When creating a workspace designed for creativity, it's essential that it's inspiring to be in. This is not a luxury, it's a must.
It’s no secret that your environment affects your creativity. My creative workspace is located right in the comfort of my own home. It's a cozy mid century California bungalow and I live here with my husband Michael and two children, Etienne (19) and India Rose (9).
HARNESS THE POWER OF NATURAL LIGHT FOR CREATIVITY
I need light. I'm one of those people that wake up and immediately fling open the curtains and windows to let as much light in as possible. There are a couple of different spaces in the home that I could've set up shop but I decided that the dining space was best since it has the best natural light in the house. I love the way the morning light floods my workspace.
Research has found that when workers receive more natural light from windows they are more productive, happier and less stressed.
I want to be clear that I don't meet with clients or vendors in my work space....ever. I do meet clients via video conferencing and I also do live-streams and video content in this space though.
My "desk" is a family heirloom. It is a dining table that was passed down from my husband's Grandma GG and has good ju-ju! Many good times from holidays to poker game parties have happened on this table. I updated it with black paint to cover the years of wear and tear.....drink rings from whiskey on the rocks and cigarette burns. This table's hey day was in those swanky Mad Men years after all.
GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR WALLS
As a designer, I have many beautiful home decor samples. I fill my boards with inspiring wall coverings, fabrics and colors that I hope to use in future projects. I'm also a Maximalist so I love to be surrounded by an abundance of decorative items.
COLOR AND PATTERN INSPIRES CREATIVITY
When it comes to color and pattern, "More is more and less is a bore" as Iris Apfel would say. I love vibrant color and bold patterns. These boards are great because I can update them easily as I receive new product samples.
FURNISHINGS INSPIRE CREATIVITY
I've always dreamed of having a little French Salon to sit and converse in so I sort of took that approach when creating this space. I added a velvet settee to anchor the space. It's one of my favorite spots to warm up in the sunlight and work from my laptop. As a maximalist, I live for layers! Hand blocked silk pillows and a wonderful lap blanket gifted to me by a client cozy up this space.
OPTIMIZE CAFFEINE TO IMPROVE YOUR CREATIVE PRODUCTIVITY
Afternoon tea or coffee breaks are a must. I repurposed this wine rack to create a tea station. I always have it locked and loaded with Tejava and my favorite black teas for an afternoon pick-me-up.
MUSIC BOOSTS CREATIVITY
I have found that music is fabulous for my creative brain. I'm a fan of the old standards so Alexa is great for requesting some Ella Fitzgerald or Frank Sinatra to get those creative juices flowing! Speaking of music, remember when turn tables used to be housed in furniture? Why did we ever move away from that? Anyhoo, I upcycled an vintage stereo cabinet to house all of my work samples and files. The whole space functions like an office without the use of typical office furniture.
Work spaces are my favorite spaces to design. If you need help creating a space that boosts your creativity and productivity, I'd love to be of service!
Comments