The beginning of a creative space Posted on January 11, 2016March 3, 2022 By Becky When we decided that we were finally going to undertake our loft conversion early last year, and that there was going to be a little room re-jugging within the Freeman household (us in the new loft room, S to have our old room), I couldn’t help but get excited about what we might do with Sasha’s old space, the classic, ‘small 3rd bedroom’ in a house. Adam and I wondered whether to make it into a little guest bedroom-come-work-space, but whilst there would be room for a single bed, there wouldn’t be that much room for much else. We do have people to stay sometimes, and give them our room whilst we sleep on a double blow up bed, but to be honest we don’t have many people crash at ours on their own, so the propect of having a single bed would actually be a little wasted. A day bed could have been an idea, a place to come and sit and read and relax, but we tend to either do that in bed or in the living room, especially whilst the children are young and seem to want and need us a lot more. What I was really hankering after, as wanky and pretentious as it might sound, was a ‘creative space’. Somewhere for me (or Adam if he’s at home) to work without distraction (Fridge, I’m looking at YOU), and a place to house all of our photos, grown up craft materials i.e sewing machine (when I say ‘our’, I obviously mean ‘mine’ when it comes to the latter 🙂 ), paperwork, stationery and photo props. A little oasis that is purely for grown ups, in a house that is fighting a constant battle with small children’s toys/craft bits/clothes/scraps of paper. First off, once the main loft room was completed, we had a friend of ours in to paint over Sasha’s old wallpaper in pure white, and give the floorboards a fresh coat of paint (these were already white). I knew I wanted a large, white desk, with plenty of room to use my laptop on and really spread out, as well as somewhere that had plenty of space for craft activities. So we hotfooted it to our local Ikea, who as usual, didn’t disappoint. For our desk, we chose an ALEX desk, as I liked the size, the simple design, and the fact there are two decent sized drawers underneath. Here I store my address book, paper and envelopes, washi tape (for now), blue tack, and a few other bits and bobs. To go next to the desk, we decided on an Ikea ALEX Drawer Unit with 9 drawers. Here, I house the following: Greetings cards and invitations, Christmas cards and stationery, wrapping tape/bows/ribbon, photos that need framing or putting in albums, tissue paper, party bits and bobs i.e. decorations, photo props, and finally, sewing materials. (PS how cute is the pin tin above? It’s actually a vintage 1950s ‘Hollands Toffee’ tin, and was my late nan’s, and is a proper vintage treasure- goodness knows how old it is. I love it!) The yellow, Eames-inspired chair is from a brilliant Ebay store, and a bargain at £25.99! I mentioned previously that I’d possibly like to buy more of these for the kitchen later this year, as they are surprisingly comfy (I thought I might need a cushion on top, but the desk height works well with it). So far, I have a lot to do decor-wise, but I think I know what I want. Bright prints and picture are on the cards for the walls, and I’m considering running a little shelf around the room, just below the picture rail, in order to display the vintage crockery that I sell in my little store. I’ve added a plant that was actually in our living room previously… …and I love these battery powered multi-coloured lights from TIGER, that do give a little much-needed pop of colour among the white. The large, sturdy paper bag holds on my rolls of wrapping paper (something I’ve always found is a pain to store, and I think this is the ideal solution!). I bought this from another Etsy store ‘Tellkiddo’, and I’m already eyeing up other things they have! I also have 9 glass bottles that my friend lent me for our wedding on the window sil, complete with candles in, but I’m not sure if these will stay long term. To store our gift bags, I decided to use one of the personalised crates that we had at our wedding, and it fits them all perfectly. Sasha has the other one in her room, and stores books in it. So, there we have it, the beginning of a creative space and home office. I’ve decided that since I do use this room so much now, it really is my priority to get it finished, and I can’t wait to crack on and show you the end result! What do you think? Do you have a favourite spot in your home for work/crafts/blogging? BeckyMeet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness. Our Home Creative spacehome officeikeasmall spacestudy
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Absolutely love it, I really do think this is the best use of little box – style bedrooms and it looks so bright and cheery. You’ll be very happy here and have spurred me on to finish ours too x Reply
Aah thank you so much! I do love it, I feel very lucky to have such a space to work in, although we’d be screwed if we ever have another baby- I’d def keep this and the kids would have to share 😉 Looking forward to seeing your finished result! x Reply
love your space, and no it’s not wanky at all, it’s perfect! Not jealous one little bit 😉 Hope Monday is treating you well gorgeous xx Reply
I love love love this room, it looks so cool. The yellow chair looks fab amongst all the white furniture and I love all your finishing touches! Definitely a job well done! X Reply
Wow Becky, this looks amazing, I LOVE it! As Mummy Tries says, jealous? Moi? Just loads! Have a fab year x Reply
It looks gorgeous lovely, we have a similar desk in our office space which is perfect because it is a double desk and good enough for both of us. I will be so sad when our office has to be turned into a nursery (although at least I get another project to do!) but it won’t be until the baby is six months as we are dreading it! I have a question actually, we are about to be doing our dining room and I have been eying up those exact style of chairs at Dwell for £59.00. But we are looking for mustard colour rather than pure yellow- is yours a bright yellow? If it isn’t then that would be perfect and save lots of money as we need 6! Can you let me know on twitter or fb or something! Thanks lovely. x Reply
Glad you like it lovely! Re the chair, this one is pure, bright yellow, so not the mustard you’re after- I’ll tweet or FB you a link to somewhere that does mustard ones, and cheaper than the £59 that you’ve seen x Reply
Oh I just LOVE it – you clever lady!! The yellow chair looks amazing against the white. Very chic. And such a creative room. Ooooooh very nice and really lovely accessories too xx Reply
love the yellow chair! it’s an exxcellent choice: it will wake you up in the mornings and cheer you up on a rainy day… Reply
Oh how lovely and a giant paper sack is just the thing for wrapping paper rolls – I might have to pinch the idea 🙂 Reply
This looks fantastic Becky! Fresh and simple, just imagine that lovely ‘clear head’ feeling when you settle down for a calm hour or two – really inspiring! Reply
Love, great styling as always, those drawers look super handy. Can’t wait to see it when you put prints up xx Reply
That’s a beautiful space – love the chair and that garland which bring that pop of colour. very stylish 🙂 #homeetc Reply
Ohmygoodness — I LOVE it!!! You know me — I’m totally and utterly OBSESSED with having my creative space back again — this is 100% up my street. Love the yellow chair too, my fave colour — my work chair isn’t quite so chic, I have a kneeling chair by STOKKE, which looks odd but is AMAZING for preventing back-ache!! A must when I’m glued to my Mac for so many hours of the day!! Lovely makeover — thanks for linking up with us 🙂 #HomeEtc Reply
What a brilliant space. I’d love one just like it! We’re tempted to do this in out little third bedroom too, although I think my boys might like to stop sharing now. I fancy an Ikea desk too! #HomeEtc Reply
Gorgeous! I love the idea of this kind of a creative space and really hanker after one myself too… Maybe the third small bedroom could be one, or an extension someday (ha ha quite far) in the future 🙂 #homeetc Reply
I love this room. Its beautifully styled, fresh and modern but so inviting, the chair and Tiger lights complete the look perfectly. Reply