Tucked into the back of our new home, beyond the dining room, is a tiny little room not much bigger than a twin-sized bed. In fact, we have placed a twin-sized pull-out sofa in that room along with the children's little table, and when the sofa is unfolded, the room is filled, wall to wall.
The room has three large windows that face the East and the South and keep the room bright through most of the day. The North wall, which it shares with the dining room, is completely taken up with a set of built-in shelves. They are narrow shelves, deep enough for paperback books but not much else. The previous owners called this room the "library" and used it for books, a couch, and a desk. The floor was covered with old berber carpet. The carpet is now gone and the restored wood glows. With this light and the cozy heat of its own small radiator, this room is inviting. What better place to set up as our studio?
Previously our art supplies were hidden in boxes and cabinets. Now they are out of hiding, easily accessible. Along with our diminished access to television, having increased access to games and creative materials has been a great experience! This is the first place we come in the morning and it's a major hub of activity in our home all day long. Take a look at how we've arranged the shelves (click on the photo to go to a labeled version on Flickr).
Future plans include stripping the wallpaper and painting in a fresh color (green?), painting the shelves a lighter color, and changing the dark window coverings to something lighter. My in-laws gave me a bluebird house which I hope to put in view of the windows, along with a new stand for our old bird feeders. You can also see the vegetable garden plot from here, and this summer we will add solar-powered glowing fairies given to us by Sean and Jessa. ♥