We are planning to build on our retirement property in the not too distant future. Right now we are in the design stage. Dimensions, shape, which trees do we HAVE to cut down, what is essential (his and hers studios) and what is optional (guest bedrooms).
So, my question is what size should my studio be (his will be much the same for his leatherwork and model railroad).....
I know I want lots of built in shelving, plenty of windows, a huge table, built in ironing board, design wall, but keep wondering what size it really needs to be. I'd love to have it truly enormous, but cost is a factor too.
How can I get the most usable space without breaking the bank?

20' x 20' sounds about right.....just kidding! It's not how big, just a comfortable space to make you happy :lol:

Try putting it on graph paper, deciding the size of cupboards, tables, ironing surface and a cutting area and then add walking room.

If It were me designing a studio, it would be a minimum of 500 Sq ft. similar to Alex Anderson's space. A small sitting area with storage for books , small stereo, tv. a wall of storage components. A design wall good lighting, work stations that aren't shoved up against the wall.... I'm there right now........

Decide what space you need for the items you now have plus cupboards to be installed, and add for future add-ons. --Then make it bigger. You didn't mention a quilting frame or longarm. This may be something you may want to have room for. I too will be planning a retirement home soon. I will include space for all my sewing needs. I use 2+ rooms in my house now. The main room is 8' X 16'. The other one is 12' X 9'. I figure with all that I have and may add, the minimum space would need to be 18' X 14'. I would like it to be bigger but cost will have to be a factor. -- My husband gets the barn. I will just need a little space for the garden supplies.

My room is 15 X 30 but I have a LA in it. My suggestion, don't have too many doors to break up the space and keep the windows high enough to put storage or workspace under them. I live in a house over 100 years old and have 3 big windows and 3 doors to contend with. Still I know I have more space than a lot of people and I'm very happy with having the room,just if I could build I would do it differently.

Would you consider having room for quilters to come in small groups ... so they could have mini-retreats ... to help defray the cost of the studio.

Just wondering.

ali

That is certainly an option as I already have RV space(s) planned for visiting family/friends. Thanks for the great idea!

Greensleeves - I currently am in a home from the 1920's, grew up in a home from the 1940's, and also lived for several years in a Victorian home, plus all the base housing and mobile homes we lived in, so I am very conscious of door and window placement and making storage available everywhere possible!
I'm even planning on my living room having built in storage under all the windows.
How much space does the longarm actually use? I mean footprint as well as necessary surrounding space . I've not seen one set up except at a show, which was very hard to judge space needed.

The only good thing I can say about my small quilting "studio" is that it's set up like a "U" - sewing machine on one side of U, ironing board at the bottom and cutting table on the other side. I rarely have to get up from my chair once everything is cut! Also helpful is a 4-shelf unit starting just above the cutting table. I wish my sewing machine table was about 2 feet longer, but still with enough room to the right of the machine for stuff. The sewing machine table butts up against another large book case to the left. I have two "bi-fold door" closets and I've taken the doors off. One holds my stash in cupboards, the other hold a small desk and skinny shelves for projects in waiting. I've seen other much-larger set ups that I think aren't as efficient as mine.