A creative space should be inspiring
Natural elements, order and soft colours help to improve productivity
With the start of school — and the end of summer holidays from work — it’s a good time to design spaces for creative thinking.
“They’re not highly produced spaces. They are spaces that reflect the real lives of people,” says Ted Vadakan, co-author with Angie Myung of the new Creative Spaces: People, Homes, and Studios to Inspire (Chronicle Books).
The authors spoke with 23 creative people, in a range of disciplines, for the things that inspire them. “One common thread we found is that things were in a state of progress,” Vadakan says. “Things often felt sort of unfinished, in the midst of changing … The space changes over time as they grow and change and explore.”
Put another way, he says, “many creative spaces feel like a continuous work in progress. That was very enlightening to me … we realized that everyone is in that state of constant change and work in progress. They’re always trying to be their better selves.”
In addition to being comfortable with change, many of the people profiled in the book embraced imperfection, Vadakan says.
“I don’t mind dirt and rust, and I like things that don’t look spanking new, because it adds a little bit more character,” creative director and graphic designer David Irvin says in the book. His elegant but comfortable modern home features a mix of different woods, from teak to plywood.
An abundance of plant life is also a common feature in creative spaces, as are displays of eclectic objects that trigger ideas or memories.
“If you have things that inspire you, like a large bulletin board with inspiring photos, or shelves with inspiring objects, whether natural objects or things that someone has made, it can really help the creative process,” says Lorna Aragon, home editor at Martha Stewart Living magazine.
“Having natural elements in your space is also crucial. Bring some of the outdoors in. A view of greenery is important, if that’s possible, or bring plants into your space,” she says.
Creative spaces should also be orderly, Aragon says, with lots of natural light if possible.
“Clutter does not help you to focus. You want your space to have some order,” she says. “And lighting — natural light if at all possible — is very important. It helps productivity and improves moods.”
For colours, Aragon favours a light touch.
“I think neutrals are always good because they’re not a distraction, but soft blues and greens also are supposed to help with productivity,” she says.