Asked on May 21, 2014
New studio space to hold DIY workshops decorating advice please
by
Beckyjunque
+23
I am totally over the moon excited about my new studio space in old historic hotel thats been remodeled into shops and small businesses. It's perfect for my DIY workshops I host, but I am stuck on decorating. I love to make "junque" into treasure; I want a farmhouse feel and splash of industrial; a space my customers feel inspired to create in. I would love your expert advice and ideas, thanks so much. Here are some pics of how the space is today.
me in my studio
built in shelves I am stumped at how to showcase the supplies we use and decorate (sorry for the ladder in pic)
a dresser I hand painted and had been sitting in my basement I just wasnt ready to sell it and now I think its perfect for the space
some of the chairs I have now but have been collecting miss matched ones , hoping to paint all different colors ?
a wresth I made for the studio door
my $1 chalk board I made from an old frame
my marquee inspired light I made
beverage and snacks on a old wooden ironing board I made a shelf . but lost at doing the wall behind
a corner I am stumped on but has some samples of what to make in a workshop
the new 10' tables we just got done building and now I am "staining" with milk paint. the curtains I made from bleached drop cloths.
12 answers
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Looks like you're on the right tracck with everything that is trending. Industrial = Pipes, lighting, carts etc. Fabrics = Burlap, Linen, cotton, lace etc. Colors = neutrals so that your projects are the stars of the show.
Debbie Harris
on May 22, 2014
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It looks good to me - I'd go easy on the bows or anything too "girly". Why not put some samples of the kind of DIY items you will be teaching about?
Darla
on May 22, 2014
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Where can we sign up for classes? It looks like such an inspiring place.
Heather (New House New Home)
on May 22, 2014
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I built an 950 sq. ft. papermaking studio/gallery in 2001, White Oak Studio & Gallery. I tried to find "research" studio businesses but there was not a lot out there then. My building was horizontal. I created the art gallery along the two outside walls using my Riverrock flooring to delineate what was gallery. I used four antique country store displays in a row to separate the papermaking area from the gallery area. I built an open porch on the back of my building with furniture so that students and customers could sit, enjoy the day, eat a picnic lunch, see the birds in the meadow and so I could have outside classes when the weather was nice. I added lovely garden to stroll through not only for my plant with which I made my handmade papers but to draw customers. Do you know Sommersett Studio's magazine Where Women Work? That is a great printed source for working art studios. I gave papermaking classes to students, created my own art and ran the gallery so I'd recommend you consider the following: 1) Make your own workspace to FACE the front door so you can see customers coming in and personally greet them. I welcomed each and every customer personally. 2) Be prepared to redesign your space on a monthly basis/paint your walls a new color annually. Modern retail shop have conditioned customers to expect "new merchandise" each time they come in. 3) Invest in large worktable with comfortable seating for your students. 4) If students will be painting furniture, build painting stands for each that go around. I took a furniture painting class in tight quarters and the painting stand was the only reason it worked. Go to Shizzle Design to look for photo of this stand. 5) Invest in good lighting; not only work your own work but for your students painting. 6) Think about customers/students comfort; pleasant bathroom, water, kitchenette, patio and nearby gardens etc. 7) If you are selling paint, you'll need an armoire or tall cabinet of some kind to hold paint, paint brushes, sample boards etc. 8) Prepare to spend money on marketing; and I don't mean just Facebook and a blog. I mean real marketing/advertising and public relations. 9) Be prepared to work 70 hours a week if you own the business and not make much in income for about 5 years. I've been self-employed all of my adult life, and more goes out in expenses than comes in most years. 10) Try to have fun and remember why you started your endeavor. Barter/trade/pay professional fee's ($40,00-$120.00 an hour) to purchase help in areas your are weak. Hopefully you have had small business classes and know how to run a small business? 1) Become a LLC as that will protect your personal assets. 2) Get a tax ID Number from your state so that you don't have to pay tax on anything you buy for resale. 3) Keep immaculate financial records for the IRS. 4) File taxes on time. 5) Hire help with your marketing promotions if you don't know how to do that. 6) Expect to spend 40% of your time marketing the business. 7) Be careful what you sign in your rental agreement. Try for a 6 month lease if you can just in case things don't work out as you have hoped. 8) Be sure to have a dedicated landline w/answering machine for your business-this is a marketing tool. Have a professional/personalized message on-in YOUR voice, giving business name/hours/services etc. I am always amazed when new entrepreneaurs try to manage with just a cellphone. It will not work. 9) Offer merchant services (charge card service). Shoppers expect that these days.
White Oak Studio Designs
on May 23, 2014
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What about a gallery wall of antique mirrors behind your beverage station. Set your beverage supplies in a wooden tray and on cake stands. Add a fabric runner to the top of the radiator cover. Just sayin'
Melissa Leach
on May 23, 2014
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This looks wonderful. I agree with limiting the girly touches and adding more of the industrial/ lofty look to the mix. Where is your studio located?
Staging Windy City Home Staging & Redesign
on May 23, 2014
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Hey, Becky. I see you use burlap and tin in your space. How about corrugated metal panels on the walls? Upholster chairs in burlap with nail head trim. Instead of bows try thin strips of burlap tied on only one of the chair's back spindles to create a primitive tassle. Good luck! Deb
Deborah
on May 23, 2014
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Maybe a little old looking brick on the walls , hanging pendant lighting made from old funnels, etc
Beverly Stamp
on May 24, 2014
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However much storage you think you'll need, you'll need more. Consider storage that can be open or closed so it can be flexible either for less than stunning supplies or to display merchandise. And let your personal aesthetic shine through, you want your shop to have a unique feel so that everyone who shares a similar aesthetic thinks to go there first for items they'll know they are going to love, even before they know that those items or projects are.
Kate Chatterton
on May 26, 2014
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thanks :) I added a stack of old suitcases for storage and then a totally awesome find on the curb a old trunk, its huge so just added that as well xo
Beckyjunque
on May 29, 2014
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Hang some chairs on the wall and use to set things on.
Lori
on Apr 01, 2015
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Maybe hang the crib springs from eye hooks and chain link over the bar area and hang wire baskets from the springs to hold supplies in for the snack bar. To soften things up a bit from all the industrial a fabric "person" that has a sign outlining the projects that can be done and display the items around the room. On the board it could outline A. Ruler sign and hang the ruler somewhere else with an A. sign near or attached so crafters can have a visual of the project. Just idea's. Post new pics so we can see your progress.
Paulette Schmidt
on May 13, 2015
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