Art Studio Makeover Plans and Inspiration

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Art Studio Makeover Plans and Inspiration

Designing a workable and attractive Art Studio has been at the top of my list this past year, and I’m happy to say we’re finally nearing the home stretch.  Organization and functionality is at the top of my list.  In my work as a professional designer, I use a lot of different supplies, and keeping them close at hand makes my work flow faster and more reliable.  And also more profitable.  I was raised by a professional organizer who always taught me that losing time looking for things comes at a cost.  

Art Studio Series

This is the first in a series of posts, so sign up for my email and be sure to check back to see all the updates and construction pictures!  But first let me say, Thank you to all of you who read my posts, have pinned my photos, and send links to friends!  I’ve enjoyed sharing my passion for artwork, and crafting with you and appreciate all you do to share it!!!!

 

Art Studio Organization Goals:

  • Place for Printer and 13x19inch paper
  • Place for 12×24 Cricut paper and Mats
  • Drawers for small art supplies and ceramic palettes
  • Charging drawer for ipad, pen, phone
  • 12×12 paper hanging file drawer
  • Sink with Shelves above
  • Place for filming videos and FB live

 

Art Studio Inspiration:

I’ve gathered a bunch of inspiration for my art studio space from all over.  My friend Tara Rose has the most beautiful cabinets installed in her office and mudroom and I had to go take pics so I could stop drooling over them at her house all day long.  She had her cabinets custom built by Black Ridge Customs, and they are swoon worthy.  And there’s even a hidden printer drawer!!!!  Be still my heart I was so excited.

Here are a few more pics from me stalking their Instagram!

 

 

I loved that this desk had a small shallow top drawer on the side – since this is what I haven’t been able to find except in my temporary Ikea set up.  

And check out the level of detail on these bunks!  I’m a sucker for quality AND good design, and that little desk and book shelf in between the bunks has me ready to move in.

 

 

This next image shows some beautiful upper cabinets with shelves above, which I would also love to do, but I can’t decide yet where I want to paint, and how upper cabinets would work into the studio space.  I need ALLLLL the counter space as you all probably know by now.  And I love that board and batten detail on the wall behind the computer screen.

 

Art Studio Design Board featured by Natalie Malan Surface Designer and Illustrator in Utah lights furniture sink organization

 

To do List:

  • Contact Black Ridge Customs
  • Order Sink Faucet
  • Choose Flooring
  • Add Printer Outlet
  • Design Desk Cabinets
  • Order french door handles
  • Narrow down lighting options and finishes – contact interior design friends???

 

What do you need for an art studio?

 

Waterproof Studio Flooring

I know that I need a place where the floor can get dirty, but is also easy to clean up.  I’ve had my eye on some waterproof flooring, and one even has the look of a herringbone but without the worry of my kids leaving something dripping on the floor over night.  I’m somewhat tempted to seal my concrete floors, but my studio space adjoins my family room/workshop space with french doors, and I feel like the different levels might start getting weird.

 

Clean WHITE Lighting

I also know I need good white lighting to film illustration and surface design videos and craft projects, so I know I want tables facing the two large windows.  I’ve been on the hunt for THE best lighting and I’m happy to say that I think my friend finally found it for me!  That will have to be a post all on it’s own though so be sure to keep checking back on the blog!  I’m SUPER excited about it BECAUSE you can install it into can lights or lights that you already have, so I won’t have to be tripping all over extra soft boxes and cords  every time I want to film, or constantly be resetting my white balance.

 

Camera Mounts

I also wanted ceiling camera mounts.  You can find that post here; I’ve already got those installed, and you can take a sneak peek at my temporary filming set up while things are under construction.  I’m definitely taking my time with this project.

Camera Ceiling Mount Best Tripod

 

Desktop Outlets

Even my electrician was making fun of how many outlets I put around my desk.  He’s going to laugh when I tell him I still need two more!  I currently have 7, and if I can get my printer into a custom drawer I will need one more in the large space where it will go.  I put one plug behind my left hand drawer to charge my ipad pro, my beats and my phone.

 

Comfy Desk Chair

My best friend bought this chair, and I love it.  It’s even got a bar on the back to keep my throw blanket (because if you’ve been around here very long you know I get COLD when I work), and my favorite painting apron.  I also have another chair that I love but it’s not sold online or stocked in store.

 

 

Find my Art Studio Pin Board here

 

The Perfect Art Studio

The perfect art studio in my mind is also one with a sink!  My friend Jenn came by to help me space plan, and suggested a pretty sink from Pottery Barn.  It was gorgeous and I couldn’t get it out of my head.  It got me thinking, and I searched high and low for a pretty sink that would be functional and yet still within my budget.  I should mention that my husband’s budget for a sink was $0.00.  But I kept looking.

 

Art Studio Design Board featured by Natalie Malan Surface Designer and Illustrator in Utah lights furniture sink organization

 

I wanted something similar to this style, but this sink didn’t have any storage.  At all.   I liked the clean lines, and the traditional look of the sink though.  I also liked that it was pretty small.

Art Studio Design Board featured by Natalie Malan Surface Designer and Illustrator in Utah lights furniture sink organization

 

Then I stumbled upon this little beauty.  The Aberdeen sink from Home Depot.  Not sponsored; I paid full price for my sink, but please note I’m adding affiliate links at no cost to you – which means if you purchase anything through them you are basically funding my gardening and art supply addictions. 

And I fell in love!!!!   It went on sale. And I didn’t order it.  And I waited for 8 months for it to go on sale again.  It never did.  Until 93 days after I bought it (tip – you can call and price adjust up until 90 days they said on the phone).  My studio sink is 30 inches, which for my space worked out perfectly.  You can see it in the side of most of my YouTube videos.

Art Studio Design Board featured by Natalie Malan Surface Designer and Illustrator in Utah lights furniture sink organization

 

I love that it has a drawer in it, and that is where I’m currently storing the kids’ painting smocks and extra paper towels, and paint cups.   And the bottom shelf is actually a board that lays on top of slats, so you can take it out if you prefer the look of the slats.

 

Art Studio Design Board featured by Natalie Malan Surface Designer and Illustrator in Utah lights furniture sink organization

 

Art Studio Inspiration

I keep debating these french gray blue cabinets, and love the texture of these floors – you can find all of these images on my Art Studio Ideas Pinterest Board – Come follow me there!  The texture of brick isn’t going to work for me with kids and paint though so that’s a dream for another day.

 

Art Studio Design Board featured by Natalie Malan Surface Designer and Illustrator in Utah lights furniture sink organization

 

I also love these pretty picture frame moldings on this inspo pic walls.  I can’t decide if I want to commit to trim work on the back wall or not though, so I’m keeping this in mind.

Art Studio Design Board featured by Natalie Malan Surface Designer and Illustrator in Utah lights furniture sink organization

 

But back to this first image; how do we feel about gold mixed with chrome?  Too trendy?  Or classic enough to work?  Let me know your opinion in the comments below!

 

Art Studio Design Board featured by Natalie Malan Surface Designer and Illustrator in Utah lights furniture sink organization

Best Wall colors for Art Studios

 

Wall Color for a Surface Designer or Illustrator

I believe this to be a deeply personal choice; it also depends on what kind of art work you are creating.  Illustrations?  Fine art paintings from life?  Still lifes?  Portrait painting?  Surface Design?  I create a wide variety of work in my studio, as does my husband David.  The color I picked for my walls was recommended to me by my photographer friend Lizzy Williams, and I’ve loved it ever since I painted it.  White can be especially hard to choose and shooting photos and videos make it even harder.  My art studio and also my craft room are painted Pure White by Sherwin Williams, and I’d do it again in a heart beat.  My craft room has already been 4 colors in the year we’ve lived here: Alabaster, Mountain Stream, White Dove, and now Pure White.  And Pure White by Sherwin Williams is the perfect color.  

Art Studio Design Board featured by Natalie Malan Surface Designer and Illustrator in Utah lights furniture sink organization

 

Wall Color for a Fine Artist or Digital Artist

David on the other hand, spends a lot of time creating work digitally and needed a color where light wasn’t bouncing around the room, so he chose SW Mountain Stream, and it’s worked perfectly in his space.  It’s also a good medium ground color for portraiture, and still lifes.  The flowers I grow in my garden look stunning in his space.  It has just enough green to give life to the subject in the room, but not enough to reflect onto it.

Art Studio Design Board featured by Natalie Malan Surface Designer and Illustrator in Utah lights furniture sink organization

 

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