6 Artist's Studios That Model Great Design
http://www.decor-ideas.org 07/21/2013 16:50 Decor Ideas
I was watching the film Pollock the other day and found myself envying Jackson Pollock's studio in Long Island, New York, as cold and rustic as it was. What a dream, to have a separate studio where one might be inspired to turn the art world on its ear with a few expert drips and flicks of the brush. There are plenty of equally enviable artist's studios around Houzz with beautiful views of gardens, streams, fields and coasts. Here's a peek at six that will make you want to prop up an easel.
1. An art space and woodshop nestled in the trees. This charming Midwestern outbuilding serves as a studio and woodworking shop for an artistic couple.
The building is separated into two large, open spaces connected by a screened-in porch. This breaks down the facade into pleasing masses. The block on the left is 16 feet by 20 feet; the one on the right is 16 feet by 24 feet.
Large windows let in the light and provide a picturesque and inspiring view.
Tip: While you might want to make your studio into something pleasing to look at from the front, you can be a little freer with the sides that are out of view. Here the more unsightly woodworking supplies are conveniently stored out back. Just be sure you aren't making your neighbors look out on an eyesore.
2. A California studio lets the outside in. This beautiful San Francisco Bay Area studio, 20 by 30 feet, combines stucco and ipe siding with lots of punctuations that let in the light.
Tip: Create easy access between indoors and out with splurge-worthy Nana doors, as the owners here did.
Whether the doors are open or closed, the view of the landscape is vast.
Tip: Orient your studio to make the most of the natural light, and filter the light with overhangs or translucent glass — direct sunlight can fade everything it touches.
Skylights: Velux
3. Fields and stream surround a studio in Missouri. This 800-square-foot studio in Springfield, Missouri, takes advantage of a beautiful site near a stream and pond.
Tip: Extend your studio space beyond its walls. This patio provides lounging space just beyond the large glass garage door.
The garage door lets in just the light during colder weather and the breeze on pleasant days, almost eliminating the need for air conditioning. It also provides easy access to the patio and suits the industrial style of the space.
Tip: Add your own unique details. This collection of vintage yarn bobbins serves as a functional installation.
See more of this studio
4. An island studio in Washington state. The couple who live here have a separate studio with views of Puget Sound on their Raft Island property.
Tip: Make it easy to access your studio from the main house. This main house has a walkway that leads to the studio.
As we've already seen in several of the other studios, high windows let in the light and treetop views, while keeping walls free for hanging art.
Tip: If you're lucky enough to have a powder room in your studio, continue the inspiration there. This artist constructed a wall of her signature Lutradur material into the bathroom with a composition of art pieces.
See more of the art in this home
5. Two artists envision a modern studio in New Haven, Connecticut. This studio has a dramatically different look from the main house, which is exactly what the homeowners wanted. It has 1,000 square feet for sculptures and 600 square feet for parking two cars.
Tip: OK, OK, enough about the natural light! When you're working at night or in cloudy weather, artificial light is also key in an art studio. Work with a lighting designer to get it right.
A new corridor connects the studio and garage to the main house while also providing desk space.
Learn more about this studio
6. A prefab studio for you, perhaps? One relatively easy way to add a separate studio is to use a prefabricated structure. One vendor I really like is Studio Shed, which uses sustainable materials and cares about making sure the designs are as earth friendly as possible.
This particular studio is 280 square feet and has double French glass doors.
The versatile space could easily be an office, guesthouse or family play lounge.
Now you: Are you lucky enough to have your own creative zone? We'd love to see it in the Comments!
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