Creative space

The Problem
This commune is home to four women, some of whom work from home as freelance artists.The enclosed porch at the front of the housepresented the perfect setting for a studio and informal lounge ? there is plenty of space and lots of naturallight.But the white walls and red floor tiles combined to create a harsh and unwelcoming atmosphere. Anassortment of mismatched pieces of furniture further stripped the room of adistinctive style.

Creative space

Our solution
The walls were painted in a soft neutral shade (we used Plascon Tequila (VL010)), to counteract the harshness of the floor. Kilims and shaggy carpets now add colour and texture, while vintage suitcases, a re-used vegetable rack and a rustic cupboard made from an old wooden door and shutters provide much-needed storage space. A brightly painted trestle table completes the new look.

Creative space

Top Table
Paint an old door in a colour of your choice we used Plascon Wall&All in Yodel (A30-6)) and place it on a set of 90cm trestles to create a work space that can easily be moved or disassembled.

Creative space

Overhaul a trunk
Use a simple paint technique to give a galvanised utility trunk an aged look. Smear some petroleum jelly or floor wax along the edges of the trunk and to areas that would naturally show signs of wear and tear over time. Use a small sponge roller to paint the trunk with water-based paint and leave to dry. Then use a paint scraper to remove the paint in the areas that were smeared with petroleum jelly or floor wax. Use the trunk as storage space that doubles up as a coffee table.

Creative space

Shaggy chic
The rugs pick up on the artistic themes of colour and design, and add a quirky touch to this creative space.

Compiled and styled by Marlize Lotz
Photos by Jan Ras