We moved into a new studio three months ago and have finally started the big design push. Over the coming weeks we’ll document every step here, but first I wanted to share the overall vision for the space so you’re up to date on the direction we’re taking.
Because I’m juggling the house design and several new product launches, we brought in our friend Cyn—who helped on past shoots—to help refine the studio styling. I’m thrilled with the ideas we’re developing and excited to share the inspiration and updates.
Here’s the mood board that sets the tone for the whole studio.
We designed the studio as nine distinct zones to keep things organized and functional after years in an open loft. The areas are: shoot space, storage room, bathroom, kitchen, lounge, craft nook, general office space, my office, and the entry closet. Each space will get its own deep-dive post as we make progress.
The overall palette is a clean white base with strong pops of color. Since this is a dedicated creative studio rather than a home, we’re leaning into bolder color accents to create an energized, grown-up version of Studio DIY. Later this week I’ll write more about what that “grown-up” update means, but expect lots of playful color layered over simple, bright foundations.
Storage and function are priorities—especially for anyone creating a home office, craft room, or small studio. We plan to add plenty of shelving and smart storage solutions and to share straightforward hacks for doors, shelving, and other elements so the projects feel achievable.
To start, we painted the entire studio white. Even though the previous color was already light mint, a fresh coat of white paint brightened the whole place instantly. White is simple but transformative; it helps light bounce around and creates a neutral backdrop for colorful accents.
We also replaced the floors. In the front half—the main shoot area—we installed matte white tile in a herringbone pattern. We love the all-white look but had previously tried painted concrete and found it difficult to maintain, so the tile gives us a clean, bright surface that’s much easier to keep looking good and feels warmer and more home-like than plain concrete.
The back half of the space needed to stay bright but didn’t require the herringbone detail, so we installed white-washed oak vinyl flooring. I searched for vinyl that read warm rather than gray and found a plank that gives a soft whitewashed look with a touch of warmth. It was also practical: the click-lock system allowed installation directly over the existing tile, saving time and disruption.
Photos by Jeff Mindell
Upcoming work includes finishing the shoot space and building the kitchen, so expect in-depth updates on those zones soon. If there’s something specific you want to see—storage ideas, workspace layouts, craft organization, or studio photography setups—tell me below and we’ll cover it in detail.