Backyard Art Barn

I recently finished a client project for a family with four kids in a backyard barn. One side of the barn was already set up as a sofa/TV/lounge area and the other half of the barn was intended to be an art and play space. My client installed a climbing structure and crash pad against one wall of the play area so my job was to set up an art workshop in the rest of the play space.

This space was created for four kids ranging in age from 1.5 to 7 years old (two boys and two girls). When setting up a space for kids of multiple ages and interests, I make sure to consider each child’s needs as well as the safety concerns for a toddler working alongside older siblings. My client said that the toddler wouldn’t be in this space without adult supervision, so it would be okay to have any of the tools and materials accessible on the low shelving units.

This art space includes tools and materials for painting, drawing, writing, printmaking, collage, woodworking, sculpting, designing and tinkering. Aside from the shelving that holds all of the tools and materials, I have also included an easel, a rolling cart, a large drying rack, a table, bench, chairs and some easily accessible items for kids to help with clean-up. I also made sure to leave room on top of one of the shelves for displaying finished 3-D art.

For 2-D art display, there is a full cork wall that makes for a fun and easy way to hang finished paintings and drawings. When I first began this project, the base of the barn had already been transformed into a beautiful and playful shell- with the paint, the cool flooring design, and the cork wall already in place. I was thrilled to have this design as a jumping off point and chose furniture and containers that would continue this style of playful modern farmhouse with a little vintage flair.

The colors add to the playful element in the design, but I also love to incorporate whimsical elements like the bunny ear chairs or the giraffe duct tape holder.

Other unexpected elements that I love to incorporate are writing prompts. This includes clipboards with various writing and drawing printouts as well as blank greeting cards and envelopes.

Here are a few more photos of the tools and materials in the space…

New Book!

If this inspires you to set up your own art space (or to rethink one you already have) you will find plenty more tips and inspiration in my new book, The Art Playroom, that will be released on July 11th, 2023.

I received an advanced copy while I was working on this Art Barn project, so I left a copy for my client as a surprise gift. Even though half of the book is about how to set up a home art space for kids, the other half of the book includes over 55 art prompts to keep kids engaged with their materials once they have an art space. There is also a lot of information that will help my client maintain her art space and support its evolution as her kids get older. So I felt it was quite serendipitous that it arrived just as I was finishing her space!