A Walk Through The Art Studio: A Q+A with Laura
Inside the Art Studio at our Oxford Project | Photography: Jennifer Hughes
It is hard for us to ever pick a favorite space or room from a project, but at our Oxford Project on the Eastern Shore, we can’t help but have a special love for the Art Studio. With its lofted ceilings and skylights, it truly feels like you are in the woods when you’re in this space.
Keep reading to learn more about the Art Studio and get a little peek at a “behind the design” of this space with Laura…
What was your favorite part about designing the Art Studio?
I love this whole property! But yes, the Art Studio is so unique that I fell in love with the architecture, the natural light and the views. I loved making this space feel inspiring for future artists, photographers, writers and anyone who might want a space to decompress and tune into their natural creativity.
With its lofted ceilings and skylights, it truly feels like you are in the woods when you’re in this space | Photography: Jennifer Hughes
What was the inspiration behind this studio space?
The Art Studio is the perfect example of modern architecture blending with its natural environment. We wanted this space to be light, airy and almost like a canvas for any creative person who might visit. With plenty of room for practically any kind of art medium, as well as a huge sink and wall space for display or projections, this space caters to the creative mind.
I loved making this space feel inspiring for future artists, photographers, writers and anyone who might want a space to decompress and tune into their natural creativity | Photography: Jennifer Hughes
Were there any challenges to designing this studio space?
The biggest challenge was designing multifunctional lighting for this large volume of space. A very modular suspension system was the perfect solution because the framing is thin and maintains the views while providing downlights for the floor space, aimable fixtures for the walls and shelving and we even added light bars that project light upwards to highlight the beautiful vaulted ceiling.
We wanted this space to be light, airy and almost like a canvas for any creative person who might visit | Photography: Jennifer Hughes
How was it to see this space come to life?
Quite heavenly to say the least! We always try to design three dimensionally, so the space is fully considered, but it’s amazing to see the finished space with the views and gorgeous natural light.
The Art Studio is the perfect example of modern architecture blending with its natural environment | Photography: Jennifer Hughes
With plenty of room for practically any kind of art medium, as well as a huge sink and wall space for display or projections, this space caters to the creative mind | Photography: Jennifer Hughes
Are there any (hidden) sustainable approaches to this space that we wouldn’t know just by looking at it?
Always! Yes, almost all of the furniture and decorative objects are vintage, (limiting new material and waste). In fact, the vintage décor was all sourced locally, much from our shop, Domain (limiting transportation costs.) The new furniture was sourced from a Vermont-based furniture maker that only uses responsibly sourced wood and is a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council. The large expanses of glass limit the amount of energy needed to artificially light the space and when you do need light in the evening, all of the lighting is LED (conserving energy.) Although there are large expanses of glass, the house is situated near plenty of mature trees, limiting the need for cooling the house since it’s naturally shaded. A portable induction cooktop uses very little energy, dual flush toilets conserve water and… I could go on all day!
Almost all of the furniture and decorative objects are vintage, (limiting new material and waste). In fact, the vintage décor was all sourced locally, much from our shop Domain | Photography: Jennifer Hughes
We have lots of exciting travels coming up that we can’t wait to share with you! Make sure to follow along over on Instagram to see what we are up to!
If you missed our last workshop with Odette Press, mark your calendars for October 8th as we welcome Lacey of Balance + Co. Candle Company to teach the art of candle making. Lacey will walk you through the creation process, proper candle care, and you will create a beautiful handmade candle to take home and enjoy! As a special thank you, you’ll also receive 10% off everything in store the day of the event with your ticket purchase. We hope to see you then!
