For better or worse, one thing I can say about the studio is that it’s always changing. One day there’s a three‑legged chair casually sitting in the kitchen. The next day I’m moving the work tables around on my back (yes, I actually do this — it’s easier than it sounds) because they need to be closer to the window light. It’s constantly something.
It took me a while to accept it, but I’ve finally come to terms with that ever‑shifting process. The studio will never be finished. The ongoing flux is my new normal — a balance between shoots and everyday life — and I’m embracing it with this latest studio update: a slightly awkward entryway makeover. Below are before photos and the progress I’ve made.
As you may have noticed, the awkward short wall on the left has A/C ductwork running through it. Decorating dream? Not exactly. That’s partly why I avoided doing anything with it for a long time. Since the ductwork can’t be removed or relocated, I decided to embrace the wall as it is — another flat surface for display and inspiration.
I mounted a collection of photos I use in my style work onto that wall so I can see past projects more clearly. Seeing older work arranged on the wall helps me refine the direction of future projects and reminds me of ideas I want to avoid as well. It’s a practical way to keep inspiration and lessons visible.
Apart from the style‑guide wall and relocating my old side table/bar cart in front of a vent (I haven’t been running the A/C, so it’s fine there for now), I cleaned and refreshed the adjacent wall on the right with a few new elements for variety and reduced the clutter.
Well, it’s still organized chaos, but there’s noticeably less clutter than before.
I don’t expect this setup to be permanent — I’ll probably change things again soon — but I wanted to share a progress update to show what’s been happening around here. What do you think?
Here’s a list of sources in case you spot something you’d like in your space:
Menu wood and metal shelving system from Wayfair // face planter from Group Partner // gold cactus planter from Urban Outfitters // colorful stacking boxes from HAY // colorful photo prints on left wall by me (and Amelia) // Eames Hang-It-All // stacking pine nightstands from IKEA // tall white planter from Target (similar) // black pegboard from Urban Outfitters // red and pink striped print from Kiki and Polly // Fjällräven backpack in brick.
Is your home or office a constant carousel of change like mine? I’m curious if this is just my thing or a common experience. Share your thoughts in the comments — I’d love to hear how you manage ongoing rearranging and creative clutter.