Work space design inspiration via Ikea

Recently I shared pics from my old studio, circa 2010. (You missed it? No sweat. Click here to read the post.) I’m looking back on that space so that I can plan my new studio. I’m in the middle of production on my next documentary film and I want a work space that will inspire and comfort me.

Here’s the way I see it: my life can get pretty stressful. Having a work space that is functional, organized, and aesthetically pleasing makes the life I lead a lot less stressful. My mind is already overworked enough (ie: cluttered). I don’t need to add visual clutter to the mix. So I like happy and tidy spaces that put me at ease. Those spaces don’t always stay tidy and organized but you’ve gotta start somewhere, right?

Since I’ve been pouring over interior design and home improvement books for years, this type of stuff isn’t foreign for me. It’s a fun challenge. There are skills involved that are similar to design, photography, and filmmaking. Putting those creative muscles to work in a different way makes me ridiculously happy.

So, for now, I’m putting a few things on paper to help me prep and plan. These are the things I need and want from the space, so I can figure out how to make it function well.

The new studio must be:

• comfortable and relaxing
• organized and versatile
• beautiful and inspiring

The studio must include:

• lots of shelving
• seriously comfy seating
• great lighting options
• plants / natural life
• a dog bed for Louie
• lots of open desk space

It also helps to take a look at what I’ll be doing in that particular room: a lot of creative stuff. The room will be a messy studio, clean office, and organized storage area. So, yeah, it’s gotta be versatile. I’d like a home for everything creative in my world, so I know where to go when I need something — including inspiration.

These days I’m falling asleep pinning photos to my home office Pinterest board. I’m also totally drooling over catalogs from Crate & Barrel, West Elm, World Market, and Ikea. I’m also getting serious design/renovation inspiration from Emily Henderson, Young House Love and Nesting Place.

Since the new studio space isn’t happening for about six months, I’m not totally obsessed with it yet. I’m just flipping through these things when I have a minute to kill. It helps me dream of things to come. Because if you don’t clearly define what you want, how are you ever going to get it?