Think of this craft room or home office space as an extension of you. After all, if you love to sew, knit, or craft, you’ll be spending a lot of your leisure time here so you’ll want it to reflect your best and most joyful self. Firstly, take inventory of everything you have and need, then consider the layout, color scheme, and storage ideas.
Sewing room ideas
Sewing rooms have become increasingly popular, especially over the pandemic, where more and more people took up sewing as a hobby. When it comes to designing a sewing room or home office setup, practicality is essential, but equally important is curating a space that is creative, inspiring and homey.
1. Focus on good storage
‘My studio is a joyful sanctuary at the end of our backyard!’ says Molly Mahon, founder of Molly Mahon (opens in new tab). ‘The focal point is a wooden cabinet which I painted to add character and to make the space more personal to me. I find it really useful to have as many of the tools of my trade on display as possible so that I can find things easily. Open shelves for your home office storage is a must – mine are always overflowing with books and I use plenty of our hand-block printed storage boxes to store smaller things. They are cheerful to look at and proof that practically doesn’t need to mean boring!’ ‘Here, a big table is an essential piece of kit in any crafting or sewing room, and having this means we’ve been able to reclaim the kitchen table for regular family life.’
2. Include plenty of natural light
‘Natural light is a key ingredient for sewing rooms so place your table and sewing machine in front of a window,’ says Melanie Griffiths, editor, Period Living. ‘If it’s south-facing and the sun gets a little too bright hang up some simple drapes made from thin cotton that will block it a little but still ensure you get the light.’ If your room is lacking sunlight, then look to include ample home office lighting to keep this room useable for longer.
3. Source a vintage desk and chair
‘Add character to your sewing room with a flea market find, like this desk and chair,’ says Andrea Childs, editor, Period Living. ‘A design with drawers is optimum in a sewing room – use it for patterns, equipment, and notebooks. Pick a wallpaper design that suits your scheme, Miss Print does a great retro range that will add character to your space.’
4. Double up with two desks
‘Nothing beats a touch of symmetry in interior design – give it a go in your sewing or craft space,’ says Lucy Searle, global editor in chief, Homes & Gardens. ‘Two desks pushed together will give you ample room to spread out, or enable you to share the space. Matching floor lights add height and of course, practicality and a tiled floor make sweeping up much easier.’
5. Convert an unused corner into a sewing space
‘It can be hard to incorporate a sewing room into a home, especially if space is limited,’ says Tom Rutt, director of TR Studio (opens in new tab). ‘Therefore, it is key to consider hybrid functioning rooms, for example, a small box room can be both a craft space, and also be the perfect room for art or sewing.’ ‘When designing such a room, consider maximizing storage using floor-to-ceiling shelves where possible and concealed drawers. A built-in bespoke desk area will be an invaluable design addition. Positioned under a window it will not only provide natural light for tasks but also provide inspiration and a connection to the outdoor world.’
6. Go overboard with your lighting
In a multi-use space that can include sewing and designing is important to light the area well: ‘Lighting is crucial in a sewing room to avoid any eye strain,’ says Jo Plismy, founder of Gong (opens in new tab). ‘The room needs to have a good level of bright ambient lighting as well as task lighting for particularly detailed or intricate work. Angled desk lamps or adjustable wall lights are a great choice to allow the light to be directed exactly where it is needed. Choose white bulbs rather than yellow which can add to eye strain.’
7. Dedicate a space for arts and crafts
Carve out a dedicated space for pure indulgence in your favorite hobby. Think about everything you will need to make this space work; efficient lighting, practical desk, comfortable seating, and plenty of good storage. Remember, the sewing room should be a space of inspiration, so don’t worry about scattered prints and paperwork if it brings you joy and pleasure. This is the one space to really let your creativity shine. Use wall space to hang your favorite art, and choose a color scheme that will set the scene.
8. Introduce a riot of color and pattern
Bring together unusual patterns and color pairings for a space that is bursting with life and vibrancy. Interior designers will often say they don’t follow rules when it comes to decorating but something that is helpful to bear in mind is that colors never need to match, they just need to work together. ‘I love unusual color pairings,’ says the textile designer Eva Sonaike who specializes in luxury African interiors. ‘My favorite combination at the moment is green and pink,’ she adds. ‘If in doubt, always look at nature and, in particular, plants and flowers.’
What do I need in my sewing room?
It is vital to curate a sewing room that delights and inspires; one that you would love to spend time in. Therefore, color should be your first priority. Choose a shade that will not only enhance your creative flow, but will also appeal to the eye. Secondly, it is worth taking inventory of everything you own, and what else you might need. Good storage will never go to waste, especially if you opt for a truly bespoke option. ‘Good lighting is vital – not just to ensure you look presentable on video calls but to ensure your home office is well-lit both functionally and aesthetically. ‘Finally, artwork on the walls, a rug on the floor and plenty of house plants will make the space feel welcoming and comfortable
