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From a Building Designer Hobart
Have you ever looked at an old, unused space and imagined the creative possibilities it holds? That’s exactly what happened when I decided to transform our garage metal shed into a vibrant, Reggio Emilia-inspired atelier for our home.
Why Choose Reggio Emilia for Your Atelier?
An atelier is a creative workshop or studio. In Reggio Emilia schools, ateliers are special spaces where children explore and express their creativity through various materials and activities. This approach emphasizes the “hundred languages” of children, encouraging multiple forms of expression.
When designing our home atelier, we initially planned a new structure in the front yard. However, it lacked privacy and was exposed to the elements. We then transformed our garage shed, creating a charming L-shaped house with a courtyard-style backyard. This change turned an awkward storage space into a vibrant creative hub.
The Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, originating in Italy, focuses on child-centered environments that foster exploration, creativity, and self-expression. A Reggio Emilia-inspired atelier is thoughtfully arranged to promote independence and curiosity.
Our atelier design includes open shelving for easy access, large windows for natural light, and flexible areas for different activities. This setup creates an inviting space that inspires creativity and allows children to lead their learning and artistic expression.
The Renovation Process
We began by retaining the metal structure, metal roof, and concrete slab of the garage shed. To create a warm and inviting space, we used as many natural materials as possible. The timber frame, wool insulation, and timber cladding gave the atelier a cozy feel, while the timber window frames and double glazing ensured it was energy-efficient. The plywood ceiling added a touch of cottagie scandi charm.
Lighting is crucial for any creative space. We installed six ceiling LED lights that can be adjusted for cooler or warmer tones, each individually controllable from the wall switch. This flexibility allows us to create the perfect ambiance for any project. For a no-Wifi environment, we opted for cabled internet and phone connections, ensuring a healthier and distraction-free zone.
A sturdy industrial metal shelving unit lines one side of the atelier, holding materials, tools, computers, machines, and musical instruments. Everything is open for self-serve, making it easy to find what you need. At the top of the shelving, we store portfolios and boxes with past projects, a tribute to our creative journey.
The Exhibition Wall
One of the most exciting features of our atelier is the exhibition wall, inspired by how art is displayed in art galleries and museum walls with these neat pictures hanging from display track systems. We adapted it using a long horizontal timber at the top from where we hang long strings of natural jute with timber cloth hangers to easily clip our art. I designed it this way to give independence to my child in exhibiting everyday small and light weight projects. This system allows us to easily hang and rearrange artwork and sculptures, making it feel like a professional art gallery. It’s incredibly important to exhibit what we’ve created, as it gives us a chance to reflect on our work, feel proud of our achievements, and stay motivated to continue creating.
Having a dedicated space to display our projects transforms the atelier into a dynamic and inspiring environment. It encourages us to keep pushing our creative boundaries and provides a beautiful backdrop for our family and home education activities. And one of the unintended outcomes is that it has become a conversation starter whenever we have friends over.
The Design Aesthetic
The atelier’s design blends romantic, contemporary, Scandinavian, and Japandi styles. The colour palette is a soothing mix of sandy tones, exposed timber, greys, whites, beiges, and a touch of green. This combination creates a serene and inspiring environment.
The large, airy windows are a standout feature. They all open 180 degrees as double French doors, creating a seamless connection with the garden and nature. The room faces north, allowing for plenty of natural light. Delicate home made white muslin curtains soften the strong light when needed, ensuring the colour of the sunlight isn’t entirely blocked or altered.
A Family Project
This renovation was a labour of love, entirely self-built by my husband, with our child involved with me in the design and building process as part of their home education. This hands-on experience not only taught valuable skills but also instilled a sense of pride and ownership in the space.
Your Turn to Create
Now, it’s your turn to think like a designer. Look around your home and identify a space that could be transformed into something special. Whether it’s a garage, a spare room, or even a corner of your living room, let your creativity flow and design your own unique atelier. Embrace the process, involve your family, and create a space that inspires and nurtures creativity. Happy designing!
Get Your Design Project Started With These FREE Resources to help you on your building designer journey
- Get Marisol’s FREE Book “How To Get The Most Out Of Your Home Designer…Even If The Designer is YOU” here.
- Watch Marisol’s FREE Workshop “Home Design Secrets” here. Would it be too out there for you to get started with your home and follow the same steps I followed to redefine my home? And how about me guiding you the same way I guide my clients when I design their houses? Step by step, you’ll find it all here.
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- Marisol Miro Quesada works as a building, architectural, house, interior, and landscape designer specialising as home designer. Schedule a call to chat about your project or get a free quote here.