A Much Needed Studio Makeover

I recently gave my home studio a makeover.

This wasn't because I'd suddenly become an organised person. Anyone who has spent time around artists knows that creative people and organisation don't always go hand in hand.

The truth is, after years of painting, teaching workshops, accumulating art supplies and storing finished works, I had reached the point where finding anything required a small expedition.

Paint brushes had developed their own hiding places. Canvases were stacked in corners. Shelves were overflowing. There were even a few boxes that I was slightly afraid to open.

Something had to change.

What started as a simple tidy-up quickly became a much larger project. One shelf led to another. One cupboard became three. Before long, I was sorting through years of accumulated materials, supplies and forgotten treasures.

Somewhere in the process, I realised the makeover wasn't really about creating a beautiful studio.

It was about creating space.

Space to paint.

Space to think.

Space to begin new work without first having to move five other things out of the way.

One of the biggest lessons I learned was that most creative spaces don't need more storage. They need less stuff.

I found materials I hadn't used in years, supplies I'd forgotten I owned and a surprising number of things I had been keeping "just in case."

Letting go of some of that clutter immediately made the studio feel lighter.

Another lesson was that a studio doesn't need to look perfect.

In fact, I don't think mine ever will.

There is still paint on the floor. There are still brushes in jars and canvases leaning against walls. That's part of the joy of having a working studio.

What matters is that the space supports the work rather than getting in the way of it.

Since the makeover, I've noticed a shift in how the studio feels. It's calmer. More inviting. More functional.

Most importantly, it makes me want to paint.

And really, that's the whole point.

An unexpected bonus of the makeover is that the space is now much better suited to welcoming visitors. Being able to invite people into the studio to view available works feels like a natural extension of my practice and something I'm looking forward to doing more of.

If you're thinking about refreshing your own creative space, my advice is simple: start small.

Clear a shelf.

Sort a drawer.

Move one thing that's been bothering you.

Creative spaces evolve over time, and often it's the smallest changes that make the biggest difference.

If you'd like a few more ideas or would like help getting started with your own studio makeover, feel free to send me a DM or get in touch.

I'm always happy to chat about art, creativity and the occasional studio makeover.

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