Oh, hi! It’s me, just casually welcoming you into my brand-new built-from-scratch studio. (But really, someone pinch me; is this even real?!) This project went lightning-fast—especially since our home renovation is on 1.5 years and counting. Of course, a studio has a lot less going on than a house, and I got a real taste for myself the difference between renovating versus building from the ground up. Things tend to go more smoothly when everything is new and you aren’t discovering and fixing one problem after the other. Even though it was so much easier, my heart still lives for the renovation. Call me a glutton for punishment, but there is something so satisfying about taking a structure that is on the down-and-out and breathing new life into it to make it something beautiful and functional. However, an accessory building that complements an existing structure was pretty dang satisfying to create, as well. Now onto the tour!

When we last left off, everything had just been framed in. The framing stage is instant gratification; it happens so fast, and then—boom!— there is a structure. After that, the finishing and the behind-the-scenes things take some time, like electrical, insulation, roofing, etc. All of that, however, leads to the next big, exciting day…windows and doors day. Seeing the huge Marvin Modern Direct Glaze 12-foot picture window go in was extra-satisfying, as it was all one piece. In and done. Well, almost; the interior walls still needed to be finished, but with the windows and Marvin Modern Multi-Slide door installed it all became real. 

After windows and doors and passing of various inspections, we were able to close it all up. 

And then came paint! We used “caviar” by Sherwin Williams (same as the house).

It turned out exactly as I had dreamed it would. Thanks to KLH for figuring out how to make my vision happen (the structural engineering) and Ayers Construction for bringing it to life. My favorite part of the exterior is seeing that glowing nature pass right through the large window and the glass doors beyond. 

Here’s a video we shot of the entire process from start to finish; it might be the most satisfying thing I have ever watched. 

And now for a peek inside!

The footprint of the shed is just 13-by-30 feet, but I managed to carve out spaces to accommodate the variety of work that comes with a creative studio. I work best in a space where I am able to spread out and keep certain aspects of projects front and center, but then can hide away clutter and office things that aren’t so pretty (yes, printer, I am looking at you). So for my computer stations, I have one, long 12-foot desk that gives me a good amount of workspace to stretch out in. As planned, I (but mostly Pop Pop per my direction—ha!) built the desk into the windowsill, which gives 4 extra inches of space without jutting out further into the room. Since the room is long and skinny, we are utilizing every inch. By sitting the desk flush with the bottom of the window, it looks as if it floats off into the nature beyond. We built the infinity pool of desks! The streamlined desk echoes the minimal design of the windows, both with slim lines and nothing extra. When sitting there you feel surrounded by nature but still completely protected from the elements, and in Michigan that is a must for more than half the year. I’ll be in this space year-round, so it’s important the massive window and door are double pane insulated glass and made out of materials that are specially engineered for all the extreme weather (they’re actually not made out of steel!).

On the opposite wall I installed floating shelves that became a large vertical workspace where I can keep current projects at a glance. I use the shelves as a place to group different finishes and materials for interior projects, as well as a space to develop new SSS products. 

In order to keep the clutter at bay and stay organized, I have a ton of closed storage on the back wall, with 8-foot cabinets that stretch wall to wall. I designed the structure with the idea of reusing the old cabinets that we tore out of the kitchen and installing them here, and I couldn’t be happier about it. The cabinets are beautiful and the perfect amount of wood to add warmth to the space. They house the printer and office/art supplies, as well as my sample library. They are on their way to filling up, but so far so good. I might have to get ruthless with the sample library eventually, but for now there is room to grow. 

The scalloped dining table serves as a place for meetings and lunch, as well as another work surface. I also managed to carve out a corner for my own art and personal creative projects, which I haven’t had for so long. 

Finally, a cozy seating area with art from friends and artists I love (even a piece from my son, Archie) is a place to get inspired, take a load off, and make a list or 10 while taking in the view. 

For a further look into our new studio check out an interview on Domino Mag today!

SHOP THE LOOK: Marvin Modern Multi Slide Doors // Marvin Modern Casement Windows // Marvin Modern Direct Glaze Windows // Office Chairs from Lulu and Georgia // Desk – DIY to come // Rug by Sarah Sherman Samuel for Lulu and Georgia // Floating Shelves // Vintage Upholstered Chairs from Shop Nueve // Pedestal Table from CB2 // Vintage Pedestal Bowls // Vintage Travertine Table // Art wall, from top left: Wit & Delight, Rebekka Seale, Wit & Delight, bottom two pieces by Archie and me (see how we made them here). 

See the previous post with plans and design here. 

Photos by Sang An
Timelapse video by Sarah Sherman Samuel for Domino + Marvin