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Sugar Lump Studios

Art by Nancy Maxwell James

{My New Sunroom Studio}

April 27, 2009

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.

Filed in: storage, studio • by Sugar Lump Studios • 50 Comments

About Sugar Lump Studios

I am a dabbler. I love to create using all sorts of mediums...pattern papers, stamping, fabric, assemblage, collage, altered art, a never ending smattering of whatever strikes my fancy in whimsical moments. I find creating allows my soul to be fulfilled and love to spend hours in the studio.

Comments

  1. Anne

    April 27, 2009 at 9:52 am

    Hi, Nancy! I love love LOVE your new sunroom studio! How cool to be in a sunroom with lots of natural light! And I completely understand about having your crafting space close to the "hub" of the house! Thanks for all the yummy pictures! I feel like I've come for a visit! :-)

    Reply
  2. Nicole K/GothamGal

    April 27, 2009 at 10:32 am

    Wow! Your new created space is lovely and inspiring. Very nice, and I think you chose some options to make it even bigger. LOVELY!

    Reply
  3. Rein

    April 27, 2009 at 10:58 am

    Wow Nancy,
    What a wonderful space! ♥

    Reply
  4. ScrappyPam

    April 27, 2009 at 11:06 am

    Nancy, your new space looks fantastic!! Come do mine!!!

    Reply
  5. AliMayes

    April 27, 2009 at 11:08 am

    We should all be so lucky to have such a small (!!!!) space to work in!
    Ali xx

    Reply
  6. Louise (KardKrazy)

    April 27, 2009 at 1:45 pm

    All your wonderful decorating touches make this such a warm and cozy area. You did a great job with it! I love that the dog has a bed in it, too:)

    Reply
  7. IsaNorris

    April 27, 2009 at 4:22 pm

    BEAUTIFUL Nancy !! love the studio! really enjoyed looking at those pictures
    hugs,
    isax

    Reply
  8. Ann

    April 27, 2009 at 6:08 pm

    What a lovely place to create art!! You have decorated and made the storage areas so inviting!!
    Oh,to have a space like that of my own!!!!!!!!!!!1 Someday……….if it ever comes around,I'm going to email you for advice!!
    Enjoy it…it's wonderful. And, thanks for sharing it!!

    Reply
  9. Dawn

    April 27, 2009 at 6:41 pm

    Nancy, your room turned out great, now you really have to keep it clean…LOL, I love all your accents and the colors etc… I know it's not a vintage color, but it works…WINK WINK!!!

    Reply
  10. Queen of Dreamsz

    April 27, 2009 at 8:41 pm

    I love the shelf unit with the attached desk..it has nice clean lines. You can always leave the overflow *which I bet you have* in the room where you used to create!

    It really looks nice and functional too. :0)

    Have a grand week,
    Stephanie

    Reply
  11. Phillane E'lee

    April 27, 2009 at 9:46 pm

    Love it. It is very pretty and airy. I will have to check out Ikea.
    Thanks,Pea

    Reply
  12. Femmy

    April 28, 2009 at 2:26 am

    love your new studio, wow, would love to have so much space to work in!!
    all so organised too!!!

    Reply
  13. Mimi

    April 28, 2009 at 1:29 pm

    What a lovely place to create! I love it!

    Reply
  14. Gunnels blog

    April 29, 2009 at 2:30 pm

    Such a beautiful studio ! I would love to create there!

    Reply
  15. audrey h.

    April 29, 2009 at 4:35 pm

    Nancy…your studio is magnificent. It is no nice and neat. Mine looks nowhere that neat even on it's cleanest day. I am so jealous. I love all of your art in different places. It all looks great :)

    Reply
  16. lorhen82

    April 29, 2009 at 9:03 pm

    Nancy, you have a great studio and some really cool stuff! I love the vintage typewriter!!! One of these days I'll get my studio fixed up…

    Reply
  17. Alexandra Knittel

    April 30, 2009 at 3:35 am

    Your studio is fantastic Nancy

    Reply
  18. Beverly

    April 30, 2009 at 9:05 am

    I love your new space, Nancy. It looks fantastic!

    Reply
  19. Jacqueline

    May 2, 2009 at 1:03 am

    This turned out beautifully! I so love the harvest brown coloured walls! Must be a delight to work in there! Congrats!

    Reply
  20. Bevlea

    May 2, 2009 at 5:50 pm

    What a gorgeous space to create in Nancy… just love it….

    Reply
  21. From Nancys Heart

    May 3, 2009 at 5:37 pm

    Nancy,
    You have given me inspiration.
    I've been sitting, idle, in making a craft room for myself out of an extra bedroom. I don't know where to start and then I end up just too overwhelmed. But I do love the Ikea shelves and at least am starting to take measurements! :D
    I wish you great creativity in your room!
    My best,
    Nancy

    Reply
  22. Jann

    May 5, 2009 at 8:57 am

    It is a wonderful place to create, Nancy–you've done such a nice job with your studio sunroom!

    Reply
  23. gabriellebogue

    May 5, 2009 at 11:14 am

    Your studio looks really tidy. I saw that you have lots of storage baskets. I really like them. I need 3-4 storage baskets and i think i'm going to buy from Ballard Designs. They've quality alternatives.

    Reply
  24. Sandy

    May 6, 2009 at 12:22 am

    I couldn't be more JEALOUS! WOW!

    Reply
  25. Penny

    May 7, 2009 at 1:10 am

    This is so beautiful, I LOVE the way you have displayed treasures around your space. I am with you on being away from the hub – my craft room is upstairs at the moment and I am not able to cook and do other things at the same time so I am looking forward to being back in the living room in our new home :)

    Reply
  26. Cathy

    May 31, 2009 at 8:00 am

    OMG! Nancy, your sunroom is so gorgeous! You nailed it, girlfriend, and I love it. It is so, well, "You!" It's like a beautiful canvas on which you've created yet another fabulous masterpiece. What issue of Somerset Studio will this be feature in? LOL! I definately want a copy!!!

    Reply
  27. Lynn Stevens

    June 19, 2009 at 8:58 pm

    Oh your new space is georgous, wanna come do mine? LOL

    Reply
  28. Studio Sylvia

    June 21, 2009 at 1:32 am

    Nancy,
    Your studio looks great.Very organised. Well done! I have done the reverse. Gone from a cramped enclosed verandah to the spare bedroom, only two desks in place but all wil happen in good time. Greetings fromMelbourne, Australia.

    Reply
  29. Lisa Renéa

    July 16, 2009 at 8:51 am

    Nancy, this will sound crazy-I always hesitate before dropping by your blog. I know when I arrive, I'll spend way too much time drooling over your creations. I tell ya, it's better than a magazine! Thank you for sharing your Sunroom Studio! It's lovely!
    A feast for the eyes!

    Reply
  30. Rachel

    July 23, 2009 at 11:55 pm

    What a great space! The light in that area will be so great, and I love you have spots for your kitties to join you! Mine usually find their spot right in the middle of whatever i am working on!!

    Reply
  31. Sylvie :)

    July 24, 2009 at 1:43 am

    What a great room you have Nancy !!! I really love the style ! I understand you have wonderful idea for stamping with a place like that ;o)))

    Reply
  32. Linda K.

    July 24, 2009 at 5:04 am

    Love the Longeberger baskets. Beautiful place to create.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  33. alteredstatesstudio

    July 24, 2009 at 6:48 am

    i love your new space!! your details are perfect- such a nice mix of family, inspiration, and creative goods!

    Kristin

    Reply
  34. Sonia ~ Vintage Rose Designs

    July 24, 2009 at 7:07 am

    Lovely space with all the artwork and vintage details.
    Sonia

    Reply
  35. The Chateau of Remnants

    July 24, 2009 at 11:24 am

    I am really getting more ideas, with every blog I visit..lol Now, I can fill mine up more! Thanks for Sharing you Creative Space.

    {ttfn}
    Renee

    Reply
  36. Gypsy Mermaid

    July 24, 2009 at 11:27 am

    Hey Chickadee!
    Luv it! love the type writer!!
    Big mermaid hugs

    toodles-
    sarah

    Reply
  37. zandra

    July 24, 2009 at 12:13 pm

    Wow! So glad you joined the party so I could find you! Such a great space! Thanks, for sharing. Hugz, Z

    Reply
  38. Jan (J.T.) Thomason

    July 24, 2009 at 12:47 pm

    Loved your studio!
    i just wrote a long comment and lost it trying to get it to be accepted so will keep this one short and try again.

    your studio and your work is lovely,
    jan thomason

    Reply
  39. Jane

    July 24, 2009 at 1:05 pm

    What a great space….to be right in the hub of the home. I especially enjoyed viewing the treasures that are near and dear to you….your Dad's old typewriter is a real treasure. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  40. Debra

    July 24, 2009 at 1:08 pm

    Great space and love the sweet spot for your furry companion. I love birds and collect figures of them so I immediately was drawn to the cages, birdhouse, etc. Lovely!

    Reply
  41. Sandy Michelle

    July 24, 2009 at 3:58 pm

    What a warm and inspirational art room!

    Reply
  42. Brynwood Needleworks

    July 24, 2009 at 4:42 pm

    Thanks for the inspiration. You've got a really great space…and the hub of the house is always nice! Hope you get a chance to stop by and visit me, too!
    Hugs,
    Donna

    Reply
  43. NicNacManiac

    July 25, 2009 at 8:09 pm

    Fabulous room…love that it is the hub and you can create while still being part of the family!! Wonderful vintage treasures!!

    Reply
  44. cindy

    July 26, 2009 at 9:44 pm

    It's a great space! I especially love the old typewriter!

    -c
    yapping cat

    Reply
  45. Miss Sandy

    July 27, 2009 at 7:15 pm

    Wonderful space! I love the assemblage displayed with your father's photo! Thank you for sharing where you create.

    Reply
  46. Molly Alexander

    July 28, 2009 at 10:14 pm

    What a great space! The lighting is perfect and your storage is awesome! I just love the vignette with your Dad & his typewriter. Thanks so much for sharing!

    :-) Molly

    Reply
  47. paperbird

    July 28, 2009 at 11:16 pm

    What a fun creative space and so neat and tidy. The old typewriter is wonderful. Thank you for letting me visit

    Reply
  48. June

    July 31, 2009 at 8:15 pm

    Such a lovely place to create beautiful art. So many pretty things to look at.
    Smiles,
    June

    Reply
  49. BellaRosa

    August 5, 2009 at 5:41 pm

    Nancy, what a wonderful studio, everything looks so nicely put together and calm, nothing like the chaos that is my studio right now :) if I can get my studio 1 tenth as organized as yours I will be a happy duck :) I also love how light and airy it looks, you must have a wonderful time creating your beautiful pieces. Rose

    Reply
  50. BellaRosa

    August 5, 2009 at 6:07 pm

    Nancy one more thing, I really love the color of your studio and I saw that you gave the name of the paint color, but I was wondering if you could please let me know the brand. If you look at the pictures of my lil bebe studio you can see that the color I have looks washed out in pictures, in person it is a pretty taupe color but my mouldings are painted white and everything seems to blend in. Here is the link for my studio. If you could help, I would really appreciate it :) http://my-bella-rosa.blogspot.com/2009/06/my-bebe-studio.html

    Please let me know if the link doesn't work. Thank you again, Rose

    Reply

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