Does your dining room table currently stand in as your craft “room”? Or have you had to put up mismatched and haphazard storage for all of your crafting supplies? What if you had a space dedicated specifically to your crafting hobby (or business, for you Etsy entrepreneurs)? When you build new, you can do just that — use a flex or optional room and configure it in a way that works best for you, instead of having to take over the dining room table.
“I always suggest that home buyers keep an open space room when it is possible, and this is becoming more common,” says Jennifer Harder, founder and CEO of Jennifer Harder Real Estate. “I tell them to envision an area where they can focus on work or hobbies in peace.”
To plan your ultimate craft room, it’s important to talk with your builder about where in the home your craft room would work best, along with what your needs for the space. You may also want to bring in an interior designer to help plan out all of the details — and, if so, you should get them involved as soon as possible in the process. If you want a completely custom design, a designer can work up front to coordinate with your builder or architect, says interior designer Caitlin Wright, co-owner of Realm Design Co.
What are some ways you can put together the ultimate craft room? Here are 6 ideas to get the creative ball rolling — and potential things you may want to talk with a builder or interior designer about.
1. Specialized Storage
There are plenty of options when it comes to organization and storage around your home, and a craft room is no different. When building new, you can create the perfect storage system for your crafting supplies to maintain an organized space and to get the most out of your crafting time, instead of continually searching for what you need.
“A custom-built home with a designated space for crafts can be strategically planned with custom built-ins to store ribbons, markers, paints, pens, etc., allowing for each little piece to have its place to shine,” Wright says. Whether you want some nice built-in shelves or have lots of little supplies to keep track of, talk with your builder and designer about storage options and ways to maximize that storage for your crafting space. And if budget considerations don’t allow for permanent storage solutions, Wright points out that Ikea (and other big box stores) offers unlimited options of modular drawers, shelving units, and roller storage.
2. Craft Lounge
Crafting is hard work, and after all that, you need a place to take a nap, right? Or maybe you’re looking for a space for you and your fellow crafters to hang out and work together. It’s possible to set up a complete crafting space and have plenty of room left over to fit a nice lounge area as well. Reserving space to bring in comfortable seating and extra pillows can serve as a reminder that you should take a breather from your craft work every now and then.
3. Plenty of Light
Lighting is an important factor for craft space (and any other room in the home!), so you want to make sure you address this with your builder and designer. While natural light always brightens a space, you may need more specialized lighting as well.
“When it comes to lighting, work with your builder to ensure that you are installing lights directly overhead,” Harder says. “Lamps and movable lighting rarely provide the type of illumination you will want.” Harder, who is herself an amateur painter and has established a painting studio in her garage, recommends a white UV-type light, depending on the type of craft you do. “In my case, as a painter, it is a must.”
4. Cleanup Contingency
If you do a craft that involves a great amount of cleanup, such as painting, you should consider installing a sink in your designated craft room. When talking with your builder about adding a sink, the number one consideration, says Harder, is proper drainage and plumbing. Installing a sink could affect where in the home your craft room can be situated so keep that in mind when talking with your builder as well.
5. Ultimate Craft Table
If you are setting up a dedicated craft room, you know the centerpiece is the all-important craft table. The size and height will depend on the available space and what kind of crafting you do, but you have plenty of options, from building a table specifically made for your craft to repurposing a flea market find. Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget to include the keys to a great craft table: sufficient work space, comfortable seating, and ample storage.
6. Add Your Style
Once you have your craft room configured the way you want it — built-in storage, craft table, proper lighting, comfortable seating — then it’s time to have some fun by stamping your style on the space. “To create a room that feels well designed and thoughtfully curated, the room can be dressed up with removable wallpaper, a statement light fixture, or an outstanding rug,” Wright says.
Do you want to convey a certain ambiance or stylistic theme? Maybe you’ve been following the latest trends and want to add some velvet to your space; or perhaps you want a cleaner, more utilitarian look, or lots of bright colors to inspire you.
Whatever your style, creating your ultimate craft room gives you the opportunity to build a space that makes you excited to craft every day.
Judy Marchman is an Austin, Texas-based freelance writer and editor who, during her 20+-year career, has written on a diverse number of topics, from horses to lawyers to home building and design, including for NewHomeSource.com. Judy is the proud owner of a new construction home and has gained plenty of story inspiration from her home ownership experiences.
A horse racing aficionado, she also has written on lifestyle, personality, and business topics for Keeneland magazine and Kentucky Monthly, as well as sports features for BloodHorse, a weekly Thoroughbred racing publication, and the Official Kentucky Derby Souvenir Magazine. When she’s not in front of her laptop, Judy can usually be found enjoying a good book and a cup of tea, or baking something to go with said cuppa.