sight, adding that you will always find what you need without getting lost in the clutter.
Have you ever seen those benches that open up for blanket storage? Store your sketchbooks and paper pads vertically there. Before that, choose the ones you actually use.
Kitchen carts on wheels are ideal for keeping materials and utensils together but portable if needed, replacing a traditional stationary side table.
You can also use the wall space to place floating shelves or Pegboards if you want.
Also, use storage baskets, pots or containers to keep your art equipment and materials in place.
Change your cleaning mindset.
Integrating two spaces into one will give you less permission to leave things messy. You can't just close the door. Tidy everything at the end of the day, or you will not feel the mood to come back and be nervous whenever you pass that corner of the room.
Also, get in the habit of determining what you need in your art life. I now clean out my art space more regularly, and I don't receive a new art item without checking if I do not have something similar. Also, check if you need to throw away, donate, or sell useless itens.
Find creative ways to blend spaces.
When your living room is no longer just your living room and also serves as an art studio, there is a danger that you will never feel totally relaxed. You will feel guilty for working to much or too less, or seeing an unfinished work waiting for you, every time you look at that creative corner.
Try to integrate the materials and tools into the decor while you're not working. I use a system of boxes, where I group the materials by "family" to quickly know where everything is and that I easily place on the table to start working or inside a sideboard when I finish. I also mix decorative objects like potted plants with pencil pots organized by colors that do not change location as they match work and leisure atmosphere.
And you, what solutions have you found to integrate an art space at home?
Images from Ikea and Pinterest.
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