Artists are a special breed of people, born with a creative nature few of us will ever experience. Oftentimes, that creativity is inspired by the environment around them, which is why a custom-built Oregon home presents a fantastic opportunity to tailor a home studio for an artist when designing the home. Here are some key considerations you will want to integrate into your design.
Natural Light and Views
You have often heard us talk about maximizing natural light to help save energy in a design, and we want to harness that natural light for a studio, but for different reasons. Natural lighting allows the artists to see the true details and colors of their work, so larger windows and skylights are a must when designing the studio. Rather than setting the room up for direct sunlight, however, you want to catch the north light, which is an indirect source and more consistent, allowing the studio to avoid harsh shadows that are cast with exposure to direct sunlight.
In addition to the sunlight, the windows offer a serene backdrop to offer inspiration as well as a calming effect for someone who will more than likely be spending long hours in the studio when that creativity is flowing.
Ample Space and Layout
A large, open plan will work best for this space so you can see your work from different views. You should also have high ceilings to work in pieces of all sizes. This will also allow you to store more pieces while they are being worked on, as some artists will “walk away” from a piece until they get that very specific creative feeling to complete it. I have several friends who are artists, and it sometimes takes them more than a year to finish a single piece, while others are completed in just a few hours.
Storage and Organization
This plays off the last point in that you will need storage not only for supplies, but also for your finished work that is ready for sale. Supply closets, storage closets or a display room for finished pieces, shelving, etc., should all be part of the design.
Ventilation and Materials
If you are an artist, you know how important ventilation is, especially if you are working with oil paints and use solvents to clean your brushes. A proper air filtration system and operable windows ensure that dangerous fumes do not accumulate in the room.
The nature of the work being done also means you need to use materials in the room that are very easy to clean because there will be substances such as paint and clay that will be spilled on them. Washable wall paints, stainless steel, and concrete are all more practical choices, but this is something you will definitely want to discuss with your construction consultant or residential construction project manager.
Lighting Flexibility
While natural light is paramount, controlled artificial lighting is also important. A combination of overhead lighting and adjustable spotlights allows for work at all hours and can simulate different lighting conditions. Dimmer switches can adjust the ambiance according to the time of day or the artist’s mood.
Inspiring Design
This is your creative hub, so the overall design of the studio should be something that gets those creative juices flowing. You want the room’s theme to reflect the things that inspire you personally. It could be bold colors, eclectic décor, or maybe something minimalistic… that is something only you can decide.
Looking for more ideas on how to incorporate a home studio into the design of your new Oregon custom-built home? Better Build Now offers numerous residential construction services to help you create your dream home. For more information, give us a call at 888-402-4180.