I’m absolutely thrilled to finally pull back the curtain and offer you an exclusive peek into my brand new home studio and craft closet! This transformation has been a journey, a labor of love that’s been in the making ever since we transitioned our entire operation from our bustling downtown studio to the comforting embrace of our new home. The excitement of sharing this creative sanctuary with you is truly palpable, marking a significant milestone in settling into our new life and workspace.
Many of you have keenly followed our journey and have been asking about the evolution of my workspace now that our downtown studio days are behind us. Moving everything into the new house has been an undertaking, to say the least. While we’re not quite at the finish line yet – the creative process is always ongoing! – I simply couldn’t wait any longer to give you this sneak peek into where the magic is starting to happen.
The initial phase, involving the arduous task of unloading a storage pod overflowing with jam-packed boxes from the old studio, was certainly not my idea of a fun time. However, I’m finally reaching the most exhilarating part of the project: the fun design portion! This is where the vision truly starts to come alive, and I can begin infusing the space with character and functionality.
My overarching plan for the studio itself is to maintain a distinctly minimal and open aesthetic. The goal is to create a versatile blank slate, perfectly suited for a myriad of photoshoots and creative projects. This intentional simplicity allows for maximum flexibility, ensuring the space can adapt to any concept or color palette I envision. Complementing this open studio design, all of my essential craft supplies will be meticulously organized and neatly tucked away within a dedicated, spacious walk-in craft closet.
Funnily enough, at this very moment, that craft closet is the only truly “pretty” and organized space, as you’ll see in the images below. But let’s get real for a moment: I have never, in my entire life, felt more satisfied by cleaning anything than I did with these new, no longer carpeted, floors! The transformation was incredible, and the feeling of a fresh, clean foundation for creativity was truly overwhelming.
Using the Swiffer WetJet Wood was an absolute dream; it glided across the new surfaces like butter. I honestly think I almost shed a tear the first time I used it, simply because it felt so incredibly satisfying to reclaim a clean, beautiful space dedicated to creative endeavors once again.
The Transformation: A Creative Space Reborn
From Downtown Dreams to Home Haven
The journey to creating this new home studio has been a significant undertaking, marking a new chapter for Sugar & Cloth. Transitioning from a bustling downtown studio to a dedicated space within our new home presented its own set of challenges and opportunities. Our downtown location offered a unique energy, but the move allowed us to integrate work and life in a more seamless, personal way. This new setup is all about efficiency, beauty, and creating a space that genuinely inspires creativity and productivity right where we live.
The Vision: Minimalism for Maximum Creativity
My ultimate vision for the main studio area revolves around a minimalist design philosophy. I wanted a room that serves as a true blank canvas, capable of transforming to suit any photoshoot or creative project without visual clutter. This means clean lines, open spaces, and a bright, neutral palette that allows the subjects of my photography to truly shine. All of the vibrant, colorful supplies that fuel my projects are carefully curated and stored away, ensuring the studio remains a pristine backdrop while the adjacent craft closet bursts with organized inspiration.
The Unsung Hero: Flawless Flooring
Perhaps one of the most impactful changes, and certainly my favorite, has been the installation of the new floors. They’ve completely redefined the feel and functionality of the studio. Replacing the old, worn, and deeply unsatisfying carpet with sleek, easy-to-clean flooring was a game-changer. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a foundation that supports continuous creativity without the hassle of constant maintenance. This decision was pivotal in establishing the minimalist, photo-ready environment I envisioned.
Before & After: The Studio’s Journey
The ‘Before’ Snapshot
To truly appreciate the transformation, let’s take a moment to reflect on what the room looked like when we first moved in. It was a space with potential, but definitely needed a lot of love and vision:
The renovations were extensive yet impactful. We started by installing brand new windows to maximize natural light, which is crucial for any creative studio. The old, scratched vinyl flooring was completely removed and replaced with stunning Stuga Studio Oak Alpine. This engineered wood flooring not only adds warmth and sophistication but is also incredibly durable and easy to maintain. We also removed the texture from the walls, creating smooth surfaces, and then painted everything a high-reflective white. This specific shade of white is perfect for photoshoots, bouncing light beautifully and ensuring true-to-life colors.
Mid-Renovation Musings
The process of getting here involved a lot of elbow grease and moments that truly tested our patience. Here’s a glimpse into the work-in-progress phase, capturing the raw reality of renovation:
Currently, the main studio area still has some elements of a “storage mess” as we continue to sort through everything and make final design decisions. However, it’s definitely on the up and up! I’m still contemplating the perfect treatment for the fireplace, as we plan to replace the existing one with a sleek, wall-mounted rectangular version to maintain the modern, minimalist aesthetic. The aim is to have it seamlessly blend into the wall, providing warmth and ambiance without becoming a focal point.
Despite these ongoing decisions, the floors remain, by far, my favorite aspect of the new studio. We had a similar beautiful color in our old studio, and it proved to be an absolute dream for photography. This new flooring is light enough to offer a wonderfully neutral backdrop for any photoshoot, yet it boasts just enough color variation to hide the inevitable dust and tiny specks that our old pure white floors used to highlight. This balance is a true blessing for a busy creative space.
Having floors that are exceptionally easy to clean is a beautiful thing. The Swiffer WetJet Wood has become an indispensable tool. It’s significantly safer and more effective to use on these new wood floors compared to the traditional mop and bucket method we once employed on the old, painted studio floors. The Swiffer WetJet is an all-in-one system designed specifically to clean hardwood floors, utilizing cleaning solutions specially formulated to break up tough messes while remaining incredibly gentle on the wood itself. This makes it perfect for maintaining the pristine condition of our investment.
Furthermore, with pets and children now sharing our home workspace, it was essential to choose cleaning products that are safe for everyone. The Swiffer WetJet Wood delivers on this front, giving me peace of mind that my studio remains clean and healthy for all its occupants.
Now, while the main studio might still be a work in progress in terms of overall organization, what I currently lack there, I’ve more than made up for in my incredible craft closet!
Unveiling the Craft Closet: Organization Oasis
A Masterclass in Craft Storage
The craft closet truly embodies the concept of “a place for everything, and everything in its place.” This dedicated space is where all the vibrant tools, materials, and whimsical elements of my creative projects find their home. I strategically repurposed most of our old studio storage solutions, making them work even harder in this new configuration. Thankfully, the tall ceilings in our new house were an absolute blessing, allowing me to maximize vertical space and cram an impressive amount of storage into the closet. This thoughtful organization is key to maintaining a smooth workflow and sparking inspiration the moment I open the doors.
Smart Solutions for Every Craft
I’ve poured a lot of thought into making this craft closet as functional and aesthetically pleasing as possible. Here are a few of my favorite and most effective elements of the craft closet organization so far:
- Color-Coordinated Balloons: Yes, you heard that right – we have color-coordinated balloons, y’all! To achieve this, I hot-glued cardboard rectangles into clear storage tubs, creating simple yet effective dividers between each color. This not only makes it easy to find exactly the shade I need but also adds a visually satisfying rainbow effect when the tubs are stacked. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference in efficiency and joy.
- Woven Basket for Backdrops & Gift Wrap: For larger, rollable items like small paper backdrops and various rolls of gift wrap, I snagged a charming woven basket. Its upright structure keeps the rolls from unwinding and keeps them easily accessible, preventing creasing and damage. Plus, the natural texture of the basket adds a touch of warmth to the closet’s overall design.
- Cardboard Storage Boxes for Ribbons & Twine: To keep my extensive collection of ribbons and twine neat and tangle-free, I utilize cardboard storage boxes. These boxes allow me to organize by color and type, making it incredibly simple to pull out just what I need without having to untangle a chaotic mess. It’s a clean and efficient way to manage these often unruly supplies.
- Visible Colorful Supplies as Decor: Instead of hiding everything away, I decided to strategically leave out some of my most colorful supplies, such as stacks of vibrant cardstock and felt sheets. Arranged neatly on shelves, they serve a dual purpose: they are readily accessible for my projects, and they act as cheerful, inspiring decor, adding pops of color and personality to the craft closet. This approach keeps the space feeling lively and visually appealing while maintaining organization.
Essential Tools for a Sparkling Studio
My Go-To for Pristine Floors
Maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of my new studio floors is paramount, especially since they play such a critical role in my photography. This is where the Swiffer WetJet Wood truly shines as my indispensable cleaning partner. It’s not just a mop; it’s an integrated system that simplifies floor care. The pre-mixed cleaning solution is specifically formulated to tackle tough messes and grime without damaging delicate wood surfaces, which is a major concern for me. Unlike traditional mops and buckets that can leave excess water and streaks, the WetJet delivers just the right amount of solution for a streak-free, quick-drying clean.
Knowing that this system is safe for both pets and children adds another layer of comfort, especially now that our home is also our primary workspace. It ensures that the creative environment is not only aesthetically pleasing but also hygienic and secure for everyone, including our furry friends. The ease of use and the consistently beautiful results make the Swiffer WetJet Wood a fundamental tool in keeping my new studio sparkling and inspiring.
Embracing the New Creative Era
Personal Touch and Celebration
And of course, I couldn’t resist being a little bit shameless! To mark the truly monumental occasion of a completed craft closet and freshly cleaned floors, I absolutely had to bust out my favorite rainbow-striped jumper and my beloved pom-pom slippers. It felt like the perfect, whimsical way to celebrate the hard work and the joy of finally having a space that feels entirely mine and ready for endless creativity. This studio is more than just a room; it’s a reflection of my passion and a catalyst for future projects.
A Commitment to Giving Back
This post is proudly sponsored by Swiffer. At Sugar & Cloth, we believe in using our platform for good, which is why we’ve made the commitment to donate 5% of all proceeds from sponsored campaigns to charity. You can read more about our giving-back initiative right here. Your support not only helps us create beautiful content but also contributes to causes we deeply care about.