Supporting Creativity In The Home

Hello friends! Today I would like to discuss something dear to my heart, supporting creativity in the home. This topic has been on my mind lately as I make my way through these often hurried December days. I want to make more room in my life for creative projects as I’m sure many of you do – but it can be so difficult to know where to begin finding that time and space. So today I want to look at a collection of inspiring homes where creativity lives front and center. What do these people do differently? What do these spaces offer that could be brought into our own homes today?

Home of Jenifer Altman featured on Design Mom

One theme I see running through the lives of the creative people I know (both in person and “virtual” friends) is a home that is open, flexible, and well-organized for creative living. It need not be Martha Stewart perfect to function beautifully, just thoughtful. See Amanda Soule’s home for a wonderful example of this.

Home of Kimberly Sly featured on Design Mom – photos Lindsey Lyons

A few specific places to start might be installing one large feature, such as a chalkboard wall – don’t you love Jen Altman’s above? Or what about rethinking your dining room? Often dining rooms are underused, so why not take advantage of the space to set up a crafting or creating area? Keep the workspace covered to protect your table if needed, and stock a sideboard or cabinet with supplies and – ta da! Instant craft room.

Home of Jenifer Altman featured on Design Mom

Children’s spaces are so important as well. Kids need a clean, clear space to work – not just on homework, but on the important work of dreaming and creating that comes with childhood. And I love that pink Panton chair, don’t you? ;)

Home of Samantha Hahn and David Moldawer on Design Sponge

If your preferred creative work is messy, wouldn’t it be great to have a space, however small, that you could dedicate to your art exclusively? Painting, for instance, could be a little much for the dining table! But perhaps you could overtake a cupboard that closes or even convert a closet? Think outside the room-box.

Home of Jenifer Altman featured on Design Mom

A more subtle way of inviting creativity is to curate your belongings in a visually pleasing way. I know my work habits and motivation are greatly influenced by my environment and visual clutter – does this bother you, too? I love a space that feels “full” with the stuff of an active life, but…prettier. ;) See Jen Altman’s gorgeous cupboard display above for a prime example – useful white pottery and well-thumbed books mingle with small sculpture, family photos, and ephemera from nature. Lovely!

Home of Fi Campbell on Apartment Therapy – photos Marcia Prentice

Also generally speaking, I feel that having not-precious furniture helps cultivate a mood of creative experimentation. It’s great to feel comfortable with kids pulling chairs around to build forts, letting the dogs scuff things up a bit, and allowing a few exacto knife scratches in the tabletop just be what they are: signs of a life well spent!

Home of Blair Stocker on Design Mom

We have a finished basement in our little house, and while it has proved great for guest quarters, we rarely use it otherwise. I would love to take a cue from Blair Stocker’s home (pictured above) and set up a crafting station down there.

Home of Angelique Hoffman on Design Mom

What about you: Do you practice a craft or make art at home? Would you like to? I would love to hear about your ideas and experiences with this topic, so please chime in below! xo Laura

(images: linked to sources above)

•