Studio Tour!
I spent the weekend tidying up my studio, and I realized I had never posted proper ‘after’ pictures. I’ve shown little snippets here and there, but never the whole thing. Time to remedy that, yes?
The studio is where I package up all of the orders for my shop (Pink Loves Brown). The room may not always be this tidy, but it usually stays fairly neat because everything has a place. That makes my little perfectionist heart happy.
It looked like this originally (eek). Brandon and I put in the bamboo floor ourselves, painted (walls, ceiling, and trim), installed new closet doors, and switched out the ceiling fixture. I made the curtains out of Moda’s uptown “mom’s couch” fabric.
Here’s the view in from the doorway.
This is what I refer to as “the shipping center”. It’s my least favorite side of the room (all of the open storage looks a little cluttered), but it’s very functional and necessary.
I’ve shown this photo of my order sorting process before, but here it is again. I put patterned paper along the back of a shoe cubby from Target.
Here’s the underside of the table with all of the shipping boxes and supplies. The white shelves are also from Target.
I store envelopes for my cards and stationery along the open shelves of my IKEA VÄRDE kitchen island. Most of my crafty supplies are inside the closet. I removed the clothing rail that was originally in there and I assembled shelving from The Container Store to hold everything.
Here’s a peek inside.
I store some extra envelopes and my ironing board behind the door. You can also see a little of my photo shoot setup along the right (which I’ve shown before) tucked into the funny little alcove there. I store extra shipping boxes under that table.
Here’s another view. Those suitcases along the top of the bookcase are for sale in my shop.
So there you have it. My studio!
Whoa! I am so impressed – and motivated! I need to overhaul our own little home studio :) The wire organizers in the large square bookcase – where are those from?
i got mine from ikea
Wow!! So organized. I’m in the middle of organizing my art space now. Your is sooo clean. I hope mine can look as nice as yours when it is done.
Thanks for sharing – some great ideas in there!
Where did you get the lovely (ceiling) light fixture? Me likey.
What a great room! I kind of love that fixture on the ceiling. I have been searching and searching for something that would work in my entryway, Its currently a *GASP!* …bare bulb. I know, its unbelievable. If you don’t mind sharing I’d love to investigate. Thanks for letting us into your studio!
The wire shelves are from IKEA. The lighting fixture is by Jonathan Adler (I bought mine here).
so beautiful. i only wish my office was so organized! i do have that same exact kitchen island in my office. so when are you coming up here to organize mine? ;)
This is extraordinary! I am completely jealous of the amount of space you have and how well organized you are able to keep everything.
Thank you so much for sharing!
love it! i wish i had a space to make my own like this. such a beautiful spot to work in.
Just a gorgeous space and functional to boot! You are one organised lady.
where did you find your wood floors? my husband and I have been looking for dark wood floors and have not found any we really like…
Very cute studio, Nicole! It’s fresh and sunny in there, it must be very inspiring!
I MUST know where you go those closet doors?? They slide, yes? I have a room with sliding doors that really needs an update and would love something a bit more interesting than flat white.
wow. i could spend allll day in there.
i really just love it.
I am so jealous. What a great space to work in. Love your drapery as well.
That is one beautiful studio!
DROOL.
Gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.
Oh this looks so lovely! I love how you repurposed the shoe cubby.
Such a delightful work environment!
oh my god…drool. This is impressive. Love the wall paint color – it looks like a pale pink? Please share! Thanks.
LOVE IT! Where are the drapes or the fabric used to make the drapes from?
I love the closet doors – they’re absolutely gorgeous. Were they hard to put in? Where did you get them from? I can’t believe you covered up that ferocious dragon! haha.
Stunning! Absolutely perfect! : )
How i long for a space like this for myself. I’m half tempted to put my two girls in one room and turn the nursery into my own mini-studio. Only mine would have to have padded walls so that it could double as my insane asylum on the hard days. LOL
Gorgeous space, absolutely love it!
i love it… love it… love it.
The bamboo floors were from Lowe’s. The closet doors came from Home Depot. They weren’t too hard to put in, but they weren’t exactly easy either. ;)
The paint is Benjamin Moore’s “Wild Aster”. The curtains were made by me, but the fabric (Moda’s Uptown “Mom’s Couch”) is out of print now.
Your office is sooo adorable and it’s full of inspiration. Thanks for sharing. :)
Wow! Your studio looks FABULOUS! I’m PINK with envy!
WOW! this is amazing! What I would give to have my own beautiful workspace!
Oh! I love it, I love it! Seeing such an organized room makes my little heart flutter. I wish I had such a space!
i’m in love….can you come redo my studio now? seriously, thanks for sharing…seeing such an adorable and peaceful setting has made my night!
I am in love with your space. I was in love when I saw your shipping area a few years back on the Switchboards. I am crushin on the organization of your entire space.
Your space is fab, of course! I love how co-ordinated and organized everything is! I currently work out of a knook in the front foyer and long for a whole room to pretty up and make useful!
Oh WOW! I want to LIVE HERE. I adore your light fixture too! You should send this over to Apartment Therapy!
I love that your office is super adorable. I like the floral curtains… I also like your shelves and how the inside is covered with wallpaper… I find all the rooms you’ve featured here very inspirational and dainty.
nicole, as usual your shots are excellent, and the room is so bright and cheerful… and so very functional as well! i love this space. also lucky gal that you HAVE a shipping room!
I love your space! I wish I could be that organized. Oh and those curtains are to die for.
Your studio is adorable!
That’s just gorgeous!
Oh my goodness, I must now wipe the drool off my keyboard. The organization of your studio is to die for – love it! I know what’s going on my birthday & christmas list: gift certificates to IKEA & Target for sure!
If I had a design studio that looked like this, I can imagine myself being so productive! Alas, I sit in clutter facing a wall all day. I’m going to have to figure out a way to remedy that…
This is so inspiring! I’m just itching to get home and organize something.
I don’t think I can quite express just how much I love this studio! I am such a stationery / craft area / organising freak anyway and this ticks all the boxes. I am just in the process of re-doing my little craft area and I long for it to look as neat and tidy as this (I wish I had this space too!). You have done a fantastic job!
Oooh… I’m jealous… so pretty! I love seeing workspaces, especially of creative people- such an inspiration for the office I’m dreaming of! :)
Wow! I really have no words. It is not only gorgeous, but super efficient! You’ve managed to appeal to both of my sensibilities at once. You’ve given me something to aspire to. Bravo!
You must get so much done in there, just looking at it makes me happy! I love the artwork over the kitchen island. Is it office supplies?
What a lovely space—both serene and energizing at the same time! Perhaps you’ve mentioned this already, but are those Ikea chairs and table? They look just perfect in the space!
Kate, the poster is “The Implements of Craft” by Beth Howard Studio.
The table is from IKEA (the Docksta), but the chairs were from Crate & Barrel four or five years ago. Target has similar chairs right now.
absolutely perfect. i love this! ps. your photography is beautiful too.
OMG! Will you come decorate my home lol. I love your taste. Gorgeous and so organized!
I really love seeing pictures of other crafters workspaces! Your studio is beautiful, and you’re so organized! I really struggle with storage and how to do it right and funky, you have great ideas here!
Thanks for sharing your home with us (:
It’s just beautiful. Wow. It’s so pretty in there, I’d have a hard time getting any work done. I’d just gaze around all day.
Seriously, adorable! I’m moving into a small apartment soon with a girlfriend, and will definitely be taking some notes on your ability to make storage look cute!
I wish I could get my studio that organized. It looks so pretty who wouldn’t want to go to work there every day!!
I wish you could come over and design my studio space! i just love your style and organization! You are such an inspiration! Love, Lulu Mae ps. can’t wait to buy one of those suitcases. I’m thinking of using at as a traveling case for headbands and hats!
i’m in awe. i love it all!
Gorgeous Space!! Love it!!
You are like my wife, very competent in IKEA Things… Greating from Hamburg
I LOVE your little neatik self! This puts my lil’ studio to shame, the organization in there is perfect! AND I so want one of those cutters! Is your office not in your studio? I didn’t see your computer, etc:) Thank you for sharing, beautiful photo’s and something to aspire to…
Gorgeous and so organized!
I just got home from looking at the pendant version of that Jonathan Adler light fixture. I like your ceiling version better. Also just got back from Target. Do you know about those fabric storage bins by “itso”? There’s a soft blue colored one; $9.99
Your studio is enviable :) Very inspiring.
I could spend all day in the studio. Love the fabric and light fixtures! great style!!! thanks for sharing the tour I really enjoyed it!
Gorgeous office! Love the pendant lamp :)
Lovely and inspirational. I love how it’s like the extra large, expanded office version of your NSS booth. You have a serious gift for organization and I think I totally need to rip off your shoe cubby sorting idea for my office. It’s genius. Thanks for being so generous with yourself and your home and sharing it with us all.
Hi! I’m SO THRILLED to see my Implements of Craft print on your gorgeous studio!
Here’s a link to a blog about it. http://stitchriprepeat.blogspot.com/2007/07/finally-print.html
I donated that print to the Handmade Nation movie’s fundraising. I’m glad to see it made people happy!
It’s marvelous and beautiful and definitely you. I’d love to have my own space as tailored to me as that! You are an inspiration lovely.
I love the little boxes in different colors — one big, one small.
I get so inspired when I see how you have transformed each room in your home. I love the way you incorporate your unique style to every nook in your house.
Lovin’ the studio. But I have to admit I’m still singing “Closeeee uppppp eyyyesss….”
This is really impressive!
Wow. I am very impressed. This is pretty inspiring for me. Thanks for sharing.
J:E:A:L:O:U:S. Seriously this studio is soo great! Lovely pics, thanks!
holy organization batman! seriously impressive. i’m craving an office space of my own right now, and i’m super jealous of how awesome this is. LOVE the shoe cubby with the paper backing! genius! :)
Good luck baby proofing that when the time comes (spoken by a mother who has spent all morning trying to convince her 1 yr old that knitting needles are not appropriate playthings)!
What great inspiration. I have had this post up on my computer for 2 days and it really has motivated me to get better organized. Though I admit that all those boxes would drive me crazy – I am one who needs to see what I have. Since I first saw your post, I have cleaned off my office desk and I now must tackle my sewing room. Thanks so much for inspiration. I definitely have studio envy!!!
I found your site today and I absolutely love it. I can tell that this will be one of my favorites to visit. Where did you get the curtains in your craft room? so cute.
And random question, what font did you use on your logo?
Great Work!!
oh yeh, my office looks just like that…NOT!! But what an inspiration – thank you :-)
Whata gorgeous little space!!! Love it!!! When I start working from home next Year ( hopefully), I am gonna have to source this post again and model something similar for myself. I love how organized you are, YAY!!!
Does your studio open directly into Brandon’s? That’s nice!
That is so gorgeous!
I have those exact same patterned cardboard boxes from Ikea – I love them!
supercool modern look.
who did you use to print your
‘p [heart] b’ stickers?
Lovely. All of it! What a wonderful discovery thanks to Shannon at RIMD.
Absolutely love PLB too. I hope I am not too late to make some orders for Christmas.
Thank you for being so open and helpful with brands and such.
That you actually take the time to respond to the comments-refreshing beyond measure.
Miss B, no my office is separate from my studio. I’m lucky to have two spaces for my work!
Emma Woo, I think babyproofing will have to consist of closing the door to the studio. ;)
Sarah, I made the curtains myself! And the font is Mister Television.
Cindy, Brandon doesn’t have a studio (he has a small office off of the living room). The room you see beyond the door is the “library” (really just an overgrown landing on the second floor).
Kari Jo, I don’t remember where I got the stickers printed! Maybe jakprints? That’s who I use now for all of my stickers.
ok WOW. you have officially inspired me to get my rear in gear and finish my office. that is one incredibly beautiful and organized work space! i love the way you have mixed kitchen cabinets, shoe cubbies and bookcases (i LOVE ikea’s cube bookcases, we have three, haha!)….very ingenious.
Oh wow- beautiful and functional room! And I am oh so envious as I would love to work everyday in a room that looks like this (darn cubicle offices)!
You are so talented and should have your own column in Real Simple. You truly inspire. Simply Amazing!!!
OH ENVY ENVY , and at the same time, INSPIRATION!
Nicole, this studio is so pretty and organized. I love the wall color and I love the big scissors on the wall. Can I ask where you got the tall, thin bookcase that holds the shoe-size boxes.
sooooo beautiful!! i think we need to see a photo of it cluttered tho … just to let us know you’re ‘normal’ … :)
I love how organised everything is! The little table and chairs is a nice inviting touch, too. Fantastic studio!
Oh.my.goodness!! Everyone has said this already but i also want to shout that this is PERFECTION!! You are an inspiration!
simply beautiful! I love it!
I love your studio – it’s gorgeous and inspiring. Ooo, and organized!
SO jealous! I need a space like this, I work in the corner of my boyfriend’s and my bedroom, and on our dining room table. eek!
oh my gosh, this is incredible. it’s everything i aspire to be in terms of organization…i just can’t quite get there ;). it’s gorgeous.
I love your studio. Wish I could have one like yours. And so neat and functional. I am a neat freak and very particular about how my work area has to flow, kind of like in a clock-wise direction. I am so green with envy now :D
What a great studio! I love it. Thanks for sharing the closet door source, I was wondering about that as well.
Great space…and the shelving WOW..where did you get those??
Jen Ramos
‘100% Recycled DESIGNER Cards & More’
http://www.madebygirl.com
madebygirl.blogspot.com
Love your Office! This is going to sound stupid but what are those 3 machines with orangle handles in the closet? Coat picture left-side 4th shelf from the top.
Those are button machines!
Jennifer, most of the shelving was from IKEA, with a little Target and The Container Store mixed in. Jan, the skinny bookshelf behind the door is a Billy bookcase from IKEA.
You are such a lucky girl! I would be in Heaven if this were my studio!
Oh I dream of being this organized! I love the color of your walls AND those wonderful curtains!!! Bee-U=T=MUS!
Love your office! I am in the midst of updating my home office/studio and IKEA and Target are always my first choices as well! Love the floor standing metal card holder….where did you find that?
Just curious…you have three things in your closet with red handles. Are those printing presses? I’ve never seen anything like that. Thanks!
It’s all looking very nice with a great sense for colour.
Are you kidding me? I can’t even close my mouth – my jaw’s still on the floor. Amazing…
Amazing, I’m so jealous of your organizational skills!!!
where did you get your card rack? (the wire one next to the shoe cubby/order processing center?)
it’s one of the best rooms ever! i always thought things like this only existed in magazines but you actually live in it! i’m so envious! seriously coveting all your stationery and decorative bits like the giant scissors and picture and curtains. oh, i’ll have the ceiling light too, thanks. hee. what’s the room that joins with it, looks really inviting and warm. gosh, your home is like a dream for me. i could never afford to have something like that…
Your blog is so inspiring Nicole….I am about to do the interiors of my new home…..and wow…such an amazing inspiration u r ! good luck
happy new year!
Best Regards,
Veda
So beautiful and inspirational! Just can’t keep looking around ;-)
Very lovely, I love it, you just inspire me to make more stuff, thanks
how did you get closet doors from Ikea to fit your existing closet? I’m dying to change my closet doors.
Everything you have developed and created is utterly inspirational. I adore it all :) xx
You are a woman after my own heart! I am also a graphic designer as well as in the middle of starting my own business. It is very inspiring and SUPER helpful to see how others do it, and how to make a functional space not 100% crazy all the time! Good luck girl! Your work (and studio space) is both Lovely and Inspiring!
do you mind sharing your sources for the table and chairs and the name of their designs…. i am new to this whole decorating thing and appreciate any info… expertise! thanks a bunch!
where did you get the giant scissors from? and how did u make the curtains? is it as simple as sticking a panal at the top and sliding the rid thru, or did u have to pleat it?
[...] this Jonathan Adler light previously, but it was far too large for the space and we used it in my studio instead. I did see this light recently, and it may work since it’s a bit [...]
What a great work space!
[...] Crayola was just a primer to prepare you for my go-to site for bright, fun colors: Making it Lovely You must check out the photos of Nicole Balch’s (blogger behind Making it Lovely) gorgeous (and colorful) studio! [...]
Great inspiration!! Thank you for sharing!! ;)
Wow, I love your workspace! Thank you for the photos, it’s great to see how you organise everything while making it all look so pretty.
Can you share the source/style for your closet doors? We have the ubiquitous funhouse mirrors on ours right now, and I *so* want to replace them with something classier!
I think I just drooled on my keyboard! This is GORGEOUS – love those floors and the cute table. I wish I had to courage to use such a beautiful bold fabric for my curtains! Perhaps I need a bigger craft room / office before I try.
oh my goodness! it is just perfect. can you come and organize mine for me?
Sigh! I can only dream about having such a lovely space and it’s seperate from your studio? Lucky, lucky girl!
[...] Pink Loves Brown, a Chicago based stationary line designed by Nicole, of the popular design blog, Making It Lovely (home of these great [...]
What are the things in your studio closet with the red handles? Your studio is inspirational! Love it all!
wow you have the most amazing room, I had to give up my crafting area/study for my baby, English houses are tiny in comparision to the US.
Lovely room and such great organisation
kara
I was wondering how long it took you to go from the Dragon Wall Ugly Room to your finished studio. From beginning to end, how long did you spend redecorating/remodeling this room?
I love it, by the way :)
Jacci
I was wondering the same as Jacci. Plus, is the table your only work space? I didn’t see a computer, printer, etc either. Do you have those items hidden? :)
Congrats on your new addition (to be)!!
~Allie
I use the three tables that are in the room (the white round one, the shipping table, and the butcher-block). And I have a separate office.
I didn’t work on the studio all at once, so the process took place over time. The part that took the longest was ripping out the carpet and installing the bamboo floor, which we did in October of 2007. If you go through the ’studio’ archives, you can see all of the progress!
I’m looking for an island or work table like the wooden one you have pictured, is it still available for purchase? The one I was originally going to buy is no longer available at IKEA.
Keep up the great designs!!
Sorry, I found your reference to it. :P
Wow Nicole, you really take the word ‘organization’ to a whole new level! this Studio is simply lovely. Congrats…
Just discovered your blog and it’s now become my favourite read! I adore your studio room. it’s exactly what I aspire to. Well done.
Kerry x
This is such a fantastic transformation of a space! Thanks for sharing, it gives me inspiration to organize my own studio.
I have a pendant version of that fixture in nickel that I am selling. I never used it. I ended up going for a vintage one I got at a Restore.
Kkreidler@yahoo.com
Oh, I just discovered your blog and your house is perfect. love, love, love it.
really impressive – makes me want to go and redo my whole studio
OH you gave me lot of inspiration for organize my room office. Excellent style you have, congratulations
[...] Thanks so much to Nicole over at Making it Lovely! She added the Jonathan Adler Ceiling Light to her Studio and it looks amazing! Check it out here. [...]
o.k., i’m hooked.
what a lovely little spot you have here.
xo
Wow, this looks awesome. All the little Boxes, very nice.
… my mouth is opened wide, I’m staring at the photos and can hardly breathe. What a beautiful room! What great storing solutions! Which nice arrangement! I will look at the photos again. Thanks for sharing! You made my day!
Your studio is amazing! I love the fresh look, clean lines and how organized it is. I saw the article about you in the Sunday Tribune Magazine!
Jeanne
Love your studio.. The colors are so soft and beautiful..!!
I’d like to know did your light box. I need to make one myself, cause it’s the only way you can get good pictures.
Thanks for sharing and your baby girl is so beautiful, congrats..:)
[...] not so sure. I’ve tried putting these curtains in the library before (they’re from my studio), but after someone mentioned trying them here in the comments I thought I’d give it another [...]
I have been looking everywhere for those black wire baskets that hook/hang from the shelves. Would you mind sharing where there came from?
I LOVE YOUR STUDIO!!!! How I would love to have my own sewing studio……we rent. :-/
Do you make the little suitcases? They are so neat and with the stationary, love that idea. Thanks for sharing, you are going on my list of people I follow. ;-)
OMG! I love how organized and gorgeous this looks. I love the light pink walls. It’s so soothing. Is the table from Ikea- the round one? If so, I am in love with that table and wish I had room for it in my office. I can’t wait to go back and look at all the little details. I understand shipping and know how things can get cluttered but I must say you made shipping look so glam.Thanks for posting.
OMG! I love how organized and gorgeous this looks. I love the light pink walls. It’s so soothing. Is the table from Ikea- the round one? If so, I am in love with that table and wish I had room for it in my office. I can’t wait to go back and look at all the little details. I understand shipping and know how things can get cluttered but I must say you made shipping look so glam. Thanks for posting.
It’s so fun and lovely! I’m all about everything having a space and yours is so functional and inspirational.
Whoa… how nice and tidy! Thank you for the inspiration.
Oh, I just found your blog and it is such an inspiration. I am loving you studio, it is so feminine and calming. You are very organized, and how I love your wood floors. Thanks for sharing.
beautiful and functional. I can only get my office/craft room that tidy when I have guests coming over!!!
You have the most amazing taste! I love your blog!!!
wow! Your studio is very cool – love it!! :)
Hi Nicole,
I’ve just discovered your blog and am feeling totally inspired.!! As a fellow lover of all things stationary,paper and pretty i am in total awe of your studio and designs…
Keep up the great work..!!
Kate
Sooo absolutley lovely! I am redecorating my room right now, and my desk area is in need of proper paper storage. I have been on such a quest to find the right ones, and i fell in love with all your storage boxes here, where did you get them? The pink ones especially ;)
I LOVE YOUR STYLE!!!! I LOVE YOUR WORK ROOM!!! WHERE DID YOU GET THAT STYLISH PAPER THAT YOU BACK THE SHOE/BOOKCASE??? I LOVE IT!!
Nice! You could easily curtain off that table where the mailing supplies are, a couple of cup hooks and an adjustable rod would do the trick with the fabric of your choice.
[...] Balch is the Queen of making organization pretty. Check out her studio to see what I [...]
you are my hero. pretty and organized.
thanks!!!
[...] now this is a studio, that of Nicole Balch, see the pics at her blog, Making it Lovely. (found via (oh hello friend.) you are [...]
i love your studio! I’ve been procrastinating to do up my studio but you’ve just inspired me to get busy!
I’m speechless! I didn’t think people with such perfectly organized work spaces really existed! This is my impossible dream :)