I talk about designing rooms people love, but did you know I have a creative studio in my home that keeps me energized and inspired. My creative sewing/craft rooms have run the gamut from sewing on the dining room table, to storing things in a guest room closet and then several years in our hot unfinished attic. When my Mom suggested we finish our basement and make it into a design studio, well I was all over it!

Why not make a space in your home where you can soak in some time alone and get imaginative? Here’s how you can optimize your creative workspace or studio for ultimate inspiration. What I’ve found is that the secret to getting work done lies in our environment. Now go “shop” your house and gather some items to put into your new creative space, and make a date with yourself to get creative:

• Designate a spot: It could be a desk in a bedroom, some space in the laundry room, or a guest room transformed into your creative haven, make sure you have space to spread out some ideas.
• Get cluttered: I think clutter makes you more creative. Get out those paint swatches, favorite craft supplies and photos laid out in dis-order. So, go ahead and make a little mess!
• The right lighting: Make sure you have plenty of lighting so you can illuminate your work and do some close work with task lighting.
• Make the furniture work double time: First is the height of the table is important. Cutting tables should be higher to ease back pain. Watch your chair height to make sure you are not slouched.
• Make it cozy: Since you plan on spending a lot of time in your workspace, you should ensure that it’s as convenient and comfortable as possible. If you have the space, always try to add one comfy spot for you to read, hand sew or just relax. I love my big comfy steampunk arm-chair,
•  Be social: While you may be efficient while working alone, studies show that bouncing ideas off others or working as a team can produce better results. So next time you’re in a creative rut just call a friend. I like to invite friends over to work on projects, sometimes they just bring their own handwork and we sew together.
• Get personal: Put up your old paintings, photos of your family and friends, an old needlepoint, collage pictures and more. Remind yourself that you are creative and loved for it.
• Grow inspired: Fill your space with inspiration: make an inspiration board. As you find an image or item that sparks inspiration in you, tack it to this board. After a while, you’ll have something unique and absolutely inspiring to look at.
• Organize for aesthetics:  I have antique cabinets, old thread display hanger, mug holder and a library card catalog to store many of my creative supplies. Upcycling items around the house is a fun and inexpensive way to organize your supplies.
• Take a break spot: Put a tea pot, water kettle, tea bags and sugar on a wonderful tray.  Store some of your favorite snacks so you can take a break and relax. Open the windows for fresh air. Taking regular breaks helps you stay on track. So, make a little corner in your workspace reserved for doing just that — stock it with plenty of snacks so that you can spend lots of undisturbed hours there. If you’ve ever tried to get work done while hangry, you know what we’re talking about. Stuck on a project? Relax, have a cup of tea, meditate, read a book or take a catnap, whatever helps you get your creative juices flowing again.

Enjoy your own creative space!  Jonelle'