That is the question. So in my big mission to purge, we discovered something quite sad. Our kids are no longer little kids. As in they don’t use or need most of the big ticket toy items they once did. While the vast open space left in their absence is a breath of fresh air. . . I can’t believe we are to this point already. While they still have plenty of toys, they don’t take up the same foot print {ie: pretend kitchen, shopping cart, cash register}. So while I am wiping back tears and coming to terms with this whole life going too quickly thing, I am also pondering what to do with this new found real estate. The other day I was swooning over someone’s craft room. I was thinking, “Oh, if only I had a blogging office/craft room.” Well it hit me like a lead balloon. . . . I can have that. We do have the space. Our upstairs family room has always been a hang out/playroom. Now that my daughter is older and super creative, she would benefit from it as well. I rounded up some fun inspiration. 
studio pebbles This is a definite possibility as far as design and inspiration. Our room has many windows and lots of good natural light which is a bonus. I love the way they created a desk space under the window and the round table is great for doing larger projects. Great ideas here. 
i heart organizing Jen can do no wrong and I have such studio envy. This room is her office/craft space and it’s all together fantastic. I love the desk area and that all of her supplies are so neatly organized. 
a thoughtful place – model home I showed this craft room a while back from a model home we toured. It is still by far one of my very favorite spaces. Of course this was right off of the kitchen and family room which made it extra dreamy. Since I can’t magically move my room, maybe I can steal some great ideas from the design of this space. 
thistlewood farms Well, hello gorgeous! So bright and beautiful. So much saturated color and I love the different work stations. I like the idea of a long wall of desks like this . . . can accomplish quite a lot. While I wouldn’t need three separate areas, I could spread out quite a bit with my projects. 
kelly rae roberts – soul shine studio Can you believe this space Kari Anne created? Holy cow. This studio she shares with two other artists stole my heart. Can’t you just feel the soul and the creativity flowing. My daughter, who loves to paint, would go bananas. I love the charm and the lived in feel of this. So much inspiration it blows my mind. So now I need to really think about this. Most of my crafting for the blog is done downstairs and many of my supplies are in the garage. Would I want everything upstairs? Would I create a space to photograph up there, too? They jury is still out. Luckily, my sister, and design partner in crime, is coming to visit next month. I already told her I need to put her eye to work. I would love to see it transformed but is it the right move? Anyone have a dedicated, dreamy craft space? Do you actually craft in there? I want to know the ins and outs. So don’t be shy. . . if you have a nice creative space carved out for you or your family, how do you like it? * And a special happy birthday to my dear brother in heaven. We miss you more than words can say. I could use your sense of humor on a daily basis around here. Love you, Tim.
My craft/scrapbook space has always been the dining room table so you can guess where supplies were stashed (everywhere). I still don't know where that one box is. sigh
I use to do all by blogging upstairs at the desk but it's hard being all by yourself. I've lost a good chunk of my hearing and it made the isolation worse.
IF I needed a spot to always do my photo shoots, or was still sewing, scrapbooking, or had a little one for company? I'd love a dedicated craft room. My sewing would be on one side with a table going down the middle as a "do not enter" reminder (pins and needles). There would be a scrapbook/stamping wall with a spot for scraps that the littles could use. There would be a dedicated wall with littles craft stuff on the bottom and yarn things up above.
Oh, man, I think the space would need to be bigger than our garage! But we are talking dream homes right?
Even my reading room isn't some big room off to the side. Sure that's where my books would be but I'd be reading in the family room where everyone else is. Or working on a blanket. The extra yarn would be off to the side somewhere but I'd be in the thick of things while working on it.
Does that help at all? 😉
dang proofreading . . . time for sleep if I'm missing so much little stuff.
I wish I could have a craft room. A room where all my stuff was organized and a place I could go to just hang out and get things done!!! Can't wait to see what you decided!!!
What lovely spaces! I'm actually at this point, also. Since the beginning of the year, we have been converting our playroom into a family office because our kids have grown so much. I've loved organizing and purging and making over this room to fit our new needs. Good luck with your space–I'm sure it will turn out wonderfully!
I think you should do it! This is a room you would use for your job. It is also s space you'd likely use the rest of your life. I don't believe in doing too many temporary things if this is your forever home. So, if this could be with you for the long haul, I say go for it & enjoy it!
Oh wow – I think you should go for it!! I have dreams of turning our third floor into a room like this someday. Right now it's a dumping ground for moving moves we haven't unpacked yet and where my sewing machine is hidden away. A few more windows, new flooring, and some organization…oh baby. Go for it!!
I would definitely go for it! Another room that serves as inspiration for me is Jennifer Ross' (OrganizedLikeJen) Craft Room. Search her on YouTube or check out her blog here. That is the craft room of my dreams (although I would probably go for budget-friendly versions of the furniture in her room).
Sarah
Sweet Spontaneity
I turned a 250 sq. ft. room over our garage into a studio/craft/office/family room. I designed it with TONS of hidden storage, so it would be clutter free. I wish I would have done it years ago because its so nice to walk away from a project midway and not have to put everything away since I use to do everything on my kitchen center island. I tagged you on instagram but I thought I should swing by and share the link with you on how we did it, things we thought about and how I was able to save so much money on the project here: http://www.thecreativityexchange.com/2013/07/officecraftfamily-room-reveal-finally.html
I know it's a tough decision but I hope somehow my project can help! 🙂
Yes ma'am….everything in one spot is a dream come true!! (I'm almost there) Love all these spaces as inspiration. And thinking of you today, friend….I know your brother will find a way to reveal himself to you today! xoxoxo
I think you would love having a designated craft/blog spot! So would your artistic daughter! I think you should go for it! I decided to turn one of our guest rooms into a craft/sewing/painting room. I want to be able to leave my mom's sewing machine out all the time and my paints. It is in the works now. Thinking of you today as you remember your sweet brother, Tim. I agree with Cassie. Sending you a big hug friend. xo
I love the idea of you and your daughter crafting and working on projects together. A craft room/blog room would be a fantastic place to create new memories, and allow you to spread out and be creative without worrying about where your family is going to eat their dinner. I really appreciate having a space that allows me to separate work from family life, and even better for you that you have a space with natural light pouring in. I say go for it! Although, that is a little selfish because I am anxious to see how you will design it and put your amazing Courtney touch on things.
P.S. Thinking about you. ♥ And so happy to hear your sis is visiting soon, I know how excited you must be for that.
P.P.S. Thank you for the super sweet mention. My grin widened when I saw my space included in your beautiful round-up of rooms. 🙂
Isn't it so sad when they grow up? My kids and I are discussing what will become of the playroom. We agree on craft room/lounge space. Maybe next year….. I'm still holding on to the toy kitchen!
We have ALWAYS had a craft space or room. Either a part of our unfinished basement or bonus room-when the girls were little, or our current spare bedroom turned craft room. The girls have always used it (and still do when home for holidays) to craft, do school projects, etc. And, I love the designate space as I don't have to pick up a project I am working on to set the dinner table per say.
Here is the link to ours…very simple, all ikea. I will have to find a picture of the storage in the closet area.
http://simplylkj.blogspot.com/2013/04/craft-room-reveal.html
Oops…just realized the closet space was included in that post 😉
Such lovely craft rooms. I have thought back to our starter home and realized if I could have just made it past the toys and large plastic items phase, our family would have fit into it now. The kids get bigger, but their "toys" get smaller.
Happy belated birthday to Tim, I know you miss him everyday. I wish I got to know the brother in the group more too before he went, especially since the sisters are so great. As for the craft room, I'm actually typing this to you from my home office/craft room! I love having a dedicated space and also find it helps me "shut it down" most nights so I can just relax on the couch with the family. Before, when I kept my computer downstairs, I'd always be on it. It's a laptop, so I can bring it down if I want, but usually I keep it in my office.
Also, the lighting is good in my office, so I do set up and take pictures here of craft projects. Keeps the mess to one space! If I happen to be working in the late afternoon, James can come in here and do art or watch tv (I recently added a small one and like the company and extra sound sometimes if I'm not listening to Pandora).
I feel like we're right behind you in terms of almost being out of little kid stage with James being 5, but man, there are still so many toys everywhere! I really can't wait to see you soon Court! So happy to see you having such a good getaway!