Whether it’s writing the next best-seller, drawing up plans to for an architectural tour de force, painting a masterpiece or simply having an area to meditate, a personal space that reflects who the artist is, can be a springboard for summoning up all sorts of creative endeavors.
Determining Where the Area Should Be
Most people have one room in their homes that is not used such as a formal living room, dining room or portion of the garage or basement. Take a good look around the home to determine where the space should be and if it reflects your personal style. Do you prefer bright light or a cozy, cave-like setting? What colors speak to you? Do you like plants or posters? Do you have favorite items that bring back wonderful memories or hold personal value? Make a list, determine how large or small the place should be, gather special items, and introduce favorite colors to the space—through paint or accessories. This is the starting point.
Transforming the Area
Determine how the area will flow—does it need a large desk or will a small table suffice? What kind of supplies will be needed and will they require shelves or drawers? Revamp an old chest of drawers and label with stick-on letters to store paints, sketch books, or office supplies. A coat of paint makes something old new and reflects personal style and creativity.
Home improvement stores such as Lowe’s have six foot shelves for about $12 and brackets for $10 for a set of two. For around $40, this shelf is perfect for storing books and other items of inspiration. Use metal cans with colorful pictures (such as tomato cans) and pop art brushes or pencils inside. Cork boards are a great and inexpensive way to pin up reminders, photos, and ideas. Pick up a couple of wooden sawhorses or make your own and place a hollow door across the two for a roomy art table or eclectic desk.
Invest in a Good Chair and/or Desk
If work requires sitting for long periods of time, a comfortable office chair is essential. Look for ones that have the American Orthopedic seal of approval. Large discount warehouse stores such as Costco have office chairs ranging in price from $90-$350. Office Depot carries a line of office furniture, such as the Christopher Lowell collection, that has a vintage or beachy design. Talk to the manager and get 10% knocked off the list price or ask if their website has specials on office furniture that may not be advertised in their store flyers.
Whether the space is large or small, setting it up to reflect personal style, can spark creativity and have one on his or her way to transforming ideas and dreams into reality.
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