New Seasons: Watercolour Heart’s home illustration studio transformation
After years of creating in the smallest room of my home, I knew it was time for a change. As Watercolour Heart has grown, so has the need for more space to foster creativity, pack orders, and work more efficiently. It wasn't a grand renovation, but I was determined to transform an unused room into a studio that reflected my brand’s identity and inspired creativity. Today, I’m excited to reveal the fresh, light-filled space where Watercolour Heart Illustration Studio will continue to grow.
Embracing a New Space
Since having a baby, my workspace has felt cramped, disorganised, and unable to keep up with the flow of new projects. With fabric samples piling up and limited room to pack orders or even create content, I realised I needed more space to breathe creatively. We had an open room that was being used for storage, and it just clicked: this was the perfect opportunity to transform it into my dream studio.
Without a large renovation in the cards, I focused on incorporating key display pieces and functional storage that would keep me organised while reflecting my personal touch. I envisioned a space filled with light, natural beauty, and a sense of warmth that aligned with the Watercolour Heart brand.
Designing with Function and AESTHETICS in Mind
My vision was clear: I wanted the studio to feel light, airy, and organised, yet bursting with creativity. I placed my painting desk right by the window to take advantage of the natural light, which is essential for my work. I also wanted to inject vibrancy into the space, adding pops of color with hand-painted furniture and fresh flowers.
The room needed to feel functional, and part of that was ensuring that everything had a place. From organizing fabric swatches on custom gold rails to creating a large mood board for planning projects, the space was designed for maximum efficiency and creative flow.
One of my favorite additions is the fluted pink sideboard, a beautiful piece my husband and I revamped from a thrifted sewing desk. Adding those personal touches, like hand-painting drawers and crafting a faux pleated lampshade, really made this studio feel like home.
Challenges and the Messy Middle
While the transformation was incredibly rewarding, it wasn’t without its challenges. With a toddler and ongoing client work, the revamp took several months. We sanded and repainted thrifted furniture, and I took my time selecting just the right colours for each piece.
Patience was key during this process, and I had to learn to embrace the “messy middle.” There were many days when the studio felt half-done, and as someone who likes to check things off a list quickly, this was an important lesson in slowing down and appreciating the journey.
The Role of Organisation in Creativity
I firmly believe that a well-organised space leads to more creativity. In my studio, I’ve separated workspaces: one desk for painting and another for scanning and digital design. This has been a game-changer in keeping things organised. I also have designated physical binder folders for artwork waiting to be scanned, which helps prevent lost work and makes it easy to find what I need.
My fabric swatches are stored by collection, making them easy to pull out for photoshoots. The large mood board has been another incredible tool for keeping inspiration visible, while the gold rails allow me to switch out fabric samples based on the season. By balancing beauty with function, I’ve created a space that is both inspiring and practical.
A Space That Reflects My Brand
Every corner of the studio is filled with intentional choices that reflect Watercolour Heart’s identity. I’ve adorned the walls with artwork, framed pieces that mark significant moments in my journey, and motivational quotes that remind me of my values. The space feels deeply personal, yet it’s also designed to inspire and create a sense of connection with those who visit, either physically or virtually.
The time spent hand-painting furniture, adding gold knobs, and crafting small details has paid off. Every element in the studio feels like a reflection of my creative journey, making it a space where I can thrive and grow.
Looking to the Future
As I settle into this new space, I can already feel the fresh energy and inspiration it’s bringing into my work. This transformation has been a turning point — not only in creating a functional workspace but also in reigniting my passion for what’s next. Now that my daughter is almost two years old and we’re out of the newborn phase, I have more capacity to plan and dream a little bigger. I’m excited to see what the future holds for Watercolour Heart in this new chapter. With this space as my creative sanctuary, I can’t wait to embark on the many projects and collaborations that lie ahead.
This studio transformation has been a labour of love, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. It’s more than just a place to work — it’s a space that reflects my journey, my values, and my creative aspirations. I hope this fresh workspace continues to inspire me and bring more beautiful designs to life in the coming months.
Want to see more behind-the-scenes peeks into my new studio? Head over to my Instagram, where there are are always sneak peeks of projects and creative plansin the works!