When I first stepped into my new studio, it was nothing more than four walls of cold grey breeze block and a dark floor. I've learnt from over 10 years of renting studios that if you don't decorate it before moving in, you'll never get around to doing it. I wanted a space that was light, inviting, cosy and creative. The dark walls and floors dominate the space. Still, with a bit of imagination (and a lot of elbow grease and friends help), I’ve transformed it into a light-filled design haven that reflects the ethos of my brand: sustainable, responsible and creative.

Light First: The Walls

The very first step was to paint. By coating the breeze block walls in an off-white shade, the space instantly opened up and filled with light. What once felt heavy and industrial now feels calm and inspiring — the perfect backdrop for my work. This took days; my sister painted the space, starting early in the morning, finishing late at night. I was very thankful for her hard work, as it instantly changed the space. 

Soften the Ground

The floor was covered in dark lino, which did little to lift the atmosphere of the room. At first, I considered carpeting it. I even found a brilliant website selling graded carpets with minor faults, and managed to spot one large enough to cover the whole space for under £ 100. But then I realised the extra costs would start creeping in—underlay, a carpet fitter, or the challenge of attempting the job myself. That’s when I thought: surely there must be a rug equivalent of this shop. And there was! I layered the space with light, textured rugs sourced from a resale site. They were inexpensive because of small imperfections, but those “flaws” are barely noticeable. In fact, they add character and warmth, softening the room and giving it a much more homely feel.

The Design Table

Every designer dreams of a perfect workspace. I kept finding myself drawn to beautiful studio tables on Pinterest — many costing £6,000 or more! Instead of splashing out, I asked my husband if we could create one for under £300.

We built it from MDF, with a hand-drawn, custom shape cut out, supported by postal tubes, filled, sanded, and finished with yacht paint. It came in comfortably under budget (though the hours of work were definitely over budget!). Now, it’s the heart of my studio — a piece that’s practical, personal, and completely unique.

Packing with Storage

We fulfil all our orders in-house, so a clever packing station was essential. Using Billy bookcases I found on Facebook Marketplace, I added an MDF top and wheels, creating a flexible table that can be moved around as needed.

I also scored big when my local Homebase closed down, snapping up fabric cubes and shelving at the back for storage which maximises the space.

Upcycling the Old

I love the idea of carrying history with me into new spaces. The wooden shelving from my old home packing room was repurposed into a computer desk, with panels doubling as dividers to separate stock from my working area visually. It not only saved waste but also gave the studio a layered, personal feel.

Treasure Hunting

Some of my favourite touches came from the thrill of the hunt. A statement chair and marble stand from Facebook Marketplace, and a beautiful coffee table discovered at my local auction house, bring character and warmth to the space.

What began as a cold, breeze block shell is now a studio that feels like home. It’s light, creative and deeply personal. Every corner reflects not only my work but also my values: craftsmanship, sustainability, and beauty in the detail.

My studio is no longer just a place where I make — it’s a haven where ideas come to life.