How many projects have been started and then stopped due to lack of room and nowhere to keep things mid-making? In a limited space it is hard to get motivated to return to a sewing idea, but we think these idea will change that and inspire the perfect workstation for you to get creating again. Inevitably sewing and making bring with it a lot of paraphernalia, think threads, needles, buttons, haberdashery and materials, finding a place to keep these in order is often an issue. Particularly as items need to be brought out and put away at the end of the day. But we have lots of ideas to share, from making the best of an alcove to a special sewing chair, we aim to get you crafting over the new-year. Find a space and follow our pattern to happy making.
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1. Create a space you can thrive in
(Image credit: TBC)
Put wasted areas to good use - the end of a hallway, under the stairs or a landing are all areas that could double-up as a compact work zone. Here, a crafting area fits neatly under a sloping wall. Decorate a wall with wallpaper and fabric clippings and swatches that not only look pretty, but help to aid creativity. Alternatively, pin your favourite designs to the wall in stylish frames for a smart display. When two distinct areas share a space, it's important to tie them together so they don't jar – use similar styles of furniture and a common colour palette.
3. Make the most of a small corner
(Image credit: Future PLC/Keith Henderson and David Hampton)
Transform a tired, unloved corner into a craft room with a few fabulous finds. Scour flea markets, antiques fairs and boot sales for vintage furniture that doesn't cost the earth. Incorporate pieces that are not traditionally used in a craft room or home office. Here a plant stand functions as a practical unit to keep sewing materials organised.
3. Beautify with trio of floral noticeboards
(Image credit: Future PLC/Tim Young)
Pretty up a bare wall. For a simple and stylish solution where space is tight, or in a dual-purpose room where you don't want the office area to dominate, cover plain corkboards with patterned wallpaper or fabric that ties in with the rooms colour scheme. Alternatively, self-adhesive cork tiles are cheap and can be put up in minutes to turn a whole wall into an ever-changing collage of notes, photos and inspirational whatnots.
4. Utilise an unloved room
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
This craft room makes use of every inch of its cellar space. Storage is squeezed into every nook and cranny. For a neat and relaxed feel in your craft room, organise supplies in preloved bookcases, chests of drawers and shelves. This fuss-free approach keeps your materials in order, looks great and is inexpensive to pull off, even if you have an abundance of paraphernalia.
5. Simplify storage
(Image credit: TBC)
Home offices aren't always about paperwork - this cute decorator's studio shows that there is a storage solution to suit any room. Sample books are filed neatly in a wooden island with an extra large cavity and hooks provide simple ways to hang fabrics. A white-painted bookcase gives the room a country-feel.
6. Incorporate objects that motivate you
(Image credit: Future PLC/Matt Cant)
Decorate your craft room with trinkets that will inspire and motivate you. Accessories give all the comforts of home for a welcoming work space. Hang framed artwork to give bare walls more personality and to make the space look more like the other rooms in your home.
7. Keep it neat and tidy
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
Be ruthless with clutter. If you know exactly what you want to store in your craft room, or you simply want to have everything hidden away and out of sight, then consider installing fitted units. To keep the office from looking untidy stash things in boxes or behind cupboard doors for a streamlined finish. For a classic scheme that won't date, you can't beat the natural good looks of wood. Alternatively, look in salvage yards for discarded standalone pieces. Don't be discouraged when sourcing salvaged wood - even when damaged, wood can often be restored to its former glory, so you can make the most of auction room acquisitions or junk-shop finds. You may even find an artist's preloved easel.
8. Pretty up with your favourite wallpaper and fabrics
(Image credit: Future PLC/Brett Charles)
As well as using them for decoration, turn the walls of your office into a practical feature. Cover the wall so that it becomes a practical surface - cork tiles, magnetic paint or blackboard paint are all good options. You need to create a free area on at least one wall - the scale will depend on how much space you have, from a totally bare wall to a smaller section above a desk or shelving unit.
9. Give your space a considered aesthetic
(Image credit: Future PLC/Heather Hobhouse)
Display your magazine files along an open shelf for easy access. Match them to the wall colour for a seamless, unobtrusive look or create a feature with a contrasting material. Keep the colours calm in a craft room or home office to promote a good working environment. To stop your space from looking too clinical, add a splash of colour through soft furnishings, but stick to one or two colours.
10. Take your craft room outdoors
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dan Duchars)
If you need more space and you need it fast, an outdoor room could be the answer. They work particularly well as offices or studios and are often more cost-effective than travelling to and renting a space. Even the short walk down the garden can feel like 'going to work', plus they can be closed up at the end of the day.
Is your craft room scheme all sewn up? We'd love to hear what you have planned for your space in the comments box.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction
As an expert in crafting and creating workspaces, I can provide you with valuable insights and ideas to optimize your limited space for sewing and making. I have extensive knowledge and experience in organizing materials, maximizing storage, and creating a motivating environment for crafting. Let's explore some concepts mentioned in the article and discuss how they can enhance your sewing area.
Creating a Space You Can Thrive In
The article suggests utilizing wasted areas such as the end of a hallway, under the stairs, or a landing to create a compact work zone. By transforming these areas into crafting spaces, you can make the most of your limited space To enhance creativity, consider decorating the walls with wallpaper and fabric clippings or pinning your favorite designs in stylish frames By using similar styles of furniture and a common color palette, you can tie together distinct areas that share the same space.
Making the Most of a Small Corner
If you have a small corner available, you can transform it into a dedicated craft room. Look for vintage furniture at flea markets, antiques fairs, or boot sales to add character to your space without breaking the bank Consider incorporating unconventional pieces, such as a plant stand, to keep your sewing materials organized.
Beautifying with Trio of Floral Noticeboards
To add a touch of beauty and functionality to your craft room, cover plain corkboards with patterned wallpaper or fabric that complements your room's color scheme Alternatively, you can use self-adhesive cork tiles to create an ever-changing collage of notes, photos, and inspirational items.
Utilizing an Unloved Room
If you have an unloved room or a cellar space, you can transform it into a functional craft room by maximizing storage in every nook and cranny Consider using preloved bookcases, chests of drawers, and shelves to keep your materials organized and create a relaxed atmosphere.
Simplifying Storage
In a craft room or home office, storage solutions are essential. Consider using wooden islands with extra-large cavities to neatly file sample books and hooks to hang fabrics Incorporating a white-painted bookcase can give your room a charming country feel.
Incorporating Objects That Motivate You
To create a welcoming and inspiring work environment, decorate your craft room with trinkets and accessories that motivate you Hang framed artwork on the walls to add personality and make the space feel more like the other rooms in your home.
Keeping It Neat and Tidy
To maintain a clutter-free craft room, consider installing fitted units or using boxes and cupboard doors to hide away supplies Salvaged wood can be a great option for creating a classic and timeless look in your craft room.
Prettying Up with Your Favorite Wallpaper and Fabrics
Turn the walls of your craft room into a practical feature by covering them with cork tiles, magnetic paint, or blackboard paint This allows you to create a free area for notes, inspiration, or organizing your work.
Giving Your Space a Considered Aesthetic
Display your magazine files along an open shelf for easy access and match them to the wall color for a seamless look . Keep the colors calm in your craft room or home office to promote a good working environment, and add a splash of color through soft furnishings.
Taking Your Craft Room Outdoors
If you need more space quickly, consider setting up an outdoor room as your craft space Outdoor rooms, such as offices or studios, can be cost-effective and provide a change of scenery while still being easily accessible.
I hope these ideas and concepts inspire you to create a functional and motivating craft room within your limited space. Happy crafting!
