Okay, so it’s been a few months but, I think that my studio space is, if not perfect, then on the road to becoming a very usable space. While there are still elements that I would like to improve, like more focused lighting and transforming a huge white wall, this little space has come a long way since I first laid eyes on it.

But, let’s review a bit to get you up to speed. I had decided earlier this year that I needed additional space, outside of my home office, to be a canvas for photography, styling blog posts, meeting clients etc. So, I partnered with a designer friend to share the space and set about finding the perfect spot.

My main focus was on the right space, but at the right price. While I legitimately needed an alternative space, it wasn’t crucial to my business, so I had to keep budget top of mind. Luckily, I have vision and when we accidentally stumbled upon this space on a walk-through, it had some fantastic potential. And the price was just right.

So, we set about to create something from nothing.

I posted all about the space earlier in the summer so if you haven’t already seen it from the very beginning, you must check out Creating Something from Nothing and Creating Something from Nothing-an Update first to really see what I was working with.

When approaching any space in which I need to “create” something, whether that be a fantastic event or interior decor, I really take some time to assess what the needs are and what has to happen. For an event, I determine what I want the guests or attendees to walk away with, what’s the feeling I want them to have and then work on bringing some structure to a space to achieve that theme. For interior decor, I do the same thing but focus first on function; what actually has to happen in this space?

For the studio, I needed high ceilings for potential styling concepts, interesting and useable wall space for photography and video and easy access to the street. The bones of this space had all that and with a good clean, a few coats of paint and re-using some furniture, it now is a space that really can function.

After all of the old lunchroom tables and chairs were removed by the landlord and walls painted white, I painted the floors white too to give the space more light and create places where colours could pop.  Most of the furnishings are around the perimeter and the floating chairs can be moved anywhere allowing for a truly open space to give flexibility for video, photographs and styling.

Showcasing a fantastic, original stone wall was essential too. Given the open, flowing nature of the space, I can move objects or furniture around depending on what my needs are at the moment.

I applied a do-it-yourself frosting to the lower portion of the window to add more privacy from the business on the other side.

Repurposing furniture was a great way to contain costs and also to breathe new life into older pieces. The two Bergere chairs are over 25 years old but because we didn’t use them that much, they are still in amazing condition. Instead of re-upholstering them, I flanked my desk re-do with them and added teal pillows to bring the look together.

The area rugs help to ground the space and minimize the echo feel that sometimes happens in concrete-type spaces. I just love the detail and colour in this rug and it is also a good example of how you can absolutely mix patterns, colours and textures. There is a lot going on, but because there are connecting similarities with tone and consistency it works.

In the end, I think that I achieved the objectives for this little space; it is a canvas that can welcome clients or guests, provide backdrops for photo shoots and video, and give inspiration for styling and design ideas.

You too can create something from nothing. By sticking to a set of objectives, reminding yourself to stay on budget and looking to things you already have that can be re-used or re-purposed, any space can be given a new life.

What do you think? What’s your favourite part of this revamped space?

Enjoy.