“Having a dedicated creative space is like having a secret garden where ideas blossom and dreams take shape.”
In our discussion on how to be more creative, let me ask you a question, “Do you have your own creative space- a dedicated room or place to allow for creative flow and isolation from daily distractions? I’m not talking about your office or a place where you go to do your work. I’m talking about somewhere you can go to do some creative thinking or write in your journal or ponder on some ideas for your next project.
Maybe you already have several places you can go when you want to be creative. It may be as simple as taking a long shower or going into your bedroom and closing the door. One of my friends, used to go out into the garage and sit in her car whenever she needed some peace and quiet.
But today, let’s talk about designing a creative space for the purpose of having a haven of inspiration where your creative ideas can thrive. Is there a place in your home that you could use as your creative space? Your bedroom? A spare closet? A corner of your basement?Depending on your situation, you may need to share the space with the other members of your family but hopefully, they’ll appreciate your efforts and help you keep it free from clutter and disarray.
The appearance of your space has a tremendous impact on whether you feel creative and inspired. Here are some key steps to consider when designing a creative space:
1. Assess your current space. As we discuss how to be more creative, sit down and take a look around the room. Analyze your space. Take in the size, shape and features such as the fireplace or windows. Is the room comfortable? Is it too homely? Does your furniture need to be updated? How do you feel when you walk in? Does the air smell musty or stale? Also, what kind of lighting does the room have? Does it have a window? You can increase this natural light by placing a mirror on a wall opposite of the window. You may need to bring in some additional lighting. A floor lamp may be a simple solution.
2. Decide on how you want your space to look. Determine what type of environment you’re most creative in. Now think about how you feel in your current space. Do you feel inspired, drowsy, or stressed out? Are you focused? Reflect on what tone you want this room to have. It can be casual, creative, contemporary or classic. Consider your budget and decide on a time frame for the renovations to take place that works best for you and your family.
3. Select a paint color to reflect this mood. Color is the easiest way to improve a space and an effective way to alter it. Color creates an impression, and will affect all that come into your space. It can give a welcoming sense or make you feel cramped and uncomfortable. Warm hues – reds, yellows, and oranges create excitement, and cheer and can make you feel lively. Cool colors – blues, greens, and purples create a calmer, more serene, and restful atmosphere. You can cozy up a large room with warm colors and cool tones can open up a smaller space.
4. Choose the necessary elements. Is your space decorated with mismatched pieces obtained from other rooms around the home? For example, a mishmash of fine wood, steel, and metal furniture? Decide what pieces work best together and part with the ones that don’t. The furniture, wall covering, flooring, lighting, and window treatments should all work together in mood, function, and harmony. If your budget doesn’t allow you to get new furniture, save yourself money by recovering, refinishing, repairing, and repainting pieces.
Are there noticeable distractions that don’t belong? For example piles of magazines, an old computer that no one uses, or a box of toys. If there is clutter, sort through it and neatly file important documents and get rid of items that haven’t been used for more than a year.
5. Finish your new look by adding some accessories. For example, you might want to place a few houseplants, an inspiring piece of art, or a trendy-looking clock in your space. Another idea is to bring in an aromatherapy diffuser. You can use specific essential oils such as peppermint or lemon to increase alertness and focus. If you drink coffee, you may want to set up a coffee maker.
So if you’re wondering how to be more creative, try transforming your surroundings and you may find that it has a big impact on your ability to generate fresh ideas and get more creative. Start by taking a good look at your current space and envisioning the atmosphere that you want.
Things such as lighting, color schemes, furniture, and accessories can help a lot and so will eliminating distractions and clutter. You’ll also want to add some personal touches in order to reflect your own unique style and fill it with things that you find uplifting.
With a thoughtfully designed creative space, you’ll be better equipped to explore new ideas and unleash your creativity.
Here’s a new product I’ve designed: a 38-page “Creativity Workbook” to help you organize your thoughts, generate new ideas, and maximize your creativity. Make your complex ideas simple and clear with the worksheets in this workbook.
It’a a high-quality, evergreen “Done-For-You” product with commercial-use rights. Sell as your own and keep 100% of the profits! It comes in two formats- a PDF and a Canva Template. Also includes a 763-word PLR Article plus Printable Creativity Quote that can be resold. Creativity Workbook