If you're lucky enough to have a craft room, you probably love spending long periods of time in there, creating. However, one of the biggest drawbacks to having a craft room is that they can get messy very quickly, particularly if your storage situation is not up to snuff. Fortunately, ideas for taking your craft room to the next level abound, all of them focused on making the most of the space and ensuring you spend more time knitting or sewing or painting or scrapbooking than you do tidying.
One of the biggest challenges presented to homeowners upgrading a craft room is how to arrange it for optimal storage. Whether you're a painter, a jewelry maker, or a crochet fanatic, you're sure to own many tools and crafting materials that can get difficult to keep track of. One of the best ways to optimize your storage is simply to invest in a sturdy boxes in a variety of sizes. Group your materials into the most logical categories and designate a box for each. It is a good idea to buy or create labels to help you identify the boxes, which can then be placed on your shelves for easy access. It's simple, really!
As any creative person knows, it can be difficult to keep track of good ideas while you're busy making new work. To ensure that you never let a flash of inspiration go to waste, hang a cork inspiration board on the wall. When you have a new idea, jot it down on a piece of paper and pin it to the board. Alternatively, depending on your desired aesthetic, you could use a blackboard and write things in chalk. Feel free to add photos, postcards, and other decorative elements, too.
Creating artwork and crafty items can produce a significant amount of waste, so you'll want a big trash can and, if applicable, an array of recycling boxes in your room. To ensure that waste management doesn't ruin the aesthetic of your crafty haven, invest in a colorful bin can that will brighten up the space. If you can't find one you like, try spray painting the can with a pretty metallic color or use a paintbrush to apply your own images.
Crafting can be back-breaking work, especially if you're standing for hours on end in the same hunched position. For this reason, including a comfortable chair in your craft room is a smart idea. When you're feeling tired or your back hurts, retreating to the chair will give you the respite you need to recover quickly. Select a soft and well-padded seat for maximum comfort. If your crafting uses materials that can stain, consider one with cover you can remove and wash.
Eye strain is very common among artists and creators, as crafting often requires hours of focus. Fortunately, you can prevent visual issues by investing in bright lighting. Don't worry about making your room feel cold and overexposed — you only need the bright light to shine on your main work surface. The rest of the craft room can be fitted with ambient lighting to foster a calm and relaxed feeling — or whatever mood you need to set for proper inspiration.
Decorating your craft room with family photos, treasured souvenirs, and motivational slogans will help you to push through difficult days when you're lacking inspiration or drive. They don't have to be particularly eye-catching or artistic. Simply find items that mean something to you and are sure to put a smile on your face when you need a lift. A beautiful piece you created yourself is always a good addition, too.
Scattering a few plants throughout your craft room will help keep the air fresh and the decor modern. Large potted plants are especially loved by artists as they can feel like companions during long sessions in the studio. Just remember to place them where they can enjoy plenty of sunlight and water your plant babies on a regular basis.
As every creator knows, it is all too easy to lose track of time during a crafting session, particularly if you get into a steady and productive flow. This means that you need to find a way of keeping tabs on the time. Many of us use cell phones as a solution, but constantly checking the screen can be distracting and may tempt you to waste time on social media or your favorite blogs. By investing in a fun wall or desk clock, you can easily check the time, then go straight back to work. Even better, wall clocks come in a variety of styles and look fantastic.
If you're tired of beige and boring walls but are unwilling to commit to completely overhauling your room, add a single statement wall. Let your imagination run wild with elaborate wallpaper or brightly colored paint. You could even have a go at painting your own mural to reflect your personal style and artistic credentials.
A peg board is a large sheet of pressboard covered in holes and fitted with adjustable pegs that can be used to hang and store tools. On top of providing easy access to your tools, it will leave your craft room looking neat and professional. Invest in a multi-colored board to help lift your spirits on dull days, or purchase a plain one and decorate it yourself.