After MAJOR Renovations... Here is my DREAM Art Studio!

Jenna Rainey
15 Apr 202313:29

TLDRIn this video, the host provides a comprehensive tour of their newly renovated dream art studio. The space was initially outdated and dark, with a cramped kitchen and bathroom layout. Working with designer Jen from California Casa, they transformed the area into an open, light-filled studio with antique French doors, skylights, and large windows. The studio features a Smeg fridge, handmade Moroccan tiles, and vintage decor sourced by Jen. A highlight is the whimsical doorknob from Limoges, France, a nod to the host's first art retreat. The space also includes a Murphy bed for guests, a cabinet full of art supplies, and a movable painting desk. The renovation, which took about six to seven months, involved overcoming supply chain issues and was a labor of love that now serves as the backdrop for the host's YouTube and Patreon videos.

Takeaways

  • 🏡 The art studio was transformed from a dim, outdated accessory dwelling unit (ADU) with small windows and significant mold issues into a vibrant creative space.
  • 🛠️ Renovation involved major structural changes, including replacing the floors, opening up walls, and optimizing natural light by installing skylights and large windows.
  • 🚪 Antique French doors were added to enhance the studio’s entrance, framed by potted olive trees to boost natural light and aesthetic appeal.
  • 🎨 The studio layout was opened up by removing walls that previously divided the kitchen and bathroom, creating a single, cohesive space.
  • 🌿 Interior design features include handmade Moroccan tiles, vintage decor items sourced by the designer, and modern furniture pieces like a jute rug and CB2 chairs.
  • 🖼️ All wood surfaces, including exposed ceiling beams, were painted with 'Swiss Coffee' to brighten the space and maintain a clean, unified look.
  • 🛁 The bathroom was compactly redesigned with high-quality finishes, including a custom doorknob from Limoges, France, adding a personal touch reflecting past travels.
  • 🛋️ The space includes a multifunctional area with built-in storage, a Murphy bed for guests, and an AC unit cleverly concealed behind decorative grating.
  • 🎨 The main creative area features a mobile painting desk/island, enabling flexibility for work or entertaining, surrounded by modern, ergonomic furniture.
  • 🌟 The renovated studio now serves as the backdrop for all creative video content, reflecting a decade of dedication to art and teaching, and was even featured in Domino magazine.

Q & A

  • What was the initial condition of the art studio before the renovations?

    -The art studio was initially converted into an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) with outdated features, small windows, dark and old flooring, and mold issues upon inspection.

  • Why did the owner decide to work with a designer for the renovation?

    -The owner chose to work with a designer, Jen from California Casa, to help with the numerous decisions involved in a full renovation and to provide a clear vision for the space's layout and styling.

  • What was the main reason for wanting to change the layout of the kitchen and bathroom?

    -The layout was changed to create an open space, as the kitchen and bathroom were initially back-to-back with a steep staircase to the bathroom, which was inconvenient and impractical.

  • How did the owner enhance the natural light in the art studio?

    -The owner installed antique French doors with windows, added four windows on each side of the studio, and kept the existing skylights to allow for an abundance of natural light.

  • What challenges were faced during the renovation process?

    -The renovation faced supply chain issues, particularly with the windows, which took 12 weeks to arrive, causing delays in the process.

  • What is the significance of the doorknob in the bathroom?

    -The doorknob is a porcelain piece from Limoges, France, which is a nod to the owner's first art retreat overseas in Limoges, and the city's famous style of pottery and ceramics.

  • What color was used to paint the entire space to create a bright and clean look?

    -The entire space, including the concrete floor and wood beams, was painted with Swiss coffee to brighten the space and create a cohesive look.

  • How did the owner incorporate elements from their personal experiences into the design?

    -The owner included a doorknob from Limoges, France, to commemorate their first art retreat, and seashells to reflect their proximity to the ocean in Southern California.

  • What type of storage solution was implemented for the bathroom to maximize space?

    -A built-in storage and Murphy bed were installed to serve as a space-saving solution, allowing for guests to stay in the back house when needed.

  • What is the source of the art supplies cabinet in the studio?

    -The art supplies cabinet was sourced from RJ Imports, a local store in Orange County.

  • How long did the entire renovation process take from start to finish?

    -The renovation process took approximately six to seven months to complete.

Outlines

00:00

🏡 Renovating the Art Studio Space

The speaker begins by introducing the video as a tour of their newly renovated art studio. The studio was initially an outdated accessory dwelling unit (ADU) with limited natural light and several issues, including small windows, dark interiors, moldy floors, and a cramped kitchen and bathroom layout. A designer, Jen from California Casa, was hired to help with the extensive renovation, which included removing walls, installing antique French doors for more light, and reconfiguring the space to create an open floor plan. The studio now features a Smeg fridge, a handmade tile backsplash, and various vintage finds sourced by Jen. The renovation process was lengthy due to supply chain issues, particularly with the windows, which took 12 weeks to arrive.

05:03

🎨 Design and Functionality in the Studio

The speaker continues the tour by discussing the design choices made to brighten the space, such as painting everything white using the color Swiss coffee. The ceiling beams were covered to eliminate the dark, orange color that was previously reflected in videos. The bathroom was redesigned with a new door by Macbeth Millwork and a whimsical doorknob sourced from Limoges, France, which holds sentimental value as it relates to the speaker's first art retreat. The bathroom features a checkered tile pattern, a floating vanity made from the same wood used in the kitchenette and a Murphy bed cabinet, and a small AC unit for heating and cooling. The studio also includes a cabinet full of art supplies, standing desks for working, and a painting desk on wheels that can double as a kitchen island. The speaker emphasizes the importance of utilizing every inch of space efficiently.

10:03

🌿 Completion and Appreciation of the Studio

The speaker concludes the tour by expressing gratitude for the contractor, Polo, who has become like family and has been instrumental in the renovation process. The entire renovation took about six to seven months and, despite the stress and chaos typical of such projects, the team made the experience as smooth as possible. The studio has been featured in Domino magazine, and the speaker encourages viewers to check out the blog post for more information on the products and furniture used. The speaker reflects on the journey from painting in a small apartment to having a dedicated art studio, using it as an inspirational message for viewers, and thanks them for their support over the years.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Art Studio

An art studio is a workspace where artists create their work, typically filled with various art materials, tools, and sometimes showcasing their artwork. In the video, the art studio is the main focus, as the host has renovated it to become their dream space for creating art and filming videos.

💡Renovation

Renovation refers to the process of improving a broken, old, or derelict building, making it functional and up-to-date. In the context of the video, the host describes the major renovations done to transform the art studio into a modern, well-lit, and efficient space.

💡Natural Light

Natural light is the light that comes from the sun and enters a space through windows, skylights, or other openings. The host emphasizes the importance of natural light in the art studio, as it was a key factor in the renovation to improve the space for filming and painting.

💡Designer

A designer is a professional who plans and creates visual compositions for various media. In the video, the host collaborated with a designer named Jen from California Casa to help with the vision and layout of the renovated space.

💡Antique French Doors

Antique French doors are a type of vintage door with a classic, often ornate, design that originates from France. In the video, the host found beautiful antique French doors that were incorporated into the studio, adding character and allowing more natural light to enter.

💡Supply Chain Issues

Supply chain issues refer to disruptions or problems in the flow of goods and materials from the point of origin to the point of consumption. The host mentions supply chain issues as one of the reasons the renovation process took longer than expected, particularly in relation to the windows for the studio.

💡Swiss Coffee

Swiss Coffee is a color that resembles a light, creamy brown, often used in interior design. In the video, the host chose Swiss Coffee as the paint color for the studio to brighten up the space and create a clean, cohesive look.

💡Murphy Bed

A Murphy bed, also known as a wall bed or fold-down bed, is a bed that can be folded into a wall-mounted cabinet when not in use to save space. The host installed a Murphy bed in the studio to provide a sleeping area for guests when needed.

💡Vintage Trinkets

Vintage trinkets are small, decorative items that have a certain age and charm, often collected for their aesthetic value. The host mentions that many of the items on the shelves in the studio are vintage trinkets sourced by the designer, adding a unique touch to the space.

💡Cross-Crisscrossing Natural Light

Cross-crisscrossing natural light refers to the pattern of sunlight that enters a room through multiple windows and skylights, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. The host describes how the placement of the windows and skylights in the studio allows for beautiful cross-crisscrossing natural light throughout the day.

💡Standing Desk

A standing desk, also known as a height-adjustable desk or sit-stand desk, is a type of desk that allows users to switch between sitting and standing while working. The host has standing desks in the studio, which they prefer for work as they find it more comfortable and ergonomic.

Highlights

Completed major renovations on the art studio space, transforming it from a dark and outdated area into a bright and functional dream studio.

The studio originally had small windows and lacked natural light, which was a primary concern addressed during the renovation.

Discovered mold under the old floors, necessitating extensive work to rectify the situation.

Collaborated with designer Jen from California Casa to create a clear vision and layout for the space.

Incorporated antique French doors and potted olive trees to allow abundant natural light into the studio.

The kitchenette and bathroom were reconfigured for a more open and efficient layout.

Jen's expertise in sourcing vintage items added unique character to the studio with Moroccan tiles and other finds.

A jute rug from Wayfair and chairs from CB2 were used to furnish the space economically.

Windows were a crucial element, but supply chain issues caused significant delays in the renovation timeline.

The entire space was painted in Swiss coffee to brighten it up, including concrete floors and wood beams.

A whimsical doorknob resembling Alice in Wonderland was a standout feature sourced from Limoges, France.

The bathroom was made more functional by utilizing every inch of space with a small footprint.

A Murphy bed and built-in storage were designed for accommodating guests or storing equipment.

The art supply cabinet balances the old-world feel with a modern aesthetic.

Standing desks from Autonomous allow for comfortable work whether standing or sitting.

A painting desk on wheels serves as a versatile workspace and can double as a kitchen island.

Contractor Polo played a significant role in the renovation, becoming like family through the process.

The renovated studio was featured in Domino magazine, showcasing the final design and collaborative efforts.

The journey from painting in a small apartment to having a dream art studio serves as an inspiration for the viewers.