On Monday, I shared the new Billy bookcases I added to the studio to get my library of art books off the floor and organized.  It’s made the studio space feel much more useable, functional, and conducive to creative work.  If you struggle with your creativity, productivity, effectiveness, and focus, look at your surroundings.  Are they a part of the problem?  I know my space was a problem.  I found it hard to write, I wasn’t excited about taking pictures, and I felt like I was tolerating the space instead of thriving in it.  Now, the main components are in place and it has given me just the boost I needed.

Now that things are taking shape a bit better, I thought I would give a little tour of the rest of the space.

Before we put the bookcases together, I scooted the hardware cabinet (which we left on sliders) so that it would be centered on the wall.  This meant it could be flanked by two bookcases on either side, making a nice, balanced arrangement.  That also meant I needed to move the chalkboard, which I use as a pinboard for drying oil paintings on paper, and to clip up a few pretty fabric samples.  (You can read how I made the chalkboard HERE.)  When I first put the hardware cabinet in place and hung the chalkboard over it, I had a feeling it would move, so I waited to hang the sconces I had in my last studio.  With the cabinet centered, I was able to hang them on either side of the chalkboard.  I have them plugged into a special plug that works with a remote, so I’m able to easily turn them on and off.  is similar to the one I have.

I am always asked about these sconces and I wish they were still available, but they are retired.  I bought them on final clearance from years ago!  They are pretty special sconces, though, and I’m glad I was able to snag a pair.  have a similar feel with a different arm, but they are pricey!  is a similar one that is a bit more reasonably priced.

It’s a little thing, but I also took the time to space out the strings across the board a bit better.  I was rushed when I hung it and the strings were pretty wonky.  You could do this to any frame, actually.  I just zigzag the string across the back and wrap it around small nails to hold it in place.

I also moved my desk from in front of the window to between the tall antique cabinet and the bookcases to the right of the hardware cabinet.  I liked having the desk in the window to have a nice view, but the light shining in made it hard to see my computer screen at times and could get pretty intense!  It also didn’t feel like the best place for my desk.  There aren’t any outlets under the bow window, so I had to have extension cords running along the floor and it wasn’t the best use of the space.

The desk, which is just a small antique table is sort of nestled into this corner, but it works.  I did order a small set of drawers that will roll under the table, so I can fill it with the things I need at my desk, but want to have out of sight.  Eventually, I will claim one the boys’ bedrooms as an office when they go out into the world on their own.  Who knows when that will be, but I’m already taking measurements!  Just kidding, but that is one thing I do miss from our last house.  I miss having a separate office, but this is working just fine.

I do have a proper desk chair, but I usually swap it out for pictures.  I am planning on making a slipcover for it, though.

And, I wanted to move the desk from the window so I could put my easel there.  I would have the same problem with the easel being backlit, but since it’s on wheels, I just pivot it a bit and then the light falls perfectly across the easel and my palette.  I put the antique register next to the easel to hold all of my oil painting gear.  I’m still getting it organized and filled up, but I’ll give a little tour of the inside once that’s done.  ( is the easel I have, for those who are interested.  As with everything, the price of this easel has gone way up over the years.  It’s almost twice as much as what I paid for it six years ago.)

I’m trying to resist my tendency to put stuff all over the antique register so I have a place to set stuff!

I put my apron on the antique dress form…

And have an extra apron and a few other things hanging from an antique hook rack near the bookcases.

I continually work to keep the antique counter in the middle of the room clear, so I can use it as a work surface.  As with all clear surfaces, though, it’s a magnet for stuff!

I have enjoyed laying out books that I’m studying, though, so I can appreciate them throughout the day.

I haven’t changed anything on the other side of the room and I don’t think I will anytime soon.  It’s working and it looks nice.

Today, I am planning to prime and paint the remaining green on the studio walls and I will prime and paint my new door as well!

I can’t wait to share that with you…