behind the scenes – Carla kaboodles her art studio
Wildlife artist, Carla Grace joins us in a Q&A where we hear all about her art studio transformation. She also takes us on a tour of the finished space where kaboodle joinery solutions were used throughout to create a practical and inviting space for Carla to create.
We recently partnered with talented wildlife artist Carla Grace to transform her newly built art studio into a practical yet stylish creative space. Her studio included a dedicated office space and Carla even created moving island benchtops so that she can adjust her working space for her daily needs. Kaboodle joinery was used throughout to provide plenty of storage for paint and supplies!
Watch how Carla’s studio came to life in her behind-the-scenes tour and keep scrolling to read the Q&A!
Why did you want to update your studio space?
The studio space I had at the time was our formal lounge room. It was woefully too small and my business had long outgrown the space, not to mention the kids were starting to take over every square inch! We had been planning a purpose-built studio space for a long time, and finally, in December 2023, we had begun the build. You could say it was a much-needed breath of fresh air to have space to work in.
What's your plan for the space? Will you be using it to host any events?
My studio is the heart of my brand. Everything pivots around its functionality and overall look. I run an online tutorial platform, so I host many live demonstrations, classes, and coaching sessions in the space. I do all of my framing, painting, packaging, and filming in the same space, which all require very different cabinetry. I will also be hosting private exhibits, in-person workshops, and demonstrations here.
Why did you choose macaroon alpine doors and panels and hazelnut benchtops, and what do you like about these colours and finishes?
I have always loved the look of the alpine doors and panels. When paired with natural timbers and stone features, it really creates a homely feel with a slight touch of farmhouse.
I have avoided using a lot of colour on the studio walls opting for a neutral grey, and chose macaroon doors and panels because its silk white colour reflects the light as I am painting. This makes the colour values and hues appear differently in the light in my studio versus the light they will appear in when placed in collectors’ homes.
To get that homely, farmhouse look, bringing warmth into the studio naturally was incredibly important to me, so I chose the warmer tones of hazelnut benchtops. Since I am working with a lot of paint, I needed a surface that would stand the test of time. The timber-look laminate of hazelnut has already proven its durability!
How did you find using kaboodle? Did you enjoy using the 3D kaboodle planner to create 3D designs of your space?
The 3D kaboodle planner was essential to me to plan the space. I was able to start to put together the layout pf my working space which really helped me bring my design together. Then, I was able to work with a kitchen design expert who gave me the confidence in my vision and helped find the right solutions when I needed them.
Being able to work through all the weird quirks of the space helped a lot, as I was able to collaborate with a kitchen expert to create the best layout and maximise my functional storage space. I proposed an issue, and they said, "No worries!"
Having the accessibility of a design expert to double check my 3D plans and help find solutions is without comparison. Seeing all the ideas change and evolve throughout the planning phase was terrific. It turned out even better in real life.
How did you go assembling the product?
If I'm honest, I was a little nervous. I'd never done cabinetry before and was terrified of damaging something or getting it wrong. I was surprised when, after putting the first two together, the rest felt easy. I didn't make too many errors, and thankfully, the ones I did make were easy to correct. My assembly was not without fault! But thank goodness these are durable, good-quality cabinets that are easy to adjust and adapt to any situation.
I particularly needed the cabinets to be dynamic. I put three islands on castor wheels, and it worked out perfectly. My studio space can be transformed depending on how I need to use it, and the cabinets obligingly glide across my floors to accommodate my daily needs.
Would you recommend kaboodle to friends and family?
Absolutely. In fact, my neighbour, who happens to be a carpenter, stuck his head in the door while I was building the studio and checked out the cabinets. He is about to renovate his house, and I wouldn't be surprised to see kaboodle rocking up at his door. He was impressed!
To see more of Carla’s stunning art studio, view the full image gallery.
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