Over the past month, I have been slowly moving my current studio area into a smaller space located in our sunroom. For the past 3 years, my studio was located in the spare bedroom located at the opposite end of the house. It was “away from the hub” and was becoming increasingly difficult to watch the dog while she was outside, and focus on tasks in the kitchen. I had to give up many things by relocating the space. Mainly, a huge area of hanging shelves and closet space and also being able to shut the door on the huge messes I create.

We started out by painting the room “Harvest Brown” a good neutral since the room can be seen from the kitchen. The lighting is fantastic since it comes in from the doorwall and two little side windows. The sunroom is fairly small (about 8 feet x 12 feet). We purchased an Ikea Expedit Bookcase in the 4 x 4 style. It is the best purchase I have EVER made. We also selected the fold out desk so I would have more workspace (sewing area). This little nook also houses our dog Hailey’s dog bed underneath.

My biggest issue was storage since I lost my large bookshelves. We also purchased the storage drawers that are accessorie to the Expedit. I have a large collection of Longaberger baskets (from my consultant days) and I purchased many storage boxes for photos, ephemera.

We also purchased this workspace desk from Ikea which has a wonderfully long area to work on. The sides have extra storage for larger items (Cricut) and I was able to store all my stamps in drawers underneath. I really think that a skirt would be nice to hide what is underneath.

I found two memo boards at one of my local department stores and hung them over the sewing space. I will be filling them with various pictures and pieces from friends.
This area also holds a paper rack for some of my papers and the baskets hold a huge collection of family photos and mementos. Eventually I will purchase special boxes for these to go into.

The little birdhouse shelf had been in the sunroom and I love the whimisical look of it. It is my photography area as I always use the top shelf when photographing items.
It also holds my scrap papers (bottom basket), ephemera, ribbons etc. I know this shelf will be constantly changing.

The white wicker chairs were also originally in the sunroom, and are a welcome place for my two kitties to sleep when I am creating. Between the chairs is the little nightstand I bought a few weeks back which is stocked with all sorts of supplies.
To the left is another smaller Ikea Expedit bookcase with drawer inserts (I LOVE those things). It has our wireless printer on top. I plan to hang a 16 x 20 shadowbox of family heirlooms above it. Old family photos and a printers box hang on the wall.

I wanted to fill the area with items that are near and dear to me. The antique typewriter belonged to my Dad. It was a birthday gift to him many years ago as a teen. I displayed a piece featuring Dad that was published awhile back in Somerset Memories.

More items from around the house. The large trunk holds cards that I have completed.

Various special pieces are housed in the cubbies of the Expedit. Most of the boxes, containers, and baskets all have a functional purpose…STORAGE which we all need in our workspaces!

The bottom storage baskets hold magazines and completed projects. Another purchase from Ikea…I want more of them because they are so practical and hold a ton.

While my studio is a small little nook and not a grand space, I am very happy that we made the move into the hub of the house. I can complete so many things around the house while items are drying. I also love the fact that my surroundingsare mementos from my family, past, and from art friends. This gives me so much inspiration.