17 Reader Space: A Super Stellar Studio!

You guys!  You always know when to come swooping in with ideas, inspiration and awesomeness!  I am in the final stretch of getting my studio done {it got warm out here in Wisconsin so I hopped at the opportunity to work outside this month}, but sometimes I just get in a rut.  So to say that I was giddy grateful when my long time bloggy pal, Jenna from Jenna Sue Design, shared her studio with me, is an understatement.

Her studio is simply beautiful.  And she was a master at combining function and loveliness in the same happy space!  I had to know more, so I asked!

What is the main function of the space?

"To serve as my new studio space, where I spend my days designing, printing, packaging and shipping orders. It had to include a desk area, a cutting table, storage for all of my packaging/shipping/raw materials, all of our files/documents, and three different printers {one of them being over 6 feet wide!}, and the layout needed to make sense for my work flow."

Any superstar tips for keeping it organized?

"Everything must have a place - and it must be a convenient place!  If you are in a rush, you won't bother putting something back in its spot if it is not quick and easy to access.  This will repeat itself over time, so make sure to really think about the layout and what you use most frequently before setting up your space."

What items did you find were essential in organizing the space and why?

 
"My main priority was desk space. I was able to reuse two Ikea desks from my old office and build a custom larger desk using melamine boards and Ikea legs. I also needed a ton of storage for my bulky packaging materials, so I utilized vertical wall space with three Vittsjo shelves from Ikea. Under the large desk I tucked away a storage bench with extra packaging materials, and we built a custom slide out drawer to store extra poster paper."

What did you do to go the extra mile and "Make it Pretty"?

"I wanted to keep the space light and airy, so I mostly stuck with my signature palette of white and aqua, but I brought in some brushed nickel and natural materials as well.  The rug really grounds everything and brings some liveliness to the space.  I also added a couple fun elements such as a bead board/shelf ledge wall and a custom quote that hangs from the ceiling and adds sentiment to the room."

 

What items did you DIY to stay on a budget?

"The large center desk is what I'm most proud of!  It's so functional and I love that we were able to add a sliding storage drawer - not having that was the biggest issue I had with my old studio.  I'm so pleased with the way it looks with the wood trim and how it appears to be one custom piece.  I'm also happy with the transformation of the IKEA storage shelves after painting them brushed nickel, and the recessed lighting was a huge help.  The bead board wall was a last minute decision and I'm so glad I went with it - and finally, the wood quite which was the finishing touch and has become my mission statement!"

How has this space impacted your life for the better?

"Even though I just moved across the house, I feel like I was promoted to a new job!  It's a much better working environment - not just because of the extra space and lovely view, but also the improved layout and overall atmosphere of the room.  It's so helpful to have everything organized and right in front of me so I can monitor my inventory and not have to run out into the garage or hall closet to find supplies.  My efficiency has increased - I can get more done in less time, which leaves more time for other things!  Overall, my days are much more enjoyable and it makes me appreciate what I am fortunate enough to do that much more."

There are infinite reasons why this space inspires me and why IHeart it like crazy, here are just a few:

• The color palette is soothing and refreshing at the same time.
• She thought about all of her needs before getting started and was sure to address all of her storage issues.
• She created a space that makes her more efficient, that is not an easy thing to do!
• That rug!  Sigh, it's pretty incredible!  I love the pattern and vibrancy!
• She modified the shelving units by giving them a pretty coat of paint, and removing some of the shelves to hold her packaging materials.  They are not only lovely, but super functional too!
• Your workspace should reflect YOU!  She added a lot of personalized elements, and I adore that she displays her own work.  
• Creating a space you enjoy is really important.  I am a believer when you are happy in the space you work, then you want to work.  Jenna really managed to marry the workspace with her home.  It doesn't feel sterile or uninviting, just the opposite. 
• The bead board wall treatment adds more character and brightness, and even a great ledge to prop up art and her designs!
• She used the wall to add a rail of hanging storage, which gives her quick access to frequently used tools.  As she said, "The easier, the better!".
• Dudes, it takes mega talent to design around an over-sized, giant piece of machinery! 
• She felt like she was promoted when she moved into her new studio.  I think that is one of my favorite comments yet.  It fills my heart with happiness when people love the spaces they spend their time in.  

Didn't she do a stellar job at giving herself a superstar studio space?  I know I picked up some major inspiration to apply in my own life, and here is hoping you were able to as well!  You can read the entire story and see all of the photos here on Jenna's blog and check out the incredible work she creates within the space here.

ATTENTION!!  Want to be featured in a Reader Space edition?  Have an awesome organizing story to share?  I am looking for projects that have made a positive impact to your life.  Please submit your story and photos here and I would heart to feature them right here, on the blog!!  Photos should be high resolution and unedited.  Please include a description of the project, including any costs, inspiration, and how it has changed your life and routine for the better!  Oh, and no worries my friends, we will NEVER judge "before" pictures because that just wouldn't be nice!  Only love goes on at this blog!