Studio

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?

My Studio

My Studio

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.

My Studio (View 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.

The Shipping Center in My Studio

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.

Orders Sorted

Here’s the underside of the table with all of the shipping boxes and supplies. The white shelves are also from Target.

The Shipping Center in My Studio

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.

My Studio

Here’s a peek inside.

Supply Closet (Left Side)  Supply Closet (Right Side)

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.

Storage Behind the Door

Here’s another view. Those suitcases along the top of the bookcase are for sale in my shop.

My Studio

So there you have it. My studio!

My Studio

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  • whitney
    October 27, 2008 at 5:05 pm

    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?

    • cheryl
      February 1, 2010 at 11:46 am

      i got mine from ikea

    • Kelly
      March 4, 2010 at 10:48 am

      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.

  • jennifer | themakelounge
    October 27, 2008 at 5:08 pm

    Thanks for sharing – some great ideas in there!

  • Mae
    October 27, 2008 at 5:17 pm

    Where did you get the lovely (ceiling) light fixture? Me likey.

  • Bari
    October 27, 2008 at 5:18 pm

    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!

  • Making it Lovely
    October 27, 2008 at 5:24 pm

    The wire shelves are from IKEA. The lighting fixture is by Jonathan Adler (I bought mine here).

  • lori
    October 27, 2008 at 5:33 pm

    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? ;)

  • Jen
    October 27, 2008 at 5:33 pm

    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!

  • lorissa
    October 27, 2008 at 5:36 pm

    love it! i wish i had a space to make my own like this. such a beautiful spot to work in.

  • Anna
    October 27, 2008 at 5:37 pm

    Just a gorgeous space and functional to boot! You are one organised lady.

  • Tamsin
    October 27, 2008 at 5:52 pm

    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…

  • Corie
    October 27, 2008 at 5:53 pm

    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.

  • amy
    October 27, 2008 at 5:53 pm

    wow. i could spend allll day in there.

    i really just love it.

  • dwellings and decor
    October 27, 2008 at 5:56 pm

    I am so jealous. What a great space to work in. Love your drapery as well.

  • Kathleen
    October 27, 2008 at 5:58 pm

    That is one beautiful studio!

  • Melissa M
    October 27, 2008 at 6:01 pm

    DROOL.

  • Michelle
    October 27, 2008 at 6:02 pm

    Gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.

  • Erin
    October 27, 2008 at 6:07 pm

    Oh this looks so lovely! I love how you repurposed the shoe cubby.

  • Lea
    October 27, 2008 at 6:14 pm

    Such a delightful work environment!

  • Adrianne
    October 27, 2008 at 6:16 pm

    oh my god…drool. This is impressive. Love the wall paint color – it looks like a pale pink? Please share! Thanks.

  • Kaelin
    October 27, 2008 at 6:28 pm

    LOVE IT! Where are the drapes or the fabric used to make the drapes from?

  • amy purple
    October 27, 2008 at 6:36 pm

    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.

  • Joi
    October 27, 2008 at 7:13 pm

    Stunning! Absolutely perfect! : )

  • Me? A Mom?
    October 27, 2008 at 7:21 pm

    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

  • Marilyn
    October 27, 2008 at 7:30 pm

    Gorgeous space, absolutely love it!

  • Travel Turtle
    October 27, 2008 at 7:56 pm

    i love it… love it… love it.

  • Making it Lovely
    October 27, 2008 at 7:59 pm

    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.

  • cindy
    October 27, 2008 at 8:43 pm

    Your office is sooo adorable and it’s full of inspiration. Thanks for sharing. :)

  • Cara
    October 27, 2008 at 9:35 pm

    Wow! Your studio looks FABULOUS! I’m PINK with envy!

  • Ashlee - Mama's Nest
    October 27, 2008 at 9:36 pm

    WOW! this is amazing! What I would give to have my own beautiful workspace!

  • Emily
    October 27, 2008 at 10:00 pm

    Oh! I love it, I love it! Seeing such an organized room makes my little heart flutter. I wish I had such a space!

  • Brandy @ B.Persnickety
    October 27, 2008 at 10:29 pm

    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!

  • My @ tha Hotness
    October 27, 2008 at 10:58 pm

    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.

  • Nicole RJ
    October 27, 2008 at 11:14 pm

    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!

  • Rachel
    October 27, 2008 at 11:29 pm

    Oh WOW! I want to LIVE HERE. I adore your light fixture too! You should send this over to Apartment Therapy!

  • zeniamai
    October 28, 2008 at 12:08 am

    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.

  • drey
    October 28, 2008 at 12:45 am

    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!

  • Megan
    October 28, 2008 at 12:57 am

    I love your space! I wish I could be that organized. Oh and those curtains are to die for.

  • Kara
    October 28, 2008 at 2:57 am

    Your studio is adorable!

  • Rebecka
    October 28, 2008 at 3:53 am

    That’s just gorgeous!

  • Julie
    October 28, 2008 at 7:27 am

    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!

  • Jennae @ Green Your Decor
    October 28, 2008 at 8:10 am

    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…

  • Natalie
    October 28, 2008 at 8:19 am

    This is so inspiring! I’m just itching to get home and organize something.

  • Kate
    October 28, 2008 at 8:33 am

    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!

  • Nicole (also!)
    October 28, 2008 at 8:38 am

    Oooh… I’m jealous… so pretty! I love seeing workspaces, especially of creative people- such an inspiration for the office I’m dreaming of! :)

  • Breakfast for Dinner
    October 28, 2008 at 9:00 am

    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!

  • Kate
    October 28, 2008 at 9:01 am

    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?

  • The City Sage
    October 28, 2008 at 9:38 am

    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!

  • Making it Lovely
    October 28, 2008 at 9:58 am

    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.

  • evy
    October 28, 2008 at 10:37 am

    absolutely perfect. i love this! ps. your photography is beautiful too.

  • Emilie
    October 28, 2008 at 10:42 am

    OMG! Will you come decorate my home lol. I love your taste. Gorgeous and so organized!

  • katelynjane
    October 28, 2008 at 11:01 am

    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 (:

  • jbhat
    October 28, 2008 at 11:24 am

    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.

  • Maddie
    October 28, 2008 at 11:36 am

    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!

  • Cindy Ann Ganaden
    October 28, 2008 at 12:07 pm

    I wish I could get my studio that organized. It looks so pretty who wouldn’t want to go to work there every day!!

  • Lulu Mae
    October 28, 2008 at 12:08 pm

    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!

  • kickpleat
    October 28, 2008 at 2:07 pm

    i’m in awe. i love it all!

  • Inspired Events
    October 28, 2008 at 2:42 pm

    Gorgeous Space!! Love it!!

  • photographhamburg.de
    October 28, 2008 at 2:52 pm

    You are like my wife, very competent in IKEA Things… Greating from Hamburg

  • Miss B.
    October 28, 2008 at 3:11 pm

    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…

  • DecorPad
    October 28, 2008 at 3:33 pm

    Gorgeous and so organized!

  • Sylvie
    October 28, 2008 at 5:56 pm

    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.

  • LuLu
    October 28, 2008 at 6:57 pm

    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!

  • Tiffany
    October 28, 2008 at 7:34 pm

    Gorgeous office! Love the pendant lamp :)

  • Erin
    October 28, 2008 at 7:51 pm

    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.

  • Beth
    October 28, 2008 at 10:20 pm

    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!

  • Lou
    October 29, 2008 at 4:32 am

    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.

  • kristen
    October 29, 2008 at 7:27 am

    I love the little boxes in different colors — one big, one small.

  • Melissa
    October 29, 2008 at 8:47 am

    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.

  • John
    October 29, 2008 at 9:58 am

    Lovin’ the studio. But I have to admit I’m still singing “Closeeee uppppp eyyyesss….”

  • Girl Bijou
    October 29, 2008 at 11:44 am

    This is really impressive!

  • sarah
    October 29, 2008 at 12:53 pm

    Wow. I am very impressed. This is pretty inspiring for me. Thanks for sharing.

  • Simone
    October 29, 2008 at 3:07 pm

    J:E:A:L:O:U:S. Seriously this studio is soo great! Lovely pics, thanks!

  • cassandra
    October 29, 2008 at 7:46 pm

    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! :)

  • Emma Woo
    October 30, 2008 at 6:37 am

    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)!

  • Sandy
    October 30, 2008 at 9:40 am

    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!!!

  • Sarah
    October 30, 2008 at 3:42 pm

    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!!

  • Karen
    October 30, 2008 at 4:13 pm

    oh yeh, my office looks just like that…NOT!! But what an inspiration – thank you :-)

  • Cindy
    October 30, 2008 at 5:02 pm

    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!

  • Sarah
    October 31, 2008 at 12:55 am

    That is so gorgeous!

    I have those exact same patterned cardboard boxes from Ikea – I love them!

  • kari jo
    October 31, 2008 at 10:02 pm

    supercool modern look.
    who did you use to print your
    ‘p [heart] b’ stickers?

  • Lainie@ Mishmash Maggie
    November 1, 2008 at 4:24 am

    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.

  • Making it Lovely
    November 1, 2008 at 10:34 am

    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.

  • chanelle
    November 1, 2008 at 11:15 am

    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.

  • Tara
    November 1, 2008 at 4:16 pm

    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)!

  • Seleta
    November 1, 2008 at 10:47 pm

    You are so talented and should have your own column in Real Simple. You truly inspire. Simply Amazing!!!

  • snou
    November 2, 2008 at 11:01 am

    OH ENVY ENVY , and at the same time, INSPIRATION!

  • Jan
    November 3, 2008 at 1:10 pm

    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.

  • tracie
    November 3, 2008 at 8:21 pm

    sooooo beautiful!! i think we need to see a photo of it cluttered tho … just to let us know you’re ‘normal’ … :)

  • leslie rogers
    November 4, 2008 at 12:02 pm

    I love how organised everything is! The little table and chairs is a nice inviting touch, too. Fantastic studio!

  • Concha
    November 6, 2008 at 6:28 am

    Oh.my.goodness!! Everyone has said this already but i also want to shout that this is PERFECTION!! You are an inspiration!

  • Cat
    November 6, 2008 at 4:59 pm

    simply beautiful! I love it!

  • Jennifer
    November 6, 2008 at 6:06 pm

    I love your studio – it’s gorgeous and inspiring. Ooo, and organized!

  • Ali-bell
    November 7, 2008 at 3:56 am

    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!

  • carrie
    November 7, 2008 at 8:41 am

    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.

  • Isabel
    November 7, 2008 at 9:55 am

    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

  • Stockton
    November 10, 2008 at 4:31 pm

    What a great studio! I love it. Thanks for sharing the closet door source, I was wondering about that as well.

  • jennifer ramos
    November 12, 2008 at 2:34 am

    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

  • Liz
    November 13, 2008 at 12:39 am

    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.

  • Nicole Balch
    November 13, 2008 at 12:43 am

    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.

  • Sheila
    November 21, 2008 at 7:22 pm

    You are such a lucky girl! I would be in Heaven if this were my studio!

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