Designing "Home Offices" for Artistic Types
By Dawn Westdawn.west@interiordesignschoolreview.com
Folks with careers in art can be particular about their work space. Between 1795 and 1827 Beethoven moved more than 60 times, trying to find the best place to compose. Andy Warhol transformed a New York warehouse into the "Factory," a hang out and studio for an entire generation of artists. One of my friends, a brilliant writer, swears by working in her closet.
With such a range of styles, designing work spaces for clients who have art careers can be challenging. Let these tips help you through the process. Whether your clients' careers in art have them singing or sculpting, designing a studio that inspires is easiest with the following in mind.
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Pay Extra Attention to Light
Careers in art from photography to writing all require special types of light. While a typical "home office" may be fine with a nice lamp or two and a good bright overhead, artists work spaces may require more specialized lighting implements, even for non-visual artists. Some artists will want natural sunlight, some spotlights, others cozy lamps. Listen carefully to your client's needs and budget more time than you think you'll need to get the lighting right.Make Space for Supplies
Every home office needs space for supplies, but your clients with art careers may have surprising storage needs. Whether it's a space for a spare tuba or slots for extra canvases, get the details of storage right, and you'll have a happy artist on your hands.Allow for Eccentricity
Some of your clients with art careers will be easy going, plain vanilla types. Others, though, are more likely to be, well, a little crazy - something more like coconut surprise. Be ready to accommodate their tastes, from "the chaise must be purple velvet" to "only natural fibers will do," and expect that they may change their minds more than once throughout the process.Designing a home office for client with careers in art can be a wonderful experience. By creating their work space you are contributing to their art. It can also be a headache. But that's where these tips come in. Keep them in mind, and you may find you like coconut surprise.
About the Author
Dawn West teaches writing at Oregon State University. Her previous experience includes working for the Community Development Venture Capital Alliance, a not-for-profit in New York City, and serving as the director for an educational program for at-risk youth in Boston. Dawn holds a B.A. in English from Harvard University.
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