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Whether you paint, sculpt, illustrate or specialize in another type of art, an art studio provides a place to work in solitude, store your supplies and display your work. While some artists may work in warehouses, lofts or office buildings, you can create an art studio in your home. Below are several art studios to provide inspiration, along with tips for creating the type of workspace that will stimulate your imagination and inspire you to create your best work.
Location
Location may be your most important choice. Image: LightFieldStudios./Getty Images
Your first and most important decision is determining where to place your art studio. An attic or an unused room in your home would be an excellent choice. A basement with sufficient sunlight is also a good option. If you don’t use your garage, consider transforming it into an art studio. Or you have enough space on your property to build or buy a small shed, this type of structure is ideal.
Color
White is a popular color, but yellow can stimulate creativity. Image: AlexD75/Getty Images
The color(s) of your studio will depend on your preferences. Art studios are often white, but Mary Kay Liston, president of Five Star Painting, recommends adding a pop of color. “If your paint colors consist of white, white and more white, you’ll create a sterilized feeling,” she says.
Liston recommends the color yellow. “This is often considered the cheeriest of colors. Yellow denotes a fun-loving, happy vibe,” she says. But there’s another reason to consider this color. “Yellow stimulates the logical side of the brain, creates mental clarity and helps inspire imaginative thinking,” Liston explains.
If you decide to go with a traditional white art studio, she says you can add pops of color through accessories.
Lighting
Art studios need natural light. Image: LightFieldStudios/Getty Images
Ideally, art studios will be designed so plenty of natural light is streaming in during the day. “Lighting is key to reading color correctly and anyone who has worked in art or design knows a piece can read completely differently in one space versus another because of lighting,” says Austin, Texas-based interior designer Stacy Murphy. “Your decorative ceiling fixtures or table lamps could turn the color medium you are working with either too warm or too cool, which is why natural daylight is truly your best friend in a creative working space. It’s also great for your wellbeing; you’ll be more creative if you’re connected to natural elements.”
Workspace
You can never have too much space. Image: ondatra-m/Getty Images
While a small studio is fine, don’t underestimate the value of plenty of space. This will allow you to transition from one area to the next without worrying about accidentally knocking over your easel or stepping on artwork or supplies. “Also, you should get a comfortable chair or stool that is height adjustable so you can alternate between standing or sitting heights, depending on what type of art you are creating,” advises Murphy.
Place for Materials
Keep supplies organized and easily accessible. Image: Hero Images/Getty Images
“Make sure you have an appropriate storage system to keep your supplies neat and organized,” advises Murphy. “IKEA hacks are a great way to get a chic supply storage system for less.” Depending on your type of art, you need a place to store paint, paint brushes and other supplies. Being organized helps you work more efficiently – and hide clutter.
Ventilation
Windows need to be easily opened for ventilation. Image: Tetra Images/Getty Images
Proper ventilation will ensure that you don’t pass out from the fumes in paint, ink, glue, cleaning fluids and other chemicals. The art studio pictured above has a folding glass wall/door system that can create a completely open space in one corner of the room.
Durable Materials
Assume everything could be subject to paint splatters. Image: Monkeybusinessimages/Getty Images
When choosing materials for art studios, make sure that everything is durable and easy to clean – or include well-used items and objects that you don’t mind soiling. The paint splatters on these floors can actually add character. However, if you would prefer not to add character to your floor, consider vinyl or laminate flooring, both of which are easy to clean. As a bonus, the cushion in the underlayment can help ease the pain in your feet or legs from standing all day.
Liston also recommends using paint with a satin finish in your art studio. “A satin finish reflects light for an elegant look,” she says. “Walls can be easily wiped clean and withstand exposure to moisture, making it a top choice for your craft room if things get messy.”
Cleanup Area
Clean up before you leave the studio. Image: Inti St Clair/Getty Images
Because art studios can indeed get messy, consider installing a sink so you can clean your supplies and work area and wash the paint, chemicals, dust and other matter off of yourself before returning to your living area.
Inspiration
Display your artwork in the studio. Image: ADA_Photo/Getty Images
Your art studio should also provide the inspiration to create your best work. “You want your at-home art studio to make you feel transported,” Murphy says. “Dreaming of being a painter in Paris? Pin up some photos that make you feel like you’re there. This space is all about you and your craft, so make a place where you can do you and be you,” she says.