Design Inspiration: Craft Rooms & Office Spaces

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For as long as I can remember I've dreamed of having a dedicated craft space. I envisioned large working surfaces, a gift wrapping area, a dedicated table for my sewing machine, well organized bins and a closet to match. Every Christmas Eve as I sit on the floor in our family room or at the kitchen table surrounded by wrapping paper, bows, tags and gifts, I think how much fun it would be to have a wrapping area (not to mention private) so those you purchase gifts for won't see what you got them. I would sometimes take to my previous shared guest bedroom/office space but that has since been cleared out and overtaken by a certain newborn and all of her belongings. ;)

A month before she arrived I set up a very tiny area in our den with a secretary desk and my existing office chair where a bookshelf used to reside, to have as my own working area. Since most of my office stuff is still in plastic totes and the majority of what I'm doing these days (apart from caring for baby) only requires my laptop, I tend to work mostly at the kitchen table in front of our large picture window, but it hasn't stopped me from dreaming once again and brainstorming potential areas where I can create a shared office/craft space. I've been pinning some images for a future home with larger space and came across ideas for shared office/craft spaces of varying sizes. I know I'm not the only one who craves a dedicated crafting space. So, if you have one and are currently wondering how to lay it out to maximize its function, decorate it or are simply in the dreaming stage like I am, I thought I'd share some of my favorite photos as I did recently with gallery wall inspiration which is currently a work in progress for a large wall in our living room.

For those who love a soft & elegant work space. This is gorgeous!

Bold colors are a must in a craft space! They speak to creativity.

Large shared laundry room + craft/office space. Lots of storage is a must!

Simple & Refined. A single accent wall adds so much to a room.

A closet-turned-office/craft space. Close the doors when you're done for the day.

Crafting/Gift Wrapping room

Beautiful wallpaper, a sleek chair and a soft curtain transform a small closet.

Why not remove the closet doors entirely and create built-ins?

A small, narrow room with pretty accents hues create the perfect woman cave.

Simple & Clean. If you only have a corner or part of the guest room.

Classic black + white with pops of color via accessories & a whole lot of storage boxes

All in one centers can assume a bedroom, hall or portion of a living room/family room.

A do-it-all space for drafting, painting, sewing, crafting, gift wrapping, gardening and more.

 This layout offers it all. A little bit of inspiration from the home projects page at Rona.

Do you have a dedicated craft space or a room that would serve as one? What is your favorite thing to do in your special space?

Thanks for Reading!

XO




image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

*This was a sponsored post however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

My Inspiration Room & Bathroom Eye Candy

 

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I find inspiration for blog posts, my books, and creative decor projects in so many great places. I am so grateful to have so many of them available to me in the form of blogs. There is a specific room in our home though that always seems to bring about inspiring ideas: our guest bathroom.

This is really no new phenomenon, for my entire life (even as a child) I can remember being inspired in there. Whether I'm blow drying my hair, soaking in the tub or taking a refreshing shower after a sticky FL day, my mind seems to wander to a creative place that I don't seem to experience anywhere else.

Recently I was getting ready to meet up with a design client and I almost couldn't leave the house, one idea after the next kept popping into my mind for some future books that I've already begun writing (even though I'm still in the final stages of the first one). I had to keep running into the bedroom and jotting everything down so I wouldn't forget. Eventually I brought the pen and paper into the bathroom with me. I call this my creative flow, it's not everyday that I get a total downpour of creative ideas and I was sad to leave for my appointment because I would have loved to have sat at my desk in front of my laptop and continued writing. Thankfully, I have my notes so hopefully today I can pick up where I left off.

Let me also say that my bathroom is not dreamy, so it's not about the decor. LOL. We live in a 50 year old home and have the oh so lovely yellow tub, toilet, sink combo  in our guest bathroom (which is also my bath since our master bath is the size of a powder room!). But it doesn't end there, we also have inset accent tiles in yellow too and the baseboard tiles too along with toilet roll holder and built in toothbrush and soap holder on the wall.

Our master bath finally has a while toilet and sink and a stand-up shower but has the lovely blue tiles, etc. I hope to replace the sink, tub and toilet but feel like it's a bit of a waste without removing the rest. We can't afford to remodel either one (they both need a complete overhaul) so I've worked with the counter top colors and incorporated a serene and spa-like feel as best as I could with paint, framed art, towels, elegant shower curtain and some pretty counter top accessories. We did invest in a new white framed mirror to replace the builder basic one, a new sink faucet, lighting and accessories. With $500 spent it looks a million times better than when I moved into hubby's surfer/beachy themed bathroom.

When I browse blogs, watch HGTV or look at pics online, I can't help but dream about what our bathroom would look like if we did remodel. Here are some bathroom pics and soaker tubs that I think are gorgeous, all for different reasons.

The colors have me here and I love marble. So peaceful looking, Sarah Richardson never disappoints.

Here is another design from Sarah. Traditional, Elegant and so functional.

I love this chair in the bathroom and the soaker tub is divine. That stand up shower is huge! Yet another beautiful design by Sarah, she is my favorite designer-creative, bold and incredibly talented.

This has such charm and it perfect for a shabby chic cottage. I think what I love the most is the window right at the tub level (on a large, private piece of property of course) as well as the tub and paneling. Photo from My Home Ideas.

This is a Candice Olson design. I love the clean lines and sparkly glamour.

Again with the soaker tub! This one is by Michael Smith (designer for the Obama's new digs). This bath was featured in House Beautiful.

I love the color teal, it doesn't exist anywhere in my home but wouldn't this make for a fun children's bathroom? Pic is from Canadian House and Home magazine.

 

Spa bath from House Beautiful. So clean, crisp and inviting.

I love this mirror and vessel sink, the cabinet color is spot on too! Another bathroom by fabulous Sarah Richardson Design.

I wouldn't normally go for this green but this would make another great color scheme for a kids bathroom. It's so bright and cheery. I found this on the Better Homes and Gardens site.

I love the natural elements in this little bath. Simple yet so clean and fresh. Photo from Apartment Therapy.

I'm a huge fan of the blog Young House Love. Sherry and John have a knack for transforming rooms. Their home is gorgeous. Check out their bath reveal! I love the color scheme and materials they used. Their powder bath is gorgeous too, I adore the two-tone stripes! I hope to use them in a bedroom some day. :) Do you love their style as much as I do? HERE  is their house tour of dramatic before and after photos.

Do you have a special room in your home that seems to evoke creative ideas? Maybe it's a tranquil hammock in your yard? Your comfy and dreamy bedroom? In a poolside lounge chair on your back porch? I'd love to hear about what rooms or other places inspire you!

Dreamy Decor Photo Inspiration

I don't know about you, but as much as I love the written word I find myself drawn in to read blog posts that contain pretty pictures. They always grab my attention and pull me in for more. I wanted to share some of the gorgeous photos that I have stored in my inspiration file.

I hope these images will become as much of an inspiration to you as they have been for me. I've captured them for their use of small spaces or color, others for their elegance and their display of accessories. This modern style with traditional elements meets glamour is typically the style that I like to implement into my interior design projects (client willing of course).

DESIGN INSPIRATION IN PICTURES

I love the clean lines of this bathroom, the lighting just sparkles and it is so serene. It looks clean, airy and hotel-inspired. I would however omit the elyptical machine. This is a Candice Olsen Design.

I love the detail on these elegant, glass kitchen cabinets. All of the elements feel so cohesive, warm, earthy and inviting. While I can't see the floor, it would be great paired with some dark wood hardwood floors.

This is an image from the ever-amazing Designer Sarah Richardson. I am in love with this soaker tub!

 

So pretty and serene, this Potterybarn room is easy on the eyes and would make a great guest bedroom. I've modelled our guest bedroom/my office after it, I have a replica of that white duvet with blue beading and white furniture. The walls are to be painted the same pale blue/grey color later this month.

 

I love the crispness of white and I love vintage pieces with a modern twist. I am currently looking for a thrift store version of this writing desk and a chair for our den. This would create  a separate working space for me when guests take over the guest bedroom which also happens to be my office.

As much as I love neutrals, I am drawn to this shade of green as it compliments the white and espresso wonderfully. The dark hardwood floors complete with cream rug and black and white  polka dot sheets are light and refreshing. This wall color would be perfect as an accent wall, a whole room might be too much.

I just love beachy accessories-pale blues, whites, sand, and books to curl up with are recipe for a perfect beach house, along with an ample supply of white furniture and accessories. Everything here is simple and pretty. I believe this image was taken from the HGTV.com site from the 2008 dream home giveaway.

This striped accent wall really makes this room. With a simple set of framed artwork hung above the bed, a pair of pretty, contemporary lamps and some patterned pillows, this room has a light, neutral feel with a pop.

The drapery, desk and wall color are so airy and light so I love that the floors are a contrast with a chocolate brown and cream zebra rug on top of dark hardwood flooring. The lamp is super fun and adds a touch of glamour to the room. This room's look is completed with classic black and white framed photography.

I adore the carved detail of this black desk's wooden legs. Now that is one comfy office chair!

I love the shabby chic, worn-in look of this budget style. A linen table cloth, colorful spray painted tin cans filled with garden blooms and vintage glassware and cutlery. What a pefect outdoor garden lunch setup.

This is another Sarah Richardson Design. I love the detail of these dining chairs in contrast to the soft, plush and pretty banquette seating opposit them. Most of all I stored this pic for the gorgeous, shimmering wallpaper detail. What dining room is complete without a stunning chandelier?

This photo may look familiar because it is from THIS organizing post from last month. I love the feminine details and French country style. This is a room I'd enjoy doing laundry in! I heart fillled apothecary jars.

I believe this is a Candice Olson Design. I love how this large room is used in so many great ways. I would never want to get up in the morning and leave! The soft palette and lighting make it a clear winner!

I love this Sarah Richardson entry design. That chair is beautiful! I would love a set at a dining table. The grand mirror really opens up the space, adds light and provides even more glamour.

* I have filed many of these for years and I kept them for what they bring to the table visually. I do not however have the image sources. If any photos belong to someone reading this blog, please by all means contact me and I'll add your link under the photos.

The photo at the top of this post is what appears on my computer's desktop. It could be the perfect intimate wedding reception for a small gathering or an outdoor room to be enjoyed daily. The white linens, blush roses and outdoor drapery are so soothing. I adore the whimsical touch of the elaborate chandelier hung above the worn look of the wooden table. What beachy area is complete without starfish and seashells?

I love the ocean and dream of living by the sea in a glorious beach house one day. Until then, I can dream!

What are your favorite websites or blogs for decorating inspiration? What room(s) are you currently decorating or planning to redo?