Open or Closed?

You may be asking what the heck do you mean open or closed? I want to make you think about what type of storage do you prefer! Do you thrive from seeing your projects, tools and crafting items out on display? Or does the clutter and visual distractions make you feel overwhelmed or unfocused. Often your space will have a bit of both. You may have a bookshelf and a dresser in a bedroom. The bookshelf would of course be open storage, with the dresser being closed. In your craft space, you will definitely want things, like tools, that are used everyday out and easily accessible. What you can decide on, is do you want the majority of your storage enclosed and hidden away; or do you prefer seeing everything on shelves or in clear containers.

If you are energized, inspired and stimulated by seeing all of your items displayed, then work to maximize your open storage. Bookshelves are the obvious and easy answer, but floating or display shelves can be great for grouping things like markers, paints, and projects. Clear bins can be used to contain items but still display them. When using open shelves be sure to group like items together and create beautiful vignettes to spur your creativity. You will want to have some spaces where the less beautiful objects can go, bins with visual interest or decorations can be very helpful, add a unique label to remind yourself what is in there. Finding creative and fun ways to display your crafts, projects & created items will help make your imagination sore to new heights.

For those who prefer closed storage spaces, like me, you may get overwhelmed or exhausted by seeing all of colors and objects out on display. You will want to focus on having things in drawers and closed cabinets. Modifying existing pieces by adding doors, curtains, baskets or bins will minimize the visual clutter and excess visual stimulation. People who prefer closed storage will have a tougher time in their craft space, I know this, because I am one of them. Visual clutter is very difficult for me, I find it distracting and the need to clean up and put everything away, before I can function properly in a space. I continue working to find the balance between functionality in using a space, and hiding all the items, toys and machines so that I am not overwhelmed by them.

Regardless of which you prefer and which encourages your imagination and crafting dreams, finding the balance will be key to making a functional, yet beautiful space.