Musician's Studio Before

One of my recent clients was a cello player who needed help getting her home studio together. This is how it looked when we first met. Check back soon for after pics!!

Reader's Questions: Inner Dimensions of Alex Drawer Unit

Jennifer asked about the interior dimensions of the Alex drawer unit. The overall dimensions are 26 3/8"W x 18 7/8"D x 26"H. The interior of drawers are approximately 23 1/2"W x 16 1/2"D x 2 1/2"D though the bottom 3 drawers are deeper. Hope this helps!!

Small Changes to Transform a Kid's Room

This family is in a furnished rental for a limited time and I'm mostly just helping them to feel at home while they're there, especially the kids.

There was talk about getting a new bed and switching out the bookshelves but I suggested some smaller (and less expensive) changes to start. I made the desk and the lamps using pieces from Ikea. I love the child size Panton chairs as do the kids but even more they love the Flor carpet tiles. I knew these would really make the biggest difference in the look and the feeling of the room. And the best part is all these pieces can easily go with them to their next space.

The books on the shelves came with the apt and since there's no where else to store them, I stacked them 2 deep so the kids can use the shelves below and arranged them by color so at least they look better...

Lists

Are you a list maker? I have a pretty bad memory so I cannot function without them. I have personal lists, work lists, and lists of things to do on the cover of each client notebook.  

The key is having limited amount of current lists (not a link, just wanted to accentuate this point). Having multiple ongoing lists is not the way. Cross things off on one list then when you've gone thru most of it, transfer what's left to a new list and toss the old so there aren't piles of half crossed out lists everywhere. 

"I have always lived my life by making lists—lists of people to call, lists of ideas, lists of companies to set up, lists of people who can make things happen. Each day I work through these lists, and that sequence of calls propels me forward." - Sir Richard Branson in 'Losing My Virginity; The Autobiography'.

Studio Office Progress

We added hooks and art in the tiny (but just enough) entrance. A custom mirror nests in the non-functional door frame. 


I especially like her art; not sure if you can read them...'Everyday I'm Hustlin' and 'We Have a Strategic Plan. It's Called Doing Things.'

Picture Break

Just a few pics from my inspiration file (I really need to label things better as I don't have credits). These inspire me in many ways; not just for the individual pieces but the mix of color, proportion, texture, materials. Not only for creating outfits of my own and fashion in general, but for interior spaces as well. 

Another Favorite Ikea Piece: Alex

crayons, markers, paints:

clay and art case:

puzzles and beads:

books: 

This 6-drawer unit on casters is available in a few different sizes. This one, short and wide is perfect for kids crafts and books. 


Right now it's in this client's open living/dining area so the books are no longer under their coffee table and the crafts aren't piled up on the window sil. We may decide to move it to the kids' room (which I'll show you soon) but wanted to try it out here first since the dining table is used for crafts. 


The kids were so cute when they came home and saw what we did! They thought everything was new (which nothing was) and couldn't wait to dig in...

Studio Office Progress

components in back cabinet:

component attached to back of cabinet:

bulletin boards: left unpainted, right painted

The placement of things is very important. With the entrance to the room on the right, the art wall is to the left so it's the first thing you see. It was hung with the intention for more art to be easily added. 


To the left, the 2 large bulletin boards are homasote (sound board) that come in a 4' x 8' sheet (get it at lowes), which I cut in half to make transporting and installing easier. I then painted it flat white so they almost disappear into the wall...

The cabinet underneath is a mere 8"D but 95"L, with sliding doors not only for easy access storage but a convenient hiding spot for the computer components . The section all the way in the back nearest the printer houses the smaller computer components (shown) as well as a large surge protector. There was one largest piece that I couldn't fit into the cabinet but desperately wanted hidden so I attached it to the back of the cabinet with velcro tape (second to last pic). The huge printer is now on a low rolling cart low.

This is a progress shot; the phones are still being worked so ignore the cords around the printer. The client had the rug so she's trying it for now to see how she likes it. The office chairs are on their way as well as a sofa.


Once it's all in, I'll get more pics!! In the meantime, for more details go here.

Studio Office Space After

Let's start out with the storage room. The 3 categories of what's in here has its place; office supplies, food and serving pieces, and personal items (aspirin, lotion, gum, etc). Muji's bins and drawers keep smaller things neat and within reach, and (of course) labeled to make finding and returning things easy. 

I added a hanging rod and though we hung a few hooks in the entry, those are more for guests. The white shelf unit underneath the rod was originally for the printer but it works better in here for time being. 

I moved the paper towel holder from above the sink to the right, now it's not so in your face. I also installed a shelf just above the marble as I know they'll be getting more dishes and they'll need the extra room.

Studio Office Space Before

before:

I don't normally do commercial spaces but when a long time client asked for my help setting up the office for her new company I was happy to help. 

This is the space right after she moved in. The desk was just purchased and there are new chairs on the way. We needed to figure out the floor plan, art placement, storage, and of course making the most out of the storage room... We bounced around some ideas, I took some measurements and got to work. 


Check back in a couple days to see the latest progress....

Falling For Fallon...

Ok, I just had to show you guys my latest acquisition. Large Swarovski crystal earrings with a small golden spike below, they're Fallon by Dana Lorenz.


I don't have a ton of jewelry so instead of keeping them in my jewelry box, they're hanging on my inspiration board (which is across from my dressing area) so when I'm not wearing them I still get to enjoy them.