A cluttered creative space doesn’t just slow you down, but actively fights against your creative process.
And especially if you’re looking to have a dreamy and cozy at-home set-up in which to cultivate your art, you’ll need a space that gives you inspiration, not takes.
So let’s talk about it — artist workspace organization. Because if you’re going to root your creative business from your home (which I did!), you’ll want to make sure it’s set up to help you stay organized, clear-minded, and inspired AF.
Talking about home decorating is soooo close to my heart, because it was my only creative outlet in 2020 when I had to stop acting school. It makes my creative soul absolutely *sing* when I walk into a space and feel instantly at-home and inspired.
Let’s touch on some practical artist workspace organization ideas to transform your creative sanctuary. 🙌
The 3 Key Elements of an Artistic Sanctuary
Effective artist workspace organization starts with what I call the three Cs of having a home studio — cozy, curated, and conducive.
You’ll want all 3 of these qualities in your space to support your creative process.
Cozy: It Needs to Physically Be Comfortable
Comfort shouldn’t be a luxury in your space.
Because in your space, you need to feel fully and unapologetically yourself! And I bet you haven’t been able to do that when you’re feeling physically uncomfortable, like if you’re too cold, too hot, too overwhelmed, or just overall too *generally uncomfy* in a space.
Your space needs to welcome you in.
You know that feeling when you walk into a space and something just feels… off? Like you’re not supposed to be there? Maybe it’s a stuffy office waiting room with uncomfortable chairs, or a friend’s “formal living room” that’s so pristine it feels like a museum.
That energy is the exact opposite of what we want in our homes, friend!
Now, think of the opposite. That place that instantly makes you feel welcome — maybe your favorite coffee shop with the squashy armchairs, or that one friend’s house where you can fix and pour yourself some tea without asking. 🍵
That’s the vibe we’re after! Your home should PULL you in, not push you away. It should wrap you up like a warm hug and tell you that your art is not only welcome here, but needs to be made here. Your art should match the energy that your home gives you.
Ultimately, when your space truly invites you in, you’ll find yourself naturally relaxing, breathing deeper, and feeling permission to fully exist in every corner. This is YOUR space, and every inch of it should feel like it’s giving you the green light to just BE. ♡
Curated: It Needs to Spark Joy For You
If you’ve ever interacted with Marie Kondo, you’ll know that this is her *big* tagline — and I’m absolutely obsessed with it. Having a thoughtfully, intentional, and truly curated home (no interior designer needed) is the big big big difference between feeling scattered and overwhelmed and feeling inspired. Like you’re truly in your own space MADE for you.
Marie Kondo’s philosophy is talked a lot about in the tidying community, but it’s so beyond that — it’s truly about creating a space that resonates with your soul.
That’s why your artist workspace organization should include only items that spark joy for you. Maybe it’s that vintage typewriter you found at a flea market, or the collection of crystals that catches the morning light just perfectly.
They don’t have to all be practical — but they should pass the “spark joy” test, especially when it comes to creative space decluttering. (Peep — read both her books to learn more about how to do this. They totally changed my life!)
Here’s the wonderful thing about curation — it’s not about following someone else’s aesthetic vase-for-vase or even trying to recreate that perfect Pinterest board (although I highly recommend drawing inspo from Pinterest!).
It’s about creating a space that makes YOUR heart sing every time you walk in. Think about those moments when you spot something that instantly makes you smile — like finding the perfect mug that fits just right in your hands, or hanging up that quirky art print that nobody else quite “gets” but makes you giggle every time you see it.
I call that “feeling the flutter,” that little tremble in your heart that screams “LOVE.” Marie Kondo calls it sparking joy. Whatever you might call it, the feeling is the same.
Conducive: It Needs to Make it Easy to Create
Smart artist workspace organization can actually boost your creativity and productivity — through having an optimized, efficient studio layout. Aka, your space also needs to be conducive to creation, whether that means having your microphone set up and plugged in 24/7, purchasing an ergonomic art desk, or having your camera right in your desk, ready to shoot some b-roll content.
Everything required for both the knee-jerk and regularly-scheduled creative sessions should be within arm’s reach and already set up, ready for when that inspiration is ready.
…because let’s be honest – nothing kills creative flow quite like having to hunt down that one specific paintbrush or notebook when you’re in the zone. 🫣
Dreamy Artist Workspace Organization Tips (After You’ve Marie Kondo-ed the Space!)
Look for Organic Storage Solutions
When you have the resources, Marie Kondo suggests that your studio storage solutions (and home storage solutions in general) should be made from organic materials, when possible.
I was repurposing lots of shoe boxes, packages, and miscellaneous packaging boxes in the meantime, but eventually, you’ll bring a high-end, luxurious energy to your home when you use boxes made of wood, bamboo, woven materials, etc.
Plastic containers are cheaper and more practical, but they don’t have the depth and high energy that organic materials do.
Thrift Thrift Thrift
I’m not suggesting you spend every weekend hunting through second hand stores (unless you want to, in which case, I’ll bring the tea and snacks!). Instead, just keep your eyes open for those special pieces that speak to you.
Maybe it’s a vintage cabinet with perfect little drawers for your art supplies, or an antique desk that makes you feel like a novelist from the 1920s. Now that you’re taking a hold of the design of your space, just bring awareness to those items that spark joy that might need a home instead of looking at big-box stores, too!
Make Cleaning Products Cute & Accessible
Let’s talk about something that might seem small but makes a huge difference: cleaning products. Yes, really! Having beautiful, accessible cleaning supplies actually makes you more likely to keep your space tidy. I looooove Supernatural — not just because it is nontoxic and smells amazing, but because their bottles are gorgeous enough to leave out on display.
Some more tips for aesthetic cleaning:
- Use amber glass spray bottles for a vintage, curated look
- Store natural-colored microfiber cloths in a pretty basket
- Use a vintage tray to corral cleaning supplies
- Add essential oils to your cleaners for a signature scent
Hang Things Up! (AKA, It’s Okay to Have Empty Surfaces!)
One of the most overlooked aspects of artist workspace organization is the importance of vertical space! Your surfaces don’t need to be cluttered with decorative objects that collect dust.
Instead, look up! Wall-mounted shelves, hanging planters, and sconce lighting can add personality and function without taking up precious workspace.
Paint or Wallpaper is Your Best Friend!
Oh my goodness, the power of color and pattern to transform a room is absolutely magical.
You can go bold with a dramatic wallpaper or subtle with a perfectly chosen paint color — this is such a beautiful way to add character without adding stuff.
I adore looking at wallpaper from Spoonflower and Love vs. Design — and I invite you to do so, too.
Romanticize Your Life With Me ♡
Remember, friend, the best artist workspace organization systems are the ones that grow and evolve with your creative practice. Go forth and creative that *cozy, conducive and curated* home studio (and home!). I can’t wait to hear how it transforms not just your space, but your entire creative practice.
For more creative lifestyle tips from my personal life as a female singer-songwriter, I’d love to see you over on YouTube!
