How much can two creative people cram into a smallish room that contains all of their stuff?
Answer: A lot.
I put the work table together yesterday. Then I did some reconfiguring. Space is always at a premium and the addition of the Boston fern (the office is its winter quarters) doesn’t help. I went in there this morning and I have to say I’m excited about the new U-shaped work zone.
Now I can paint on the table in the foreground (where the dollhouse was) and construct on the work table.
Note large fern, beachballs from Escape to Margaritaville, and toilet paper and paper towels.
This room has everything.
On the other side of the table: 6 guitars, 2 ukeleles, and a mandolin, camera equipment, the French cabinet (which holds miniatures) and houseplants.
I’m not even showing the big old reading chair, side table, Don’s desk, the printer, etc.
And this a small room.
We’ve had this vintage yellow kitchen stool for years. We ran out of room for it in the kitchen, so it’s been stashed in the closet in the den. Actually, it was while I was wondering if the stool would look good in the bathroom (it wouldn’t) that I started to think about using it somewhere and from that thought moved on to the idea of a taller work table. Don brought it upstairs yesterday and I wrestled with a configuration that could include both my desk chair and this taller chair/stool. Much to my delight, the stool fit nicely under the white table (formerly my sewing table.)
Happy camper. Trying to work on the dollhouse while sitting at the white table, having to lean to the side to look/work on the rooms on the lower floor resulted in back pain the next day. So happy to have this new addition.
Stay safe.
Happy Monday.
perfect!
happy monday to you, don and everyone else.
stay safe!
kathy in iowa
also, now i have something else to search for online … a vintage scotch tape display unit like the one you have above your desk. :) and thank you for more inspiration!
We found that in the Berkshires. I really love it.
Stay safe, Kathy!
What am I missing that I’ve gone back twice to look at these photos and I don’t see a vintage scotch tape dispenser; has my vision gotten THAT bad?
Also, what is the door the fern is blocking; is that a closet or a door to a bathroom??? Just try’in to get down the layout! (I’ve always liked that hallway nook where at one time you had the sewing machine, Claudia; and I think there’s a little window in that nook, right?)
hej, vicki! :)
it’s in the bottom photo … on the wall right below the pretty blue shelf with the adorable sheep, just above the chair with that cute upholstery work. looks like an old store display piece that would hang on a wall and hold maybe a dozen rolls of tape.
hope you are feeling better about mama cat and mama’s boy. glad boy did a bit of nibbling at least and you saw that, also that he has a pal. thanks for caring about them, caring for them.
hope you and your husband and your big hearts are having an easier day and stay safe!
kathy in iowa
hi kathy; thanks for pointing out the tape rack! (and your kind comments about the kitty; I sure miss Mama)
you continue to stay safe, too; it’s a dangerous world out there right now with the Covid escalation although I hope you have immunity since you’ve already been stricken
Closet. The fern isn’t blocking it, however. It’s just next to it.
There’s a window at the top of the stairs and a skylight over the nook.
xo
Great use of space! Is that Jackson Browne gracing the cover of the guitar magazine? He is my favorite singer/songwriter. Has been since I was 15 years old. Happy Monday!
I’m not sure if it’s him – I’ll look next time I’m up there.
Stay safe, April!
You give me hope! Since downsizing, I have been flummoxed as to how to recreate some/any version of creative space that was previously a fourth bedroom that here, is just a small area off the family room. I know that eventually I will figure something out, but seeing your space and your fun “stuff” motivates me to get back on task.
And let’s face it, having a designated area in which we can experiment, craft and create is a good part of the process. Since my space is a bit of an open area, I perhaps can’t be quite as flamboyant with all I displayed before. Yet whatever I can figure out, would do this gal much good after this year of way-too much marking time.
A side note: Finally my turn in line for Louise P.’s latest Gamache from local library and as always, enjoyed reacquainting w/ characters etc. I did question some of the action and story line as just a tad unbelievable but then reminded myself it is after all, fiction. It did serve as a means to get son and daughter and families back to Canada allowing us to look forward to future goings-on in Quebec and Three Pines along with all those personalities we missed this go.
It will really help you, trust me. You need a space to create!
Stay safe, Chris.
It’s looking well organized up there. The work table is a great idea.
I watched a series on HBO called The Plot Against America. It is based on a book by Phillip Roth.
The premise is what would have happened in America if Lindbergh had won the Presidency instead of FDR. There are similarities with what is happening now.
Anyway, what I wanted to tell you is that there is a room in the main characters’ house that looks just like the wallpaper in your dollhouse! The colors might be different but same design. That’s my life these days, getting excited by wallpaper. Lol!
Stay safe.
Interesting! Lindbergh’s politics were scary.
As far as wallpaper goes – mine, too!
Stay safe, Marilyn.
I think while living in a small space is a challenge its also a way to make sure everything you own has a purpose, even if it’s just to be beautiful! Hugs!
Good point, Linda!
Stay safe!
So wonderful when seemingly small things make big differences. Your taller table and the stool that fits just right are two great examples! A lovely space in which to create so many things!
We have a pretty sunny, but colder, day here today. Up to 3 in of snow tomorrow morning. ugh. And it begins…. We have accomplished several things today, which is nice. Next up is to clean the refrigerator. Tomorrow is trash day. No one here for Thxgvg, but still some extra foods that will produce leftovers after Thursday. Hope your day is progressing peacefully!
It’s cold here today – it rained all night and today? Wind and sun and clouds.
Sorry about the snow! Darn it!
We’re still waiting for the dumpster to get picked up. Looks like it will be tomorrow instead of today.
Stay safe, Chris.
Claudia, your studio space looks great! I can feel the creativity simmering beneath the surface, just waiting to unleash. It looks much brighter too.
Well, I brightened the photos a little as that space doesn’t get full light until late afternoon.
But, I’m real happy with it.
Stay safe, Leslie!
What a feeling of accomplishment; you’re all set for winter work now!
I’m always pretty impressed of how you’ve got a lot of stuff in a small house but you have homes for everything and they’re neatly corralled. If you don’t do that, a small home can get junky and cluttered really fast. I speak of what I know; my bad.
I don’t mind a little clutter but lots? No can do!
Stay safe, Vicki.
You sure did pack a lot into the room…and it’s all so organized. I think that table Don presented to you, is a great addition. No more back aches…yay!
It was nice out today…but snow, followed by rain tomorrow. Oh joy…it’s starting whether we want it or not. Stay safe! ;)
Did you get snow, Donna? I hope it wasn’t too much!
Stay safe.
Yes…looks to be just shy of 2 inches. It’s melting right now, going to rain later. Good day to stay inside. ;)
xo
So much to love in your creative space! The turquoise shelf with obligatory lambs. The party sheep print. Little drawers to keep you organized. Greenery. The slipcover on your desk chair. Music in waiting. And a wonderful guy to share it with!
Stay well and happy, Claudia.
Thanks so much, Roxie!
Stay safe.
I love seeing people’s work spaces and this looks like a good one with very nice light! The new island looks like a hit. I like the lower shelf, too. I think Rick and I would have trouble sharing an office so I admire you two for that!
Nearly done with round one of organizing mine. That was the first toss. Now I live with it for a bit and see what happens next. I hope it turns out as well as yours!
Truth be told, we’re rarely in the office at the same time. I use it much more than Don does.
Stay safe, Jeanie.
Claudia – I’m sure you have posted somewhere about the metal work tables – but I have missed it. They are perfect. Where did you get them from? Thanks.
The table in the studio was a gift from Don for my birthday. I believe he got it from a restaurant supply shop online. Fast delivery, as well.
Stay safe, Susan.
Claudia – thanks.
That is brilliant. We have a restaurant supplier near by – will check it out. Have also been checking furniture consignment stores which is my favorite. Take good care.
The one in our kitchen was found in an antique shop.
But the one in the office is a new buy.
Good luck!