Today I’m sharing some studio updates with coastal vibes, that I think you’re going to love. My studio is a mix of modern and vintage furnishings in soft neutral colors, which creates a serene backdrop for coastal cottage accents.
Coastal Vibes Blog Hop
This is going to be a fun filled post, because I’m joining the Coastal Vibes Blog Hop, with our amazing host Amber of Follow The Yellow Brick Home. I can’t wait to see what my blogging buddies are sharing, and I know there will be something for everyone.
If you are stopping by from The Crowned Goat, welcome to Thistle Key Lane. I love CoCo’s creative tips for summer decorating, especially her al fresco table setting.
All the links for everyone participating is at the end of my post.
Studio Updates With Coastal Vibes
The studio is my creative place, with a bright work space and a small sitting area. After rearranging and reorganizing, it’s feeling a bit too clean, but I’m sure my artistic clutter will take over soon enough. Some things never change. 😉
The colors in the studio loft are mostly creams and whites with blue accents that are soothing. It’s a space where I can chill for a while, and just get lost in my thoughts.
Studio Gallery Wall
My studio gallery wall is always evolving as I switch artwork around. The clip boards are handy for new art, but I’m considering painting them white to blend in with the wall. What do you think?
Currently I’m working on a series of vintage swimsuits, and hibiscus watercolors. Who knows what is next.
My left and right facing herons are still my top sellers. For a closer look click on my post, Heron Watercolors and A Look At My Studio.
Artwork on the gallery wall is a blend of vacation finds, a vintage family piece and my own watercolors that have a coastal feel.
In addition is a portrait that I painted of our 15 year old wheaten terrier Sandy, that we lost in April. I just love seeing her sweet face on the shelf, and of course I miss her more than I can say.
Sitting Area With Coastal Vibes
The sitting area is where the costal cottage feel comes into play, and I love extending the life of the vintage furniture. Slipcovers are a simple solution when you’re not quite ready to let go of family pieces. For more ideas check out my post, DIY Slipcovers And Why I Love Making Them.
Simple square pillow covers in peach and navy, add playful patterns to the slipcovered love seat. To me they have a vintage beachy feel to them, and the contrasting colors go well with the gallery wall.
Can you guess what they are made from? If you said cloth napkins, you’re right. At two dollars a napkin, I can’t think of a cheeper way to update pillows.
On the slipcovered coffee table, a woven hyacinth tray holds a conch shell, books and a little bouquet of chamomile. There’s nothing like delicate flowers to add a bit of coastal cottage charm to a room.
A large vintage tool box becomes an end table when turned on its side. Now, I have a spot to display an assortment of beach treasures, and I love the patina of the old blue paint.
Studio Desk
One of my best purchases ever is a work desk with casters and matching filing cabinets. The desk is so easy to move around when I’m photographing projects, and it cleans up in a snap.
To organize brushes, pencils and markers, I’m using vintage jam jars. They hold a lot more than my old tea tins, and they look better too. All my watercolor paints go into a small bin, so I can clean up quickly when working on other projects.
The pony tail plant adds to the coastal vibe, and it’s now in here permanently. Don’t you just love this blue Fiesta ware bowl?
Be sure to follow Thistle Key Lane on Pinterest, where the boards are up to date with my favorite seasonal inspiration!
Thank you for letting me share my studio updates with coastal vibes, but the fun doesn’t stop here. Up next on our tour is Ann of Dabbling and Decorating, sharing her authentic Maine lobster themed tablescape and you’re going to love it. Be sure to check out all the links below.
Cheers!
Our Coastal Vibes Blog Hop continues…
Michelle, I LOVE your clipboard art! What a great way to deliver a coastal vibe in a classic, throwback kind of way. I would leave the clipboards in their natural state. I like the contrast to the art.
Good feedback Rita! I appreciate that so much, and of course the sweet comments! Hugs!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE being able to take a peek into your studio, Michelle! You are so crazy talented and it was fun to get a behind the scenes look at your art. I love the bathing suits you’re working on and of course the one of Sandy. It’s really beautiful and what a great way to honor her each day too. Can’t wait to follow along on your progress. I know lots of amazing things are going to come out of this space! Big hugs, CoCo
Thank you so much CoCo! It feels so good to have this space organized again, and I’m not so distracted by the clutter. 😊
Just gorgeous Michelle! What a great place to work and be inspired! Love the summer beachy vibe you created and your art continues to amaze me. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Denise for the sweet comments and giving my ego a boost! Hugs!
Love, Love your studio. It’s beautiful and a place I can see getting really creative! I love the blanket on your chair and the soft colors throughout are lovely! I think your swimsuits are so cute and I love how you hung them on the clipboards!
Thank you Kristin! The swimsuits are a fun departure from animals, plants and flowers.
The swim suit art is just adorable! And of course I love the Sandy portrait. I’m sure you miss her terribly. Such a beautiful studio – truly an inspiring space!
Shelley
Thank you Shelley! I’m really enjoying spending time in here again.
what a gorgeous space for creativity you have, Michelle. I love your eclectic mix of furniture, styles, and art; and oh my the light is amazing! I visited your shop and fell in love.
Thanks so much for the sweet comments and visiting my shop Debra! Hugs!
Michelle your studio is a little dream. The coastal shells and blue and white colors are so perfect for the summer season. Hope you enjoy the remainder of this summer.
Thank you Ann! It seems like summer is really starting to rush by and I still have so many projects to finish. Some things never change LOL!
You have the cutest studio Michelle. I love how bright your work space is and seeing all your artwork. You are certainly talented. I can see how this space makes you so creative.
Thank you Kim! It’s always a little scary sharing my art, but I’m getting more comfortable with it.
Oh I love those little watercolor swimsuits and the herons! Your whole studio space has the most serene and mentally refreshing coastal vibes!
That blue tool box-turned-table with the shells on top is coastal decorating perfection! Also love the styled tray with flowers and a conch shell. So pretty!
Thanks for joining the hop. Happy summer!
Thank you for inviting me Amber! My daughter bought the tool box in an antique store on Amelia Island, and I’m so happy I talked her into giving it to me LOL! This is such a beautiful blog hop and I’m loving what everyone is sharing.
Michelle,
Everything you shared looks great but I loved the clip boards with the swimsuits. So clever.
Thank you Rachel! It’s a fun spot to try out temporary artwork!
Studio 6 store?! Say whaaat?! I had no idea! Your water colors are beautiful. The vintage bathing suits are adorable and a fave. And I can see why you like seeing your doggie print in your fancy studio. Such a sweet memorial. Looks like your space could make the perfect pottery studio too. 😉
Thank you Cindy! I’m still in the early learning stage of watercolors. I don’t know if I’ll get to the next stage or not, but at least I’m having fun with it. 😉
That should say Society6. 😉
😊
Michelle now I want a studio too! Yours is so bright and pretty and you are so talented. Loved the painting of your sweet pup and your slipcovered table. Happy summer!
Thank you Kelly! It’s a delightful space to escape to!
This is so beautiful Michelle. I love the pitcher with chamomile flowers. Also – what a great idea to slipcover a table! Your studio is a beautiful coastal retreat.
Thank you so much for stopping by Anna!