Art Studio Makeover Series – Post 2
In my previous post, I shared the heart behind my studio journey and how I’ve created in spaces of all sizes over the past 17 years. Today, I want to show you the practical tool that revolutionized how I planned my latest studio transformation—and it wasn’t even designed for art studios!
The Discovery: When Kitchen Planning Meets Studio Design
I didn’t discover Lowe’s Kitchen Visualizer on my own. It was actually my eldest son’s brilliant idea! We had received quotes from two different companies for our studio makeover, but both were well beyond our budget. My husband and I were committed to completing this project debt-free, which meant we needed to find another way.
I was sketching out a layout for my studio and had already decided to use kitchen cabinets as a storage solution. When I shared my planning struggles with my son, he said, “Mom, since we’re using kitchen cabinets, why not use a digital kitchen designer?” Sometimes the best solutions come from unexpected sources—and from the practical thinking of our children!
This discovery changed everything about how I approach space planning. Instead of sketching rough ideas on paper or trying to imagine how furniture would fit, I could see my vision come to life digitally before spending a single dollar. More importantly, it gave us the confidence to tackle the project ourselves within our debt-free commitment.
Walking Through My Digital Design Process
Step 1: Taking Accurate Measurements
Before opening the visualizer, I measured every inch of my studio space—walls and any architectural features. This step is crucial because the tool is only as good as the information you give it. I also used the measurements from the two company quotes I had received to double-check my own measuring for accuracy.
Pro Tip: Use a digital measuring tape app on your phone to double-check measurements and take photos of each wall for reference.
Step 2: Creating the Basic Room Layout
The Lowe’s Kitchen Visualizer allows you to input your room dimensions and create a basic floor plan. Even though it’s designed for kitchens, the fundamental room-building features work perfectly for any space. I was able to:
- Set up the correct room dimensions
- Account for electrical outlets, air vent, and switches
Step 3: Adapting Kitchen Elements for Studio Use
Here’s where creativity comes in. I treated kitchen cabinets as storage units and countertops as work surfaces. The tool’s cabinet library became my art supply organization system, and I could plan placement for additional elements like drawer units and my adjustable workbench.
What I Discovered:
- Upper cabinets = perfect for storing lightweight supplies at eye level
- Base cabinets = ideal for heavier items and frequently used materials
- Continuous countertop = excellent work surface with storage underneath
- Planning for drawer units and adjustable workbenches = maximized functionality
Step 4: Detailed Planning Takes Time
None of this happened overnight. Before I even opened the digital tool, I had already spent considerable time planning on paper—mapping out where I wanted everything to go, which drawers would be positioned where, and making sure to accommodate for empty space as well. The digital planning built upon this foundation work.
Prayerfully Sent Art Studio Digital Design Gallery
The beauty of digital planning is the ability to experiment without commitment. I took the time to create various views from different angles, which helped me understand how the space would function from every perspective. Each version taught me something new about traffic flow, storage accessibility, and work surface placement.
Getting Creative with Digital Elements: One of the most helpful aspects was using the tool’s decorative elements in unexpected ways. I used the plant pots and wall paintings as placeholders to show where my machines would be positioned, where my computer monitor would go, and initially, where I was considering placing a heat press. This visual planning helped me think through every functional element of the space.
Adapting as Plans Evolved: The digital planning process also allowed me to adjust as my needs changed. Originally, I had planned counter space for heat pressing, but as my project evolved, I realized I wouldn’t be using that space for heat pressing after all. Instead, I opted for an overhead wall mount solution for photography and videography—a change I could confidently make because I understood exactly how much space I had available.
The Benefits: Digital Planning vs. “Winging It”
Before Digital Planning:
- Bought furniture that didn’t fit properly
- Overlooked storage opportunities
- Ended up rearranging multiple times
- Wasted money on returns and exchanges
After Digital Planning:
- Confident purchases that fit perfectly
- Maximized every inch of storage
- Clear vision before starting the project
- Strategic shopping with exact measurements
Strategic Shopping: How the Visualizer Guided My Purchases
Having a digital plan completely transformed my shopping approach. Instead of wandering store aisles hoping something would work, I shopped with purpose and precision.
My Shopping Strategy:
- Lowe’s: Used their visualizer for planning, closet organizer, hardware,and acacia wood countertop
- Home Depot: Found the actual cabinetry, adjustable Husky desk, white shelf board
- Amazon: Ordered GE Cync under-cabinet lights and the rug
- Thrifting: Discovered a perfect 12×12 mixed media tower
Having exact measurements from my digital plan meant I could shop confidently across multiple stores, knowing everything would fit together perfectly despite coming from different sources.
Key Purchases from My Digital Plan:
- Hampton Bay Satin White Cabinet Collection White shelf board– sourced from Home Depot for the best fit and price
- Acacia Wood Counter Top – measured to fit perfectly in my design from Lowe’s
- Adjustable Husky workbench – positioned exactly where the visualizer showed it would work best
- White Shelves in various sizes to build custom card stock tower
- GE Cync under-cabinet lights – added for task lighting in key work areas
Tips for Using Design Tools in Your Creative Space
1. Start with Free Tools
Lowe’s Kitchen Visualizer is completely free and requires no software download.
2. Think Outside the Tool’s Intended Use
Don’t limit yourself to the tool’s original purpose. Kitchen planners work great for:
- Art studios
- Craft rooms
- Home offices
- Workshops
- Any space needing storage and work surfaces
3. Save Multiple Versions
Create several design variations and save them all. You might discover elements from different versions that work well together.
4. Print Your Plans
Having a physical copy while shopping is incredibly helpful. I printed mine and took it to every store, which saved time and prevented measurement mistakes.
5. Share with Others
If you’re married or have family members using the space, share your digital plans. It’s much easier to discuss changes on screen than trying to explain spatial concepts verbally.
The Transformation Begins
With my digital plan complete and materials ordered, I was ready to begin the actual transformation. In my next post, I’ll walk you through the installation process and show you how my digital vision became reality.
What surprised me most: The planning phase was just as creative and satisfying as the hands-on building phase. There’s something deeply satisfying about solving spatial puzzles and optimizing every square inch for both function and beauty.
Planning Tools & Resources:
Have you used digital design tools for your creative space? I’d love to hear about your experience and what tools worked best for you! Share in the comments below—your insights might help another reader in their planning process.
Filed under: Art Studio Organization
