Kelly Rae gets a tiny art house, part 2!

Sep 28, 2017 | Home + Studio Tours, Studio Tours

Friends! I recently shared Part 1 of the story behind my new tiny art cottage/studio that we built in our backyard, and I thought I’d share photos from the inside for this post, Part 2! It’s cozy and small, like the fort of my kid dreams.

I am happier in this space than any of the larger spaces I’ve had over the years. Dream. Come. True.

Let me show you!

PS: All sources and paint colors listed at the bottom of this post.


It’s the size of a small room at just under 8×10. I have found this to be plenty of space to create and write. I love it!

I found the little blue hutch at a local antique market and it’s perfect for holding art supplies that I don’t need all of the time. The vintage green basket underneath it holds my sketch/watercolor pads. And of course, the ever popular Ikea rolling cart is tucked beside my table and also holds more supplies and a lamp I thrifted.

The old yellow thrifted door keeps my aprons hung, while the wall space and the table top spaces on the blue hutch are places to place originals.

Remember when I DIY’d that cute lampshade? That was so long ago!

I have another Ikea rolling cart under my painting table. The table is my old table from my old studio, My Dad built it for me from reclaimed wood. LOVE!

I placed a large trash container inside a cute oversized canvas basket from Home Goods.

I use the window sill to place all my pens and pencils and such for easy reach. I love having the window directly in front of me. There’s a bird feeder just outside that remains quite busy throughout the day. I cannot tell you how much simple delight it brings me.

The fabric garland above my table is an old score from Target (in their party section). I love it!

I added a few plants in the window sill above the main window. You know, I’m a maximalist when it comes to plants. Cannot. Get. Enough.

I keep all my paints in baskets on my table so that they are super within reach. And ribbons are at the ready in the rolling cart to the left.

On the other side of the cottage, I’ve got more storage, color, and light!

The string lights make this little fort SPARKLE big time in the evenings. And the bunting is made from vintage hankies – an addition my mom made. I love love love it so much.

Remember waaaaaay back when I DIY’d that cute stool?

My trust industrial style rolling cart never fails. It’s no longer in production (sorry!), but I use it to store more supplies.

The vintage suitcase to the right holds a ton of scrap papers that are on the smaller side.

My larger paper rolls are inside a basket I purchased long ago at Home Goods.

The paint brush chandelier is back in this little studio. I made it YEARS ago and it’s been a longtime favorite. More plants. Check. More windows. Check. Yellow door. Check!

And that’s it! I’ve had so many studios throughout the years. I’ve loved all of them, but I super love it here. Who wants to come over and join me? There enough room for two of us!

In a few weeks, I’ll share photos of our backyard remodel (currently in progress) so that you can see where this sweet little art studio/cottage/fort lives in the scheme of what is our also quite small backyard!

Sources:

Everything is either handmade, DIY, thrifted except for the following:

Rug: Rugsusa.com (search “floral”)
String Lights: here.
Blue rolling carts: Ikea
Industrial rolling cart: No longer made, but I’ve seen similar at Home Goods
Tea Towel on above cart: Anthro
Mirror: It’s an old Kelly Rae Roberts collection mirror – no longer in production
Focus Time Poster: Brave-living.com
Fabric Garland over desk: Target

White wall color: White Dove by Benji Moore
Ceiling: Woodlawn Blue by Benji Moore
Yellow: Custom mix I made

Big love,

Sending much love,

Show/Hide Comments (30 comments)
30 Comments
  1. Sandra

    I love your little house, my husband build a little casita for me too years ago and I have most of my antiques and other things that I collect. I love all the decorations and the way you did it. I will love one day to send you some pictures of things that I do.

    Reply
  2. Roz Burt

    Kelly Rae, I am a retired Respiratory Therapist turned Social Worker and am having a tiny studio built with an enclosed walkway from both house and garage. Studio will have heat and ac. Walkway is L – shaped and has more sq. footage than the art space. Lots of windows in both. Walkway may be an extra painting area. Looking for was to furnish it to get the most work/storage room. Thanks for your ideas.

    Reply
  3. Robin P

    Can’t wait to see the heART space you dream up on your next adventure! Thank you for opening up and sharing your creative life with the world–so nourishing and inspiring 10+ years on…

    Reply
  4. Linda Rupard

    Thanks for sharing. I can’t believe you got so much in a small space & doesn’t look crowded. Beautiful creative space.

    Reply
  5. Jane S.

    I found the industrial cart at Pottery Barn. It can be ordered online from them too. The new art cottage is adorable and do appreciate your storage ideas.

    Reply
  6. Tamara Scott

    ME!! You know I’d be there in a heartbeat to create art with you! Let me know if you’re serious!
    I LOVE LOVE LOVE the space!! I have a great space in my home too and love it! I’m working on keeping it organized. I usually don’t clean up right away after creating a piece, but try to get in there to put stuff away a day or two later.
    Tamara Scott

    Reply
  7. janine

    I love how you organize your supplies. I have one of those three-tier carts and I think I need to buy a second. So hard to find space for it all. I found these great flower pots at the dollar store that have hooks on them so I can hang them off the sides of the cart. They are great! I found matching colours too.

    Reply
    • Janine

      I was feeling frustrated about having my paints just in tubs or baskets like this. But, I feel better now seeing you do the same. I guess I’m too hard on myself.

      Reply
  8. Donna

    Love it! After two years it has finally sunk in that I am not going to move from this house for a very long time. I am ready to make this studio mine. I have to get a couple of those rolling carts!

    Reply
  9. Terry J Walker

    Wow! Kelly Rae, your little studio cottage is so sweet and cozy. And if you weren’t an artist you would be a great home decorator! You’ve inspired me to start looking around my home and yard to see how I can expand my art space. Right now I am in a tiny dining room but have options. Thanks for the inspiration and fun witnessing your incredible journey!

    Reply
  10. Linda O.

    For years I never had my own space thinking it would be such an indulgence. So, so wrong. I finally have my own room and it’s a craft room, office, sanctuary. It’s a place to create and get inspired. I think my creativity has skyrocketed since I have a room of my own. Thank you Virginia Wolfe. Thank you Kelly Rae.

    Reply
  11. Dyan Kirkpatrick

    I do, I do, I do!!! I would love to come over sometime and “play” in your cottage. I live in the Metro area, have a studio in my home, and I’m a student of yours as well as a big fan 🙂

    Blessings,
    Dyan

    Reply
  12. angela

    beautiful. it looks likee you have the center open and every other thng and working space against the walls??? I have a spare room about this sizee and i can barely walk in it… wondering if i did some clean up, purging and rearranging if I would end up with something like yours. Also how do you keep everything clean ? the carpet, the table top? im such a mess. Is your cottage with heat and air ?
    Super cute, love love, love !!!

    Reply
    • Kelly Rae Roberts

      Keeping it clean is a practice, but it’s okay to get a little messy too! And yes, it is equipped with heat and fans for air!

      Reply
  13. Dawn Osborne

    J
    Just so truly, truly happy for you. I feel your joy. It’s just inspiring and refreshing. Art on my friend <3

    Reply
  14. Hana

    You have got a wonderful and cozy place.

    Reply
  15. Yvonne Johnston

    It is absolutely perfect! Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  16. Leslie Hamp

    This would be a great piece for the magazine Where Women Create Business. I hope you send it to them! So sweet and creative. Kudos.

    Reply
    • Kitty N

      Agreed! 🙂

      Reply
  17. Leigh

    I love your place of bliss Kelly Rae! What is the small piece with the yellow front next to your industrial cart?It reminds me of the vintage smoking stands. Wish I had my dad’s old stand to repurpose. But I do have an old family picnic basket! Thanks for sharing your unending inspiration 🙂

    Reply
    • Kelly Rae Roberts

      Hmmm, I’m not sure which piece you’re describing? Everything in there has been a part of my growing collection for years, finds from garage sales, antique stores, the like!

      Reply
      • Leigh

        The small piece under the window that is flanked by wings. The photo shows a little lamp with a red and white shade and a small plant on it. 🙂

        Reply
  18. Pam

    And now we know where your talent originates ….with your Mom! Loved her ideas …love your new hiding place….

    Reply
  19. Lisa

    I simply love it! How wonderful to have such a cozy place all to yourself. Thanks for sharing 👍

    Reply
  20. Fran

    So cute! So adorable. A wonderful place to be inspired and do art.

    Reply
  21. Lynda Dunham-Watkins

    Love it! I have a 10X14 storage bldg in the back yard that I want to wave a magic wand and have a studio…..hoping for spring!

    Reply
  22. Stephanie

    oh what a sweet little art cottage! I love all of the color you have brought in. Enjoy your creative time there!

    Reply
  23. michelle donnelly

    Love love love your art cottage!! I have what I think is a great idea for a future KR unscripted video! How about doing another mirror like that?! I personally would love it!

    Reply
    • Kelly Rae Roberts

      Love that idea!

      Reply
    • Brenda

      Good idea

      Reply

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Hello + welcome!

I’m Kelly Rae Roberts

Before I picked up my first paintbrush at the age of 30, I was a medical social worker. I followed my creative whispers, and today I’m an artist & Possibilitarian. I’m passionate about creating meaningful art and experiences that awaken and inspire our spirits.

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