Transformation Of My Home Studio

Where I work, rest, and create

After years of making do at the dining table and in corners of our living spaces, I finally have a whole room dedicated to my creative practices. I don’t have to pack away my sewing machine when we have guests over for dinner, and I can shut the door when I’m trying to concentrate. It’s a luxury I only dreamed of but wasn’t expecting when we bought our little house in November. Six months later, I’m still trying to decide on the configuration and design. The best advice I got about furnishing a home was to take my time and live in the space before making any decisions; see how I move through the space and what I truly need.

With the recent addition of a standing desk and a fold out sofa bed, I thought I’d give you an update on the status of my home studio that doubles as a guest room. Already, it’s taken on at least five different forms as furniture comes and goes. I’ll link to things at the very bottom.

Here’s what it looks like right now

Packed with too much furniture; my vision includes simplifying.

This sofa folds out to the size of a queen bed, but you’d never know.

Folded out for guests this weekend.

Here’s how it used to look

I spy a cardboard box in the corner, evidence of a work in progress.

A table from Costco served as my sewing station for months.

A rare organized day—even the art is stacked neatly.

Utilitarian but boring. I think this was within the first few months of moving.

The first week, it was nothing but a guest room with our old mattress on the floor.

Plans for the future studio

An 8-foot by 4-foot piece of Baltic birch is waiting for me out in the garage. Once I have time, I’ll slice it down to the size of a desk top that will mount to two lower cabinets holding my fabric and printer. This will become my sewing station, while the standing desk will be my writing station. Upper shelves or cabinets will store my various art supplies. I also want to make my own curtains like this one. Once I’ve finalized the furniture, lighting and art will be the finishing touches.

Shopping list

FlexiSpot E7 Plus: My original office plan didn’t include a standing desk, but when this brand reached out to gift me one, I was curious to test one out. After a few months of standing and working, I’m reworking my layout around this desk. The desktop is big enough for my cutting mat, so I’ve been using it for sewing. I just recently programmed the settings to my preferred standing and sitting height—which will change once I get the right desk chair. I’m so glad I have it.

Spaze Armless Sofa Bed: Almost every sofa bed I found either wasn’t the size of a queen bed or was so huge that it wouldn’t fit in my office. Then I found Spaze. This thing is made for small spaces. I just got it the other week, in time for my brother’s this weekend. Topped with memory foam, he says it’s super comfy.