ecoLIVING London

This is the first in a three part series that leads you through my journey toward creating a functional and beautiful multi-use room. Multi-use rooms are great for optimizing the space in a small home, when well planned and executed. You may find this short series helpful in taking on a similar project.

Today, we’re on a tour of my office, comparing reality against what I originally intended for this room.

My Intention
My vision for this room is to conduct the administrative side of my business, plan, write, read, do yoga, meditate and occasionally play with the dog and cat.

Reality Check
So we're now in to 2012 and I used the past week to assess the reality of my office: I took photos and measurements, got second opinions (my husband, sister, colleagues), and compared what I found with my intention. Important Note: I did not get down on myself for being the human I am.

The Verdict
It’s a cluttered, clausterphobic mess. [Do 'cluttered' and 'mess' cancel each other out?] Mixing office and studio functions is blocking my ability to create in either category. The cat and dog are the only ones who seem to enjoy this room.

This is difficult for me to talk about because I've made it my job to help other people create the spaces of their dreams; rooms where they can retreat, relax, sleep, eat, play, hang out with loved ones, write, read, work, work out, meditate… rooms that remind and inspire them to follow their passions… rooms that provide the space to move ahead with concrete actions that will make their dreams a reality. Once in a while, we can all use an honest assessment of how our spaces are working for us. My time is now.

What Happened?
I was designing queen sized duvet covers and needed a 9' x 9' space so that I could see the designs as they progressed. My studio table is 4' x 8'. I moved to the yoga area to spread out. 

Root Cause = Not sticking to my intention.
Not being committed to this room always providing a peaceful environment for administrative work (which stresses the heck out of me), yoga and meditation.

Now What?
1. I’ve removed the things not directly related to the core functions of this space (like the ironing board and fabric). They are now in my studio, or if I don’t use them for art making, I’m giving them a new home (another part of the house or a totally new home).
2. Have a Studio Clearance Sale! Gorgeous original etchings and one of a kind eco-decor can be found at www.etsy.com/shop/goodlines for 50% off between January 2 – 23.  
3. Designate another space for large projects and furnish it with the items it needs to function properly.

Coming Up
Renewal: Eco-Spicy Cleaning, Fixing, Organizing
The Best Laid Plans…

Lois Ward is the designer behind goodlines: decor for earth and home. She received her Masters of Fine Art in printmaking from Bowling Green State University, Ohio. She is a printmaker and artist who loves textiles, the feel of natural fibers, exciting contrasts of patterns, and unexpected colour combinations. Lois rises to the challenge of designing homes and home accessories with the Earth’s well-being in mind.