the rest of the studio (for now)

by | Mar 8, 2023 | Home Studio, My House | 15 comments

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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.

art studio | miss mustard seed

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.  THIS is similar to the one I have.

art studio | miss mustard seed

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 Pottery Barn years ago!  They are pretty special sconces, though, and I’m glad I was able to snag a pair.  THESE have a similar feel with a different arm, but they are pricey!  HERE is a similar one that is a bit more reasonably priced.

art studio | miss mustard seed

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.

art studio | miss mustard seed

art studio | miss mustard seed

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.

art studio | miss mustard seed

art studio | miss mustard seed

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.  (THIS 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.)

art studio | miss mustard seed

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

art studio | miss mustard seed

I put my apron on the antique dress form…

art studio | miss mustard seed

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

art studio | miss mustard seed

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!

art studio | miss mustard seed

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

art studio | miss mustard seed

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.

art studio | miss mustard seed

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…

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    15 Comments

    1. Carswell

      I have those same Pottery Barn sconces. I bought them for either side of my bed because I wanted to get the lamps off my night tables – they aren’t very big and I hated losing the real estate to the lamp bases. I love them and they are excellent quality.

      Mine are black and they disappear into the black wall they are mounted on – reducing the visual clutter and allowing the small decorative items on my night tables to stand on their own.

      Your studio is progressing very nicely.

    2. Chris Nemecek

      where do you hide your litter boxes in your beautiful home? So hard, especially when you have dogs that want to get into it.

    3. Michele M.

      That room sure is a fun powerful space. Looking good, Marian. Anything that inspires you to continue creating your
      gorgeous artwork gets my votes!

    4. beverlee

      I really enjoyed this post. All of it.

      • Rita

        I had a sewing/craft room in our previous home. It was so nice to have a designated space. We have no additional rooms where we are now. Everything is packed up and it’s a pain digging through boxes and drawers whenever I want to work on something. I snagged my oldest son’s room while he was at college, but now he’s back. So everything is packed up again. I’m waiting patiently for an empty room. lol Really it’s all good. You have a wonderful space and I enjoy seeing it everytime you share it. Very inspirational.

    5. Sandy

      Such a wonderful room and beautifully arranged.

    6. Barbara

      Thanks for the tour of your studio! I’ve enjoyed following your home renovations, and enjoy reading your posts. I noticed on your hardware cabinet the “Marshall” radio. Pretty sweet!!

    7. IreneL

      Your studio is a dream! That easel, the antique table in the middle, the (new) bamboo bookshelf and your palettes hung on the wall…to name a few. And I do love the green paint you are adding and your new doors as well! So inspiring!

    8. Lisa P

      The effort you put in to make your working/creating space so attractive and functional is very inspiring! The beauty and orderliness of the room must make you want to spend more time there. I enjoy following along with all your projects so much! Thank you.

    9. Carolyn

      You may want to leave your studio walls a neutral shade not green. the green wall will throw your eye when you are painting in there.

      • Susan

        She said she is painting the green to get rid of it

    10. Traci

      I use my dress form to pin loved ones nannies. It looks so pretty and is a nice piece for my work room.

    11. Kim

      Now it is looking really good and like you’ve been there for awhile! I’d be struggling to keep those large flat spaces clear of clutter too, but what nice surfaces to lay out some inspiration!

      I did have to chuckle at the plastic garbage bag lining the old crock. Beauty meets modern functionality!

    12. Barb Januscheitis

      I love this room and I hope you will share some wide-angle shots as well as the closeups.

    13. Sharon Rexroad

      lovely, lovely!

      you may want to check the links for the sconce options as they seem to both go to the same Pottery Barn item.

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