Inside the Studio | Redesigning my art space

Last month, inside my monthly notes to my email community I shared that one of my goals this year was to revamp (eh- hem, aka *clean*) my art studio. We added onto the back of our house about 4 years ago and this little studio was one of the big projects. Since then it’s pretty much stayed the way it's been since we finished and I’m getting the itch to reorganize and rearrange to create a more inspiring space every time I come into work here.

I thought it’d be fun to show you around and get a glimpse at where I’ve been creating from. We’ll call this the beginning phase or the “before”, so to speak, so you know what I’m working with as I clean it up and redesign it. In the following months I’ll share updates and direction on what I’m going for and I’d love your input as I share on Instagram too. My hope is to give you more of a peek behind the curtain so that you may feel welcomed in to see where this small shop of mine brings beauty to life.

As I think about how I’ll rearrange and clean it up, these words come to mind that I want to stick with: clean, bright, warm, cozy, inspiring, organized.

For now, here’s a few ways I like to keep the studio cozy to help me get work done.

Inspiring tunes:

If you didn’t know this about me already, I love a good playlist. And listening to one that gets me in a good and creative mood is always a must. Although my music mood can change depending on the day and how I’m feeling. Like, one day I’ll be humming along with Ella Fitzgerald crooning as I paint and the next I’m singing and dancing with T-swift or Bieber with a smile on my face–not ashamed. Yes my music taste has a big range and I’m quite proud of that, thank you! ;) haha Anyways, there’s something about putting on good tunes in the background that helps set the tone of the moment and gets me focused on what I need to get done. I shared a favorite playlist at the bottom so you can follow along and listen too.

Feel good smells:

I’m all about creating an environment that stimulates all the senses in a cozy and calm way. Smelling something fresh and nostalgic as I paint helps bring calm to my working time and gets the creative juices flowing. I go back and forth between a seasonal candle I’m loving or diffusing oils that I need.

An organized planner:

I’ve used a lot of planners over the years–and need them to help keep me on track. As many times as I’ve tried to stick with a digital planner, there's something about the tangible writing in one that helps me remember and get it done better. I use this one I created currently in my studio for keeping all my projects together and in order.

coley kuyper art desk

So, Here’s a peek at my little desk where I create from with the bright window next to me surrounded by artwork from my kids and messes I’ve put off for months. Come back next month to see the progress as I start to tackle this project. In the meantime, follow along on Instagram when I share more peeks and ask you for feedback.

In the meantime, enjoy this playlist to bring some calm to your day.