We’ve curated a list of 5 top art studio design tips!
We’ve been inspired by the many talented artists who have designed and purchased Melwood backyard art studios.
From window and door placement to functional furniture, find out everything you need to know to design a space that will get the creative juices flowing!
5 tips to creating the perfect art studio with a Melwood
1. Thoughtful Window and Door Placement
One of the most important factors for any creative studio is natural lighting. When designing your Melwood art studio, you have the flexibility to select as many doors and windows as you like, and you can choose where they go. Whether it’s for photography, art or even pottery, natural light is king!
This makes our Mod Design very popular for Art Studios, as the feature highlight windows let in a lot of indirect natural light.
Double doors and sidelights to maximise light and access
Another very popular addition to art studios is double doors and sidelights. Both practical and beautiful, this creates almost a full ‘wall of glass’ on one side of the building, with a large 1.7m opening.
This wide opening makes it much easier to get furniture, shelving and easels into your studio as well as flooding the space with light.
Sliding windows for ventilation
Ventilation is an important consideration in an art studio. To make the most of fresh air and a ‘cross breeze’, we recommend choosing at least one sliding window for your studio.
When positioned at the top of the wall, there is still plenty of wall space for furniture, shelving or displaying artwork.
Panorama windows
Full-length panorama windows are another great addition to your art studio. The top section slides open (great for ventilation!), and they provide a lot of natural light.
2. Get creative with internal linings
When your studio is delivered and installed, you effectively have a ‘blank canvas’ interior. You can add a wall lining, or just use as is – a popular choice for creative studios!
Unlined walls
A lot of artists leave their cabanas unlined, as they are going to “get paint everywhere anyway!”
David chose to leave his Melwood art studio unlined (and what a contrast it is to his fabulous artwork!)
Traditional plasterboard
Alternatively, there are many different wall lining options that can be attached to the timber framing of your Melwood studio. Whilst traditional plasterboard is the most common option, there are others to consider too.
You can learn more about alternative wall linings here.
Plywood wall lining
Plywood wall lining is easy to DIY and comes in a range of different finishes. Using plywood walls and then painting them a crisp white creates a beautiful ‘blank canvas’ for a colourful, creative space.
Or, you could even paint a mural onto your plywood walls!
3. Clever flooring options
Your new studio comes with an unpainted smooth plywood floor.
A popular option for art studios is to seal the floor with a lacquer. This brings out the natural patterns in the wood beautifully and creates a protected, smooth floor for your studio. Another bonus; if you change your mind later, it’s easy to add a different flooring type on top!
If you prefer a different floor option, you can add any residential flooring options on top of this. Think carpet, carpet tiles, floating timber floorboards, laminate…
4. Add a Sink
A simple sink and tap in your art studio will make all the difference when it comes to cleaning up!
After your Melwood studio is installed, you can get a plumber to connect a bathroom or sink for you. It’s important that you engage the services of a plumber after your Melwood site inspection and before your studio is installed. This will allow them to do any preparation or groundwork required beforehand.
Not sure who to use? No problem – we can recommend a plumber to you.
5. Add Functional Furniture for Storage and Display
Last but not least, add a few pieces of carefully selected functional furniture to your studio as a final touch.
Shelving
Shelving is excellent in an art studio for both storage and display.
Categorising supplies by item type into baskets will make them easy to find (and easy on the eye!)
A dresser or table
Not just for inside the house, a dresser is a very functional piece of furniture for your studio. The drawers can be used for neat storage, with artwork and paintbrushes displayed on top.
Comfortable seating
A few comfortable seats, a throw and some cushions will turn your studio into an inviting space where you, family and friends can relax.
Having your own dedicated art space may even inspire other family members to pick up a brush. Then, perhaps the trickiest thing will be keeping the studio to yourself!
“It’s sooooo great to be able to make a mess and walk away. My art has definitely improved with this space.”
A portable storage caddy
A rolling storage caddy is a great studio addition.
This allows you to move your supplies and easel to the best light throughout the day.
How to get your own backyard art studio
It’s fast and easy to get your own art studio with a PreCrafted building from Greenspan.
Already downloaded our Design Price Guide and ready to take the next step?
Let’s meet. Book a callback from one of our friendly team.