How to Cultivate an Inspiring, Organized Space in Which to Let Your Artsy Side Shine

While we continue to soak up the best and brightest bits of summer, we’re keeping an eye on the cozy, indoors-focused months ahead. Autumn seems the ideal season in which to reignite one’s skills and imagination when it comes to creative endeavors from paper crafting (like greeting card assembling), scrapbooking, and painting, to quilting, sewing, jewelry making, and so on.

Whether you're a budding artist or a lifetime crafter, it's helpful to carve out an intentional home space that can be dedicated solely to your passion. And now seems the perfect time to clean up, organize and prep those spaces, so you’re ready to roll when the sun has officially set on our summer travels and adventures.

Tips and tricks for creating an enjoyable, efficient workspace

Spending so much time in our homes at the start of the pandemic forced many of us to be intentional about how we utilize all of our rooms, not only the more clear-cut, functional ones like bedrooms and kitchens. Now we are more likely to pause and ask ourselves: What are the things that make up your day, your life, your values? Prioritize passions or skills that might have been put on the back burner, as we gear up for cozy autumn months spent largely indoors.

If possible, pick a place in your home that offers plenty of storage as well as room to comfortably sit (or stand) as you dive into your craft. Focus on the room's decor, lighting, and perhaps sound system that will make this area feel like an intentional haven — not just an afterthought.

Must-haves for your craft corner or room

Whether you work with pre-existing storage space (a simple closet, shelving system, or wardrobe), or explore brand-new, custom-built storage options, make sure you add ample places to keep supplies and items you’ve collected for your creations. After all, for so many, the collecting aspect itself is an important and highly anticipated part of the hobby.

Depending on what you want your work set-up to feel and look like, consider a long desk or table (an adjustable height surface can be ideal) and cushy chair or bench, as well as nearby shelves, drawers, and hooks to hold your art supplies and tools. Consider tucked-away storage spaces that will also hide frequently needed items requiring an easily accessible and organized home (like gift-wrapping supplies for all those kids' parties, relatives' birthdays, and host/hostess gatherings).

Where to locate your new craft hub

Depending on available space, you may simply dedicate a wall unit in a laundry room or office to becoming your crafting HQ. Some folks, however — like recent retirees or brand-new empty nesters — may devote an entire room to their projects and passions. Empty nesters, for example, may be navigating many emotions as their chicks fly the coop and set off on new, thrilling paths of independence and exploration away from home.

Change can be challenging, yet transitioning a space that was once dedicated to your kid or their hobbies — into something more suited for your solitary interests you’ve perhaps had to table for some time — can help transform sadness into excitement for the new chapter ahead (for both you and your offspring). Why not fill that void with creativity, positivity, and hope?

Should you need their assistance as you embark upon this exciting home project, experts in the field from California Closets are ready to help create the perfect craft closet, corner, or entire, dedicated room. These pros will spring into action after learning about your current spatial availability and what type of storage and production space you envision in order to pursue your interests and budding skills.

Call 503.885.8211 to set up a complimentary in-home consultation. You can also either visit us at www.calclosets.com, or stop into one of our local showrooms located in the Pearl in Portland, West Linn (exit 8 off of 205) and down in Bend on Newport Ave.