Welcome to Amplified Apartments: Home Edition, a special edition of ForRent’s Amplified Apartments series, featuring amateur interior designers whose winning decor hacks will save you space whether you’re on the first or fifteenth floor.
Amplified Apartments: Home Edition explores the Louisiana home of blogger Susie Harris this week. Harris, a DIY ace (see her charming blog for sweet, sweet eye candy) recently moved her art studio into smaller confines. When her daughter moved back home, the doting mother was forced to stuff her creative space into 100 square feet. The task, of course, did not come without its challenges. But an eye for visual charm allowed Harris to create a studio with utility and character.
From the paint shelves to the vases, everything in the room has its place. A black and white color scheme keeps the room looking more spacious, while strategic pops of color keep it lively. Artwork, photos and accents centralized on one wall frame the studio to graphic effects. Keeping things uncluttered with just the right touches of whim, Harris has swapped into a room conducive to her creative passions. Read on for more insights straight from the able design blogger herself.
If you could describe your design concept using 5 words what would they be?
Space-saving vintage meets modern.
What compromises did you have to make when moving your office into a smaller space?
Giving up my large studio and downsizing meant utilizing every inch I could. The benefits were clearing out unused items and moving closer to my courtyard. I have a fountain on my patio that I can now see and hear from my window.
The downside was losing space a large closet and, of course, wood floors. I now have carpet that will have to come up. Painting requires easy cleanup floor.
What in this room was a DIY project? And where do your ideas for these projects come from?
I have many DIY projects in this room—from curtains to wall art. One that I find very handy is my vintage ruler coat rack. It fits in so well in my space.
Some of my ideas are created from ideas I have seen on the internet and some are just out of trial and error. I love to shop in antique stores. Finding old items and turning them into something that I can use delights me. Like taking the yard sticks and making a coat rack or using Coke crates for paint holders.
What guidelines did you use for the room’s color palette?
I like to keep the colors in my home very light. I use my walls as a backdrop for everything I do. The only color in the room is a large art piece that I painted—the “Every little thing is gonna be alright” sign painted in a bright yellow. I also incorporated a vintage office chair in a fun mint green. Little hints of color really make a room pop.
“I use my wall colors as a backdrop for everything I do.” (Tweet This)
How much of the room’s decor is functional, and how much is just for aesthetics?
I would say 80% of my studio is functional and 20% is aesthetics.
Your blog mentions your love for constant redecoration. How often do you tweak your designs?
As far as redecorating frequently, I shuffle things around to snap pictures for my blog. I paint signs, so I’m always looking for the perfect backdrop to snap a few pictures. That means things move often.
What are your go-to stores for home furnishings and decor? Are there any antique stores you would recommend?
My all-time favorite go-to store is The Royal Standard located in Baton Rouge. It has everything from antiques to gifts. It’s also near another of my favorites called Red Onion. Red Onion is a nursery, fine gift and decor shop. I always find myself there when needing some inspiration.
What’s your number one tip for solving the small space problem?
Make your aesthetic work for you. Take those pretties and put them to use. I used two old Coca-Cola crates that I love to hold paint—a win-win for me.
“Take those pretties and put them to use.” (Tweet This)
For more interior revelations see Susie Harris’ personal blog, here.
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