My Modern Art Studio Project

I am thrilled to announce my upcoming project: the design and construction of my very own modern art studio. This new space will be dedicated to the ongoing production of my fine art, design, and photography works. It is fairly small but it is a personal space and the studio will need to fit nicely within the boundary lines of a new house property in the near future.

Over the years, my passion for these creative pursuits has continued to grow, and having a dedicated studio once again will provide the ideal environment to foster and cultivate my artistic endeavors. This studio will be a space not only for creating art but also for sharing it with the community through small exhibitions and creative collaborations and musical events.

The vision for this studio is to create a modern, inspiring, and functional space where creativity can flourish. With state-of-the-art facilities and an inviting atmosphere, it will be the perfect place to explore new techniques and push the boundaries of my artistic expression.

I am excited to share this journey with you and look forward to welcoming you to the studio once it is complete. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement.

My initial requirements for the studio are as follows.

  1. A small standalone structure
  2. The purpose of the structure is to be an art studio
  3. The size is 20 feet by 20 feet or 400 square feet
  4. Fairly high ceiling, cupola on rooftop with windows for more light
  5. Windows on all sides for nice natural indoor lighting
  6. Finished concrete flooring
  7. Cabinets and other storage along the walls leaving middle of studio bare
  8. Metal roofing, contemporary modern design, symmetrical
  9. Must be feasible to build and look like a modern art studio

Concept Renderings for this project can be found HERE.

It was not easy, but after much thought, visualization, research, drawing and figuring, the following general plan has emerged:

Floor Plan

  • Dimensions: 20’ x 20’ exterior footprint (400 sq ft total).
  • Layout:
    • Open-concept interior with no internal walls to maximize usable space for art creation.
    • Along all four walls: built-in cabinets (base level, 2’ deep, 3’ high) with countertops above for workspace, topped by upper cabinets reaching up to 7’ high. This leaves a 16’ x 16’ clear central area (256 sq ft) for easels, tables, or sculpting.
    • Entry: A single 3’ wide modern glass door centered on one wall (e.g., south wall), flanked by windows.
    • Windows: Each wall has large, rectangular windows (e.g., 4’ wide x 5’ high) positioned above the countertops, starting at 3’ off the ground and extending to 8’ high, ensuring ample natural light without sacrificing wall storage.
    • Ceiling Height: 12’ high at the walls, sloping up to 15’ at the center where the cupola sits.
    • Cupola: A 4’ x 4’ square cupola centered on the roof, with operable windows on all four sides for ventilation and additional light.
  • Flooring: Polished concrete, smooth and durable, with a light gray finish to reflect light and keep the space bright.

Interior View

  • From the Center: Standing in the middle of the studio, you’d see a bright, airy space with light pouring in from all directions. The high ceiling gives a sense of openness despite the small footprint. The cupola above draws the eye upward, its windows casting soft light down into the room.
  • Walls: The cabinetry lines all four walls symmetrically, painted in a sleek matte white or soft neutral tone to complement the modern design. Countertops (e.g., butcher block or quartz) provide workspace, while upper cabinets offer storage for supplies like paints, brushes, and sketchbooks.
  • Lighting: Natural light dominates during the day, with windows on all sides creating a balanced, glare-free environment ideal for art. The cupola’s windows add a vertical light source, perfect for detailed work. Optional recessed LED lights could be added in the ceiling for nighttime use.
  • Floor: The polished concrete floor has a minimalist, industrial-chic vibe, easy to clean and maintain—perfect for messy art projects.
  • Ambiance: The bare central space feels uncluttered and flexible, ready for an easel, workbench, or sculpting stand, while the storage keeps the chaos of creativity contained along the edges.

Elevation (Exterior View)

  • Shape: A simple, symmetrical square base with a low-pitched metal roof (e.g., 15° slope) rising to the central cupola. The cupola sits like a modern crown, adding height and character.
  • Height: 12’ at the eaves, peaking at 15’ at the cupola’s base, with the cupola itself adding another 3’–4’ (total height ~18’–19’).
  • Roof: Standing-seam metal roofing in a bold color (e.g., matte black or charcoal gray) for a contemporary look, durable and low-maintenance.
  • Walls: Smooth exterior cladding, such as fiber cement panels or stucco in a clean white or light gray, with minimal trim for a sleek, modern profile.
  • Windows: Each side has two large, evenly spaced windows (4’ x 5’) with slim black metal frames, positioned above the countertop height (starting at 3’ off the ground). The symmetry reinforces the modern aesthetic.
  • Cupola: A small, square structure with a flat or slightly pitched metal cap, featuring 2’ x 2’ windows on each side. The windows could be operable clerestory-style for ventilation.
  • Door: A single, full-height glass door (3’ x 8’) with a thin metal frame, centered on the front facade, maintaining the minimalist design.
  • Feasibility: The simple square footprint, metal roof, and concrete floor keep construction costs and complexity low. The high ceiling and cupola are achievable with standard framing and a small custom roof assembly.

Design Notes

  • Modern Aesthetic: The symmetry, clean lines, metal roof, and large windows scream contemporary design, while the cupola adds a unique, artistic flourish.
  • Lighting: The combination of side windows and cupola ensures excellent natural light from multiple angles, critical for an art studio.
  • Practicality: The concrete floor is durable and easy to clean, while the extensive storage keeps the workspace functional and uncluttered.
  • Build Feasibility: This design uses standard materials (concrete, metal, glass, wood) and straightforward construction techniques, making it realistic for a small standalone structure.

Discover more from Eric Hatheway

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Author: Eric Hatheway

Eric Hatheway is a formally trained fine artist, visual designer and photographer based in Tulsa, Oklahoma U.S.A. Eric successfully combined a marketing degree and an art degree to create a design studio that operated in Tulsa for 25 years serving clients around the world. Currently, Eric works only by special arrangement and commission with a special emphasis on designing brands, the production of fine art and the production of photographic works.

Thanks for visiting!