1. Focus On Good Storage
‘My studio is a joyful sanctuary at the end of our backyard!’ says Molly Mahon, founder of Molly Mahon. 'The focal point is a wooden cabinet which I painted to add character and to make the space more personal to me. I find it really useful to have as many of the tools of my trade on display as possible so that I can find things easily. Open shelves for your home office storage is a must – mine are always overflowing with books and I use plenty of our hand-block printed storage boxes to store smaller things. They are cheerful to look at and proof that practically doesn’t need to mean boring!' 'Here, a big table is an essential piece of kit in any crafting or sewing room, and having this means we’ve been able to reclaim the kitchen table for regular family life.'
2. Include Plenty Of Natural Light
'Natural light is a key ingredient for sewing rooms so place your table and sewing machine in front of a window,' says Melanie Griffiths, editor, Period Living. 'If it's south-facing and the sun gets a little too bright hang up some simple drapes made from thin cotton that will block it a little but still ensure you get the light.'
3. Source A Vintage Desk And Chair
'Add character to your sewing room with a flea market find, like this desk and chair,' says Andrea Childs, editor, Period Living. 'A design with drawers is optimum in a sewing room – use it for patterns, equipment, and notebooks. Pick a wallpaper design that suits your scheme, Miss Print does a great retro range that will add character to your space.'
4. Double Up With Two Desks
'Nothing beats a touch of symmetry in interior design – give it a go in your sewing or craft space,' says Lucy. 'Two desks pushed together will give you ample room to spread out, or enable you to share the space. Matching floor lights add height and of course, practicality and a tiled floor make sweeping up much easier.'
5. Convert An Unused Corner Into A Sewing Space
'It can be hard to incorporate a sewing room into a home, especially if space is limited,' says Tom Rutt, director of TR Studio. 'Therefore, it is key to consider hybrid functioning rooms, for example, a small box room can be both a craft space, and also be the perfect room for art or sewing.'
6. Go Overboard With Your Lighting
In a multi-use space that can include sewing and designing is important to light the area well: 'Lighting is crucial in a sewing room to avoid any eye strain,' says Jo Plismy, founder of Gong. 'The room needs to have a good level of bright ambient lighting as well as task lighting for particularly detailed or intricate work. Angled desk lamps or adjustable wall lights are a great choice to allow the light to be directed exactly where it is needed. Choose white bulbs rather than yellow which can add to eye strain.'
7. Dedicate A Space For Arts And Crafts
Carve out a dedicated space for pure indulgence in your favorite hobby. Think about everything you will need to make this space work; efficient lighting, practical desk, comfortable seating, and plenty of good storage. Remember, the sewing room should be a space of inspiration, so don't worry about scattered prints and paperwork if it brings you joy and pleasure. This is the one space to really let your creativity shine. Use wall space to hang your favorite art, and choose a color scheme that will set the scene.
8. Introduce A Riot Of Color And Pattern
Bring together unusual patterns and color pairings for a space that is bursting with life and vibrancy.