tour of my new art studio

by | Oct 31, 2022 | All Things Home, Decorating, Home Studio, Room Makeovers | 67 comments

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It’s the room tour that many of you have been asking for – the art studio!  Of course, it’s not finished yet, as is the case with our entire house, but it’s getting there.  It’s settled enough and looks enough like an art studio to welcome you into the space and give you a little tour.

As we were looking at homes, this was a big question that needed to be answered.  Where would my art studio be?  In some houses, there was an outbuilding that would’ve worked for a studio and/or workshop and in others, I’d have to appropriate a room originally intended for another purpose.  In some houses, there really wasn’t an option and those were crossed off the list.  It was a must.  I could be flexible with the size, location, and other details, but I had to have a space to work and create.

When we looked at the house we ended up buying, I knew right away that the formal living room would be my studio.  The room is large, has relatively nice light, and, more importantly, it just feels like a nice room that would be conducive to creating.  It’s off the front foyer, separate from the activity in the rest of the home.  It doesn’t have doors, but once we add French doors, it’ll be a place that can be closed off and relatively quiet.  We were also willing to give up this room as a formal living room because we honestly didn’t think we’d get much use out of it.  We’ll use the family room/den for our main hang-out space and eventually finish the basement and move the family room/den down there.

So, here is how the room looked when we bought the house…

living room before | art studio transformation | miss mustard seed

And here is how it’s looking today…

art studio transformation | miss mustard seed

We had oak hardwood floors installed, which totally changed the look and feel of the room.  I also removed the old curtains and painted two of the walls (so far) in Decorator’s White by Benjamin Moore.  I am planning on painting the other two walls and the trim, but I just haven’t gotten around to it, yet, and I was antsy to move the furniture in and get situated.  I can live with a couple of mint green walls for a while longer, but I didn’t feel like I could work much longer without a proper studio space.

The counter in the middle of the room is my huge splurge from the Lucketts Fall Market.  It is glorious, though, with deep drawers on rollers, paneled sides, a yummy patina, and a great work surface.  It’s just perfect.  The storage in the counter holds a lot of the bulky things that were in the closet in my last studio.  This studio doesn’t have a closet so some of the larger items like photography gear and large canvases are stored in a hall closet or in the basement.

The easel (it’s the Sienna Counterweight Studio Easel) and hardware counter are both from my former studio.  The cool thing about that counter is it came from a hardware store in Maryland.  It’s now traveled to PA, then to MN, and now back home to Maryland.

art studio transformation | miss mustard seed

The tall cabinet also came from the Lucketts Fall Market and it houses some of my favorite and most-referenced art books as well as some bulky supplies in the drawers.  It really is a great and functional piece.  I thought I would want a wider piece, but this one works much better in the art studio and adds some visual height and vertical storage.

art studio transformation | miss mustard seed

I wanted a counter in my last studio, but it just wasn’t going to work with the space I had.  I am loving having a counter in this room.

art studio transformation | miss mustard seed

Right now, it’s housing some fabrics, papers, and paint samples I’m playing with, along with stacks of books I’m reading.  I don’t want to load up the counter with too many things, so I can clear it off when I need to use it for a project.

art studio transformation | miss mustard seed

Last week, I spent a day hanging things on the art studio walls and it was such fun activity.  After all of the painting and unpacking, I got to focus on something that was purely about aesthetics and preference.  Sometimes we just need days like that!

art studio transformation | miss mustard seed

Of course, the shallow shelves for pigment bottles went back on the wall.  It’s a simple thing, but I love it in my last art studio and I wanted to recreate it here.

art studio transformation | miss mustard seed

I’ll share more about the bamboo shelf in another post since that was a fun find.

art studio transformation | miss mustard seed

The drying shelves, brushes, and a couple of long rulers hang on the other side of the cabinet.  As I was hanging things, I wondered if I would want this much stuff on the walls or keep things visually cleaner.  I then heard the voice of my friend Shaunna, “Spackle dries in like three minutes.”  Just put the hole in the wall Marian and you can always change it later.  No need to be angsty about such a small, impermanent decision.

art studio transformation | miss mustard seed

(Yeah, I still need to paint that air return, too!)

I can’t wait to see new works filling these shelves.

art studio transformation | miss mustard seed

My old chalkboard (just a piece of plywood painted in MMS Milk Paint) hangs above the hardware cabinet to act as a drying board for smaller paintings.  I think shelves will eventually go above the hardware counter, but I need to live in this space a bit before I make that decision.

art studio transformation | miss mustard seed

I found the antique artist’s form at a local antique store a few weeks ago and just had to have it.  He has discounted pretty significantly because of the missing foot.  I was still hobbling around in a boot at the time, so I appreciated the defect and loved him all the more for it.

art studio transformation | miss mustard seed

On the other side of the room, I placed the large antique cabinet I purchased from Ekster Antiques.  Oh man, this piece is a beast and provides so much storage!  I am so glad I stretched myself to buy it and go pick it up.  It is solid oak underneath the white paint, so I might just decide to strip it one day.  We’ll see if I’m ever up for that much punishment when I already have my hands full with this house.

art studio transformation | miss mustard seed

Right now, I am using a little farm table as my desk, but I am hunting for a new (old) desk that can fit in this window.  I’d like to have a few more drawers and a work surface that’s just a wee bit bigger.  This will do for now, though, until I find just the right piece.

art studio transformation | miss mustard seed

When I first moved the large pieces into the studio, they looked great, but I felt this sinking feeling in my stomach.  I don’t know if this is going to feel like my art studio.  The one in the house in Minnesota was flooded with the most amazing light and I had tinkered and tweaked it until it felt like the best place in the world to create.  I felt my mood change when I walked in there.  Could this room do that?

There are some stark differences that are hard to ignore.  The window is great, but it does bring light in from just one direction, which causes some harsh shadows and makes photography challenging.  There are no overhead lights, so when it’s cloudy or early or late in the day, it becomes almost impossible to use the space for meaningful work.  I looked over the room and felt unsure.  Maybe I was too eager to make this house work.  I was wooed by the pool and the idea of giving this beautiful house some much-needed attention.  The deal is done, though, and any doubts didn’t serve a productive purpose.

So, I tucked them away and the next day started to unpack my art studio boxes.  With each drawer that was filled and labeled and each cup of pens or brushes that was put out, the literal unpacking and settling in led to an unseen settling in.  I could feel myself taking ownership of the space.  I tinkered and tweaked, using what I’ve learned from the five years in my last studio.  I found a home for all of my things and displayed the ones I find most vocal when it comes to calling my creativity to come and play.

It wasn’t the big things that made the room feel like my art studio.  It was all of the little things; literally a thousand little things…brushes, pens, palettes, ribbons, clips, scissors, boxes, bottles, and tubes.

art studio transformation | miss mustard seed

art studio transformation | miss mustard seed

We will be adding recessed lights, so I can work in here even when the weather isn’t cooperating or when the sun sets earlier during the winter months.  We might add a skylight in the future if I find that I need more natural light.  We’re going to add crown molding, trims, and French doors.  There is still a lot to do, but for now, I’ve settled into my new art studio and I’m excited to see what I create here.

art studio transformation | miss mustard seed

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    67 Comments

    1. Rebecca

      After we moved into our current house, I cried while putting up Christmas decorations. I couldn’t figure out where anything went. But you’re right. Eventually things came together and are now at home. I’m curious to find out whether you regret selling or getting rid of any of your pieces from the Minnesota house, antique or otherwise.

      • Marian Parsons

        There really hasn’t been anything I regretted selling except for the metal storage shelves! I’ve ended up having to buy four more, so I feel like it was stupid to not just break them down and bring them along.
        There are things I will miss, but I always feel that way about beautiful things I sell. 🙂

    2. Dawn

      Ahhh! I appreciated this view of your studio so much! I also recently moved (1,200 miles) and finally got a room of my own to create in! I have similar issues–no overhead lighting and only good light at the time of day when I am at work so I have some adjustments to make. But, overall, I am thrilled with my new space. Congratulations on the new podcast–I can’t wait to listen!

    3. Marcie

      Ah well, the downside of having too few windows is, of course, not enough light…the upside is, more space for fabulous pieces of furniture! You will solve the light issue and still have wall space for your creative styling of great accessories/gear!

      • Marian Parsons

        Yes, exactly! There is so much more wall space in here. I loved the light in the other studio but there were times it was too bright. This light will be easier to control.

        • Lisa P

          What a wonderful space! In my experience, skylights add fantastic light and enjoyment. Installation is not a big deal and leaking is not an issue at all with modern styles. Exciting times!

    4. Beverlee

      It feels like you. It does…all the nuances that are you make it so. I just love the new pieces…the counter and that white cabinet are the stars of this room.
      Thank you for being so very honest. You voice the fears of many of us. And, the solutions.

    5. Diane P.

      Your appetite for this space reminds me of the last line in a poem my grandfather wrote…’I walk along the shifting sands and scan horizons blue for in my heart there is a dream of lovely you’. Such a beautiful studio melding your incredible history into all of those antique pieces with the anticipation of your creative endeavors yet to be. Enjoy and feed your soul!

    6. Connie Mccarty

      Your words fill me so full. Thank you for sharing. I feel we could be friends! Blessings and light as you begin your work in this new space.

    7. Patricia Robinson

      Magnificent! You are one talented lady! Thank you for sharing. You must be exhausted. Everything looks perfect ?.

    8. Denise P

      The new wood floors are beautiful. Are you at all concerned about them getting mucked up? Even the neatest artists sometimes make a mess.

    9. GIna

      Your studio already has begun to take on your personality, if that makes sense! How wonderful to have such a large space. I’m one year away from retiring. I’m currently a university professor and once I’m done, I plan to turn my home office into a studio for knitting, cross-stitch, and quilting. Gone will be (most) academic books, journals, and files; replaced with fabrics, yarns, and needle art books and tools! I can’t wait!!

    10. Teresa

      I am just getting caught up on your posts, but I have to ask a question related to your new roof which by the way looks so nice. I am sure you had a home inspection because you mentioned having a lead test done that was contingent on you buying the house. From reading your post, it seems you weren’t aware the roof would need replacing as soon as it did. Did your home inspector not inspect the condition of the shingles and integrity of the existing roof?

      Your new studio looks so you and already the room looks entirely different with the beautiful new oak floors and paint. That big bow window just makes the room.

      • Marian Parsons

        The inspector said our roof would likely last another five years, but we should have a roofer look at some of the patches. He “passed” the roof for purchase, though. Our roofer said he would’ve failed the roof because it was installed so poorly. I think this was a matter of a generalist’s opinion over a specialist’s.

    11. Pamela P. Bold, CKD

      What a Delightful tour of a Brilliant and Well-Designed Art Studio! It is such a joy to read about your fun adventures in your new home. I love to sit back and read about how you conquer each obstacle until it becomes your victory. I thought your jadeite air vent was a nice touch under the vintage typewriter table, and goes so well with your classy green typewriter… I love the tall oak-painted-white cabinet with all those delightful drawers – what a fun project for a winter snow day!

    12. Susan Lipkin

      Thank you for this visual & informative feast of your new art studio. Clearly you know how you prefer to work.., The studio looks perfect to me ( even partially painted!).
      I look forward to every project you share…

    13. Judy

      A joy to read about your adventures and setting up your studio. I finally ordered your recent book. I’ve reluctantly tried for 6 years to make this house feel like home. It was bought as a last resort in 2015 but not lived in full time until 2017. It is much too short on storage space for all our things. Many of which need to be eliminated. House was built in 1971 and has challenges to live comfortably. I have really begun to try to make it into Home. Hoping your book will give guidance to accomplish making it Home.

    14. Mary

      Check out a solar tube for light. The don’t leak like sky lights can….

      • Marian Parsons

        Yes, we installed a skylight tube in our PA house to get some natural light to an interior bathroom. Getting a couple of tubes could be an option.

    15. Dale

      What about your chandeliers, are you going to hang them? That is part of your signature to me.

      • Marian Parsons

        Yes. We are getting a lighting box installed over the island so I can hang a fixture. I only brought a chandelier for the dining room, so I will have to find one.

    16. Carol Sapp

      Marian, your studio is as wonderful as I knew it would be! Having a center counter will be so useful and I envy the amount of space you have.
      My studio is small, just a tiny spare bedroom, but it is mine and I love it. I have curated all the parts of my space and organized every bit of my many supplies. I still feel joy when I open my studio door.
      Hope you feel the spark of creativity and excitement every time you enter that room!

      • Mae

        I am in the process of creating a space for my art. I have a medium size space with poor lighting. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

        • Marian Parsons

          I have had to work in much smaller spaces, so I’ll write a post with some ideas! And, as far as the bad lighting issues, I’m dealing with that right now! The bay window gives nice light when there is nice light to be had, but if it’s cloudy or dark, I just have three small task lamps. We’ll be adding some recessed lights throughout the house to address that issue.

    17. Janette

      Consider adding a solar tube or two. They are relatively inexpensive and can be added in a few hours without cutting a huge opening in the roof/ceiling. We have had them in our last two houses, and I can’t imagine not having the natural light they provide.

      • Marian Parsons

        Yes, we installed a solar tube in our PA house and that could be an option.

    18. Tracie

      I always gain some kind of inspiration from your spaces. ? Right in the middle of reading your post and seeing your collection of brushes and marmalade containers, I got an idea for my craft/sewing studio and ran upstairs to change a few things around. It’s a little thing but it makes me happy! Thank you! And that from your “unfinished” art studio. ??

      • Deborah Raney

        That’s exactly how Marian’s posts affect me! They give me ideas for my own home and more than once, I’ve stopped reading mid-post and jumped up to use something I already own in a new and creative way!

    19. Tori

      This is so wonderful, Marian! ?
      It’s so YOU. I can’t to see all the beauty that emerges from this new space.

      We are moving in a few weeks, and for the first time (@ age 59!) I’m going to have a studio space. I can’t wait!
      However, it is a sunroom and has wood floors, and I’m concerned about getting paint on them. Can you please share ideas you have for that situation, in your space?
      Your new floors are gorgeous; and I didn’t know if you just put down a drop cloth when you paint, have a rug under that area of the studio, etc.
      All ideas appreciated!?

    20. Molly

      I love how you are making this space yours, Marian! I wish I had a creative space in my home. Maybe one day! For now, I can’t complain about my house and its spectacular views!

    21. Babs

      I have a bad case of “studio envy” right now. What a great space!
      I, too, was wondering if you will cover the floors especially under your large easel. Oil paint is ruthless!

    22. Suz

      I really appreciate how you name some worries you feel (angsty @ hanging things, unsettled @ new studio) and show how they can be powered through; and also how you take time to switch up big projects and more decorative projects. Both of those are areas I’m not very good with, so your sharing about them is so helpful. What a lovely transformation of the room already!

    23. Rebecca - NC

      Love the new house!! So much fun!! Just to aid with perspective, how tall are the ceilings? Are there differing heights in the various rooms? I just adore watching it all come together!!!!!?

      • Marian Parsons

        The ceilings are all 8′. As a comparison, the ceilings were 9′ on the main level in our MN house and 8′ upstairs and in the basement.

        • KathieB

          Thanks for sharing this beautiful room. It looks fantastic. Lots of storage and useful working spaces. I wondered if a vintage partners desk could work coming out sideways from the window with chairs either side. They usually have great storage and so much working space. I’m sure you’ll find the absolute perfect desk as always. Enjoy getting creative in this lovely space.

    24. Cassandra E

      Did I miss a post on the ribbon holder? I love it. I tried doing a search of posts, but ribbon pulls up a lot of posts!
      Anyone know in case Miss Mustard Seed is busy working in her new studio?

      • Marian Parsons

        I am going to do a post on it, but it was a $10 thrift store find. It’s actually a paper towel holder, but I thought it would be fun for ribbon.

    25. JC

      Absolutely vintagey dreamy 🙂

    26. Stephanie

      I absolutely love your new wood floors! Were the raw wood planks cheaper than pre-finished planks? I’m asking because we are building a home and I want wood floors so badly, but I don’t know if we can afford them! If it is cheaper to buy raw wood planks, we could maybe help finish them ourselves.

      I am loving your new studio and appreciate the honesty about lighting and missing your last beautiful and bright studio!

      • Marian Parsons

        Good question! Yes, if you buy them raw and finish them yourself, they are cheaper. We’ve done that in the past. If you’re hiring a company to install and finish them, they end up costing about the same.

    27. debra ponte

      Your studio is simply perfect,I enjoyed the tour.Thanks for the share. Here from Nantucket Island,MA.

    28. Julie | Home On The Hill

      1. I didn’t even notice that air vent until you mentioned it. 🙂

      2. I think your big white cabinet does look a bit stark, but could look great with just the drawer fronts & hardware stripped back?

      3. I’m jealous of your amount of space in this new art studio – must be amazing to have a central island bench!

    29. Jen C

      It is wonderful to see how you are putting everything together in your new home. A new chapter! I am sure you will enjoy creating in your new studio. As others have mentioned, you have also given me ideas to change and use items that I already have to change a cabinet, shelf, wall, and paint colors. I could go on. Thank you for lighting a creative spark that I truly needed and missed.

    30. Sherry Morris

      Skylights are wonderful! You will be like a French artist at the turn of the twentieth century. What a clever idea to use the living room as a studio. Enjoy getting settled.

    31. Betsy

      I’m jealous of your bamboo shelf. I’m been looking for the exact same shelf for years. My great aunt had one but it was tossed when she passed. I’m looking forward to your telling the story of how you found it.

    32. Norma

      Hi Marian,
      My painting area is the laundry room where I have a counter and sink at my disposal. Also I have 1 drawer for some of my art supplies. Not enough space, but I guess better than nothing. Any tips would be welcomed.
      Thank you.

    33. Nicole

      It’s a beautiful space! I love the work counter in the middle.

    34. Mayanna

      WOW!!! And already! Love it. I love seeing other artists’ studios. I envy your amount of space. We are downsizing to a tiny house and I am editing my studio to fit into an 8’ x 10’ room. It will work. I bought some Elfa storage pieces from Container Store. They will keep me organized in a small space. Hope your new studio makes an issue of Where Women Create.

    35. Susan Blair

      I loved the tour. It ‘looks like’ you. Just a slightly different configuration. We moved a year ago- I am a quilter. I had a large, beautiful quilting studio with lots of great light in our previous home. In this home I have a much smaller room in the basement. I literally ‘hated’ the new sewing room- wouldn’t go down there to sew. There were significant issues with the very expensive sewing table we had purchased, flooring, paint. We pulled up the awful carpet, put down LVP flooring and painted. Taking that time allowed me to rethink the layout- it is gorgeous now- smaller than the last one but works perfectly for me! It just takes some time to let ourselves settle

    36. Cherylan

      I was waiting for it and there is was st the end of the post: FRENCH DOORS.
      Yes!

      • Donna Fletcher

        I only started following you toward the end of your living in MN. Although I’m not an artist, the way you talk about how you create as well as your outlook on making the best out of what life hands you is what keeps me coming back. I love to create, especially in designing and decorating my home. I also love old things that have had a previous life. I usually feel alone in my world, nobody understands why I have a collage of white ironstone platters mixed with silver platters on a wall or why I have a collection of vintage hand mirrors on another wall. I feel very alone in my world sometimes and think I could sit and have a wonderful conversation with you for hours and that you’d “get me,” ha ha! I especially loved when you’d said in this post, “displayed the ones I find most vocal when it comes to calling my creativity to come and play.” I always say I like walking through certain antique stores, vintage fairs, etc. because they inspire me to be creative and give me inspiration to which most people look at me like I’m crazy! Thank you for confirming I’m not the only one out there like me ?!

    37. Cheryl

      Is there a reason we can’t see the whole view like the one you gave us of the before picture? Just wondering, looks beautiful!

    38. Jenn Anderson

      I enjoyed this tour and seeing your new studio. It looks like your space now and I know it will even more as you continue to tweak it. Liked seeing those two little landscape paintings on your chalkboard. I will enjoy seeing how you transform this house and make it yours!

    39. Deborah J

      Such a beautiful and peaceful space. It looks like a place I’d love to spend my days.

    40. Cathy

      Hi Marian,

      Love the new pieces from Lucketts! This is really coming together.

      Let me recommend that you add your French doors as pocket doors. This can be done without digging into the wall by simple adding some minor framing and drywall to make a new false little pocket for them to slide into. We added built in cabinetry so I don’t know exactly how many inches this took out of our library width but not having to allow the floor space for the swing of the doors was a game changer in our layout. And there is fantastic antique hardware that you can find -side pulls and decorative plates – so fun!

      With best regards,
      Cathy

      • Molly

        Cathy,
        Never thought of pocket doors with false pockets! Great idea. I have old wooden, glass window pane French doors from my Grandmother’s little Cottage. Those doors have been sitting in my garage for years. Now I know how to use them.
        Love everyone’s input!

      • Kim

        Yes, an ingenious idea, the “faux” pocket door framing! I’m going to put that in my possibilities file!

    41. Shari

      Marian, I look forward to your posts each day. Thank you for the inspiration. Please don’t waste your energy on second guessing your decision to buy this house. It will become yours with putty and paint and all the wonderful touches you add. It can be overwhelming, take a deep breath. The house has lovely bones and you know how to make the changes to bring it into the 21st century. Once you have the rooms all painted fresh, lighting fixtures and window treatments picked out, it will start feeling like your home. The fun part is sometimes reimagining our pieces for a room or purpose we didn’t originally think of. I sometimes try to recreate something that worked well in a previous house and find it doesn’t work in a new space. I really like your use of the formal living room as your studio! I see a large, dark oak mission style desk sitting in that window…enjoy the possibilities.

    42. Donna

      Just gorgeous!

    43. DWF

      I recommend a sun tunnel skylight. Cheap and easy to install. A couple of those along with some can lights will totally transform the light.

    44. Terry

      Beautiful, of course I would not expect anything less. I do hope someday when you are bored (ha ha) you will strip the Ekster cabinet. I bet it is so beautiful under that white and would love to hear “your” process.

    45. Kim

      Everything is coming right along!

    46. Janet

      I was just wondering if the tree in front of your house blocks the light from coming in to your studio? Could you trim it or cut it down to get more light?

    47. Liz Hall

      Marian & anyone else with recessed lights or any kind of lighting fixture add LED Daylight bulbs 5,000 kelvin. This is the truest daylight bulb for representing true colors accurately. If you like a warmer light for working at your desk put a warmer bulb in for that particular use. I’m an artist & I use them-the company we used for our house sale photography recommends them to all their clients as they give the truest color rendition of your wall paint, furniture & wood tones. They don’t give off heat & can easily be switched out when u sell your house. They also make everything easier to read. ❤️

    48. Stacey

      I lived in an old house years ago that had outward swinging French doors leading to the garden, which was lovely. But I couldn’t leave them open without risking an invasion of mosquitoes or the escape of an inside cat. So we furred out the wall on the inside to create space for pocket screen doors. We lost about six inches of space the whole length of the wall but that was better than leaving swing space for traditional doors.
      I was left with a beautiful breezy view, safe cats and no bugs. ?

    49. Teresa Cunningham

      I’m always amazed at how quickly you seem to make a place your own. Have you considered can lights? They might not fit your esthetic but they are miracle workers for light.

    50. Kelly

      It always amazes me how putting my things into a space instantly makes it feel better. My new studio is smaller than my old one but I’ve learned to keep arranging and playing until it feels good and functions well. I always say I love form AND function… but if I can’t have both I will always choose beautiful and suffer with a little dysfunction… 😉 I love seeing you make a home your own and the way you stay true to the things you love.

    Hello!

    Marian Parsons - Miss Mustard Seed

    I’m Marian, aka Miss Mustard Seed, a wife, mother, paint enthusiast, lover of all things home and an entrepreneur, author, artist, designer, freelance writer & photographer.  READ MORE to learn more about me, my blog and my business…

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