A behind-the-scenes look at my updated paint and sanding room using SALVAGED materials!
Hi creative friends and thanks for joining me! I feel very fortunate that I get to share my painted furniture projects with you. I realize I don’t share much of my home or work area, so let’s change it up today. Here’s a peek behind the scenes.
I recently had my paint and sanding room updated by Nick and his brother Mike. AND I LOVE IT! I can’t wait to hear what you think…
THE ‘BEFORE’ 70’s KITCHEN
Here’s the workspace I started with over 13 years ago. This home was built in the 50s, and a kitchen was set up in the basement when I bought this home. It didn’t look pretty, but it was functional and a PERFECT space for starting my business.
As you can see in the pics below, I went a little crazy learning my craft down here. I was writing measurements on cabinet doors, testing colors on the cabinets, not using drop cloths on the floor…
…and using the walls and cabinets to test my paint gun settings. To say I was enthused was an understatement…lol. And although my paint room looked like a hot mess, I had a TON of fun learning in this space – and still do!
Halfway through my painting journey, I looked around my workspace and viewed it with ‘strange’ eyes. Oh my gosh, I had created a hot paint room mess. I started cleaning the space up and gave everything a new coat of white paint. Nick also installed new vinyl flooring.
THE NEW UPDATE
Recently I had another update. We removed the old kitchen cabinets and faux brick panels.
IKEA CABINETS
And installed new Ikea cabinets and drawers which have so much more space for me to store supplies.
SALVAGED TILES
We also had some salvaged tile that had been sitting in the garage for over 10 years. I’m so happy we found a use for it. These tiles will be so much easier to keep clean with a simple wipe-down.
REMOVABLE EXHAUST FAN
Nick also framed my new portable exhaust fan which will suck out any overspray and odors while working. The best part is I have the option to remove it and enjoy the open window and some fresh air on hand-painting days.
SCUFF X PAINT BY BENJAMIN MOORE
The walls were painted in BJ Scuff X in white. This paint is awesome for heavy-duty workspaces that need to be wiped down and cleaned regularly.
LIGHTING IN THE SANDING ROOM
New 4-foot LED 5000K lighting fixtures have been installed in the ceiling of the sanding room and paint room. These can be adjusted to 3000K 4000K 5000K but I find the 5000K best for video.
THE FINISHED LOOK
Here’s the finished look!
I love my new countertop.
I also love the contrast of the dark tiles against the white cabinets. The lighting under the cabinets is an added bonus!
With all the new lighting installed, my paint room is so bright and airy!
The only thing that hasn’t been updated is the floor. It’s the same vinyl flooring Nick installed a few years back so it does have some paint on it. I’ve been using drop clothes but it’s still near impossible for me to keep 100% clean.
And I can’t tell you how much roomier these cabinets are! AMAZING!
SALVAGED CABINETS IN THE SANDING ROOM
My sanding room also got an overhaul. Nick salvaged these cabinets which were going to be thrown in a bin and I’m so happy he did. They fit PERFECTLY on my sanding room wall. Now I can keep all my sanders, sandpaper, and tools tucked away. This also keeps the sanding dust off them when they are not in use.
The flooring in my sanding room is original to the house when I bought it. It’s old-school heavy-duty vinyl tile that can take a beating from having furniture dragged all over it. Part of me wants to replace it for esthetic reasons but whatever I replace it probably won’t be as durable and won’t look all that good for long anyway. If you have any flooring suggestions, I’m all ears!
The new lighting and Scuff X paint made a huge difference in this space as well!
So I hope you enjoyed the peek into my new work area. I’ll be back next week with another furniture makeover and my Furniture Fixer Uppers friends.
Until then I hope you have a fabulous week.
Let me know what you think of this workspace makeover or feel free to ask any questions you may have. I always love hearing from you, it makes my day! 🙂
Happy painting my friends!
Denise x
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Audrey says
Like most I’m envious of your now wonderfully organised work/sanding areas. Unlike most I love the tiles. As everything is so spick and span I wonder if you’ll be slightly apprehensive when next creating. May be you should have a panel (renewable) for testing out colours/textures etc.
Denise says
I like this designated panel idea Audrey!😃 And yes, I’m keeping the sanding room tiles for now, you all convinced me… they are SO DURABLE!
Marie says
Your new workroom looks fabulous, Denise. I’m with you on the 5000K lighting preference, great for photos/video but a nice light to work in too. Regarding your original sanding room floor, I say if it ain’t broke don’t fix it! No fuss, easy to clean, and I’m kind of digging the green. 😉
Denise says
Hi Marie!!!🤗 I’ve been thinking of you and keep wanting to email so I’m so glad you popped in! Yes, this 5000K lighting is AWESOME and I am going to leave the sanding room floor for now. I’m not sure I’m digging the green…lol… but just as you say, it’s working! Thanks my friend. Big HUGS XOXO
Dawn Shelley says
Denise….go ahead and paint those tiles! Why would you not….bet you have lil bits of let over paint gems you could use up! With your talent just envision it as a blank canvas and go to it. Then seal it for Xtra durability!
After all its the only part not touched by your creativity now!
Denise says
Aw, thanks so much Dawn! I’m tempted, but I’m afraid they will end up looking worse than they do now with all the furniture sliding over it. It would be an awesome test to how durable painted floors are tho!
Robin says
What a wonderful space to work in, Denise! You’re going to have such fun! Like others have said though, don’t sweat making a mess and just leave the ugly tile alone. You can look at that tile and be grateful you have better taste than that!
Denise says
lol, yes! Although back when these tiles were installed, they may have been right on trend!😂 Thanks Robin!
Catherine says
Hello Denise
Thank you Denise ! I am happy to be there and visit your little corner where all your lovely creations come to life , so glad for your air fan !
That old flooring and you will be very happy together I think !
Happy creating in all that new energy !
Much Love
Catherine
Denise says
That ol’floor has served me well for years and it will probably out last me.😃 Thanks so much my friend! Hugs XOXO
Ellen says
I’m probably. late answering this, but, I had too. Amazing what paint will do for a room. What I really wanted to say is two words— I’m jealous of all of it. I live with my niece & nephew. He sleeps in the basement so I can’t work in there. I have the smallest bedroom and I do a little work in there. The sanding, painting are done on my front porch. I’d use the garage but all it has left is a narrow path. I could have it worse. I could have no space at all. Sorry, long winded.
Denise says
I agree Ellen, it is amazing what paint will do for a room… and furniture! And I get it. When you have a full house or limited space, its challenging carving out a FULL space for a studio, office or work area. I’m very fortunate to have this designated space but I’d like to add AMAZING projects can be created anywhere! Porches, driveways, backyards, and in a corner of a room. Keep creating!!!💙🤗
Patricia Brown says
Hello Denise,
Like all the rest, I’ve been following for at least couple years!
Fun inspiration!
I love your new space, and it’s like a clean blank canvas! Perfect IMO for creating in.
Lastly, I agree with you about sanding room floor, though not for the same reason. I’d be almost certain that floor was made with asbestos! So removing it is a dangerous pain for professionals. And with that lovely note, I can’t wait for you and your g. Friends to have projects to share with your online family!
XOXO Pat 😊
Denise says
You’re probably right Pat. I’ve since watched a few videos on these types of floors and many of these tiles were made with asbestos. And I can’t wait to share my new project with by girlfriends as well. This Thursday we have a FFU and I picked up these blank canvas nightstands I’m going to start working on today. Hope to see you then! XOXO
Christy James says
I am so envious of your workspace! It is so light and bright and functional!! Mine is in the garage, and I have to share it with the lawn tools lol. It was really fun to see where all that magic happens! XOXO
Denise says
I’m sure the lawn tools don’t mind.😉😂 Thanks my friend! Nick and Mike did an AWESOME job in such a short amount of time. I’m so grateful and I love all the new lighting as well. Great for pics and vids. XOXO
p says
It’s so nice to see your work space. Following you, I can see how creative you are, and… that must get messy. 🙂
I think you covered all the bases for a workable creative environment. Great lighting must be a big help when painting. and storage for all the ‘stuff’ keeps the clutter down.
I also agree – no need to replace the sanding rm floor. The old stuff is prob way more durable anyway.
I love the repurposed tiles. Great contrast.
It must be great to have such a pretty And functional work space.
Don’t let keeping it ‘perfect’ stifle your creativity. Us followers Rely on your inspiration !!
Thanks for sharing.
Denise says
Aw, thanks so much! I wasn’t sure if seeing my work space would be interesting to anyone but me but I’m so glad I shared and am getting your input. And I agree. That sanding room floor is a beast and will probably outlast me.🤣 Even though it’s not the best looking, I’m going to keep it for the time being. thanks again! XOXO
Pilar says
Congratulations !!!! Nice place to work in !!!!
Another brilliant idea …., as usual !!!
Denise says
thanks so much! They did an awesome job! XOXO
Do Dodson says
There’s nothing better than working in a pretty space. You did a beautiful job! Ican’t wait to see the pretties you create there. xo, Do
Denise says
Aw, thanks my friend! XOXO I’m going to do my best keeping it this pretty.😉
Caye Cooper says
WAY. TO. GO. DENISE!!! Oh Wow. How nice it looks and how very convenient for you. Congratulations on a job well done. You’ll have to let us know how it is to work in.
Denise says
I will Caye and thank YOU!💙 Nick and Mike get ALL the credit. I do (minimum) 1 project per week and need the space, so they did such a beautiful job in a short amount of time. XOXO
Tracy says
You must have gotten a big boost from this renewed space. Looks great too. Looking forward to all the future projects.
Denise says
For sure! Thanks Tracy, I’m looking forward to sharing them too. XOXO
jacquelyn gageby says
Could your sanding room floor be painted, and stand up to your use of the room?
Denise says
Great idea but I’m not sure paint would hold up. I mostly drag my furniture across this floor and for larger pieces use a dolly, but I’m guessing a painted floor wouldn’t hold up to my ‘abuse’…lol.
Gary says
Love your posts…you are an amazing talent
Denise says
Thank you Gary! 🙂
Nicki says
Enjoy your new workspace Denise, I love those drawers and cabinets! I can’t wait to see what you create in your new paint room. I agree with your other commenter, I wouldn’t replace the floor either.
Denise says
Thanks Nicki! I love these drawers and cabinet too, so much more space! Thanks for chiming in re the floors. You both have a good point. They wouldn’t look new for long!
Gwendolyn says
Fabulous Denise..I’ve been following you for years and have never left a message.
I want to thank you for all the inspiration and lessons. My skills game improved so much under you.
Idk it coming
Denise says
You just put a HUGE smile on my face Gwendolyn! I’m so glad you find the tutorials helpful and so happy you’re here! Thanks for taking the time to comment, it means alot.💙
Judy says
Like it! much brighter & storage for spray cans in a drawer to boot! Didn’t know you were working in basement, how do you get those big pieces up & down? Human elevator? My kind of exhaust system if only my basement windows opened. Enjoy the new space.
Denise says
Yes, bringing large pieces up and down the stairs can be a workout…lol. Thanks Judy. I like it too, soooo much brighter and much more space!
Gina B Bonefas says
Thanks so much for sharing your workspace. Love it and I agree that replacing the floors is not a good idea – they’ll just get messed up with moving furniture and drips so leave it and spend the money somewhere else.
Denise says
That’s what I’m thinking too. These old school floors are heavy duty and whatever I lay down isn’t going to look good for very long. I tried my darndest to keep the new floor Nick put down in my paint room nice and clean but its impossible… at least for me because I’m not the ‘cleanest’ when I’m in creative mode…lol. Thanks Gina!🤗
Jennifer says
I love love love your workspace! You are so lucky to have so much space dedicated to your work. I am jealous-we don’t have basements in Texas so I don’t have that option. I paint in my formal living room because we never use that area. If I need to spray it has to be a good day outside with a spray shelter. But we have a lot of windy days in Spring and Fall which are the best times to paint outside. Oh well! I’m may be a little jealous but I’m so happy you have such a great space! Love watching your creativity at work.
Denise says
No basements in Texas, eh??! I just learned something new!😃 Well, I will say I’m jealous of your TX weather and being able to work outdoors! There’s no way in heck I could work outside in our freezing cold Toronto winters.😂
Marisa Harney says
It looks wonderful! What do you do about dust collection when sanding indoors? I find I have to do it outdoors….
Denise says
Thanks Marisa! For sanding I use my dustless sanding system that I have attached to my shop vac. I bought the attachments from Home Depot for under $15 and it works great.😊
Annie says
Hi Denise, The spaces look great! It’s nice to have a clean, white space to inspire your crestive spirit 🙂
I love your choice of paint 👍 BM ScuffX is an amazing product. In a past life I worked for a BM and highly recommend this product for high traffic areas, I even had a few customers that had rental suites that painted their entire apartments with ScuffX.
Enjoy your new space!
Denise says
Thanks Annie, I love it too!!🤗 This is the first time we’ve used Scuff X and so far it’s amazing. Very easy to wipe down and brilliant you recommended it to customers with rentals!
Gaby says
Congratulations on your New space. Being creative has its draw backs, mainly keeping organised. But you’ve achieved it.✅ have fun now and don’t panic too much when you make a mess. It’s the final pieces you create that matters most.
This is the first time I’ve ever contacted anyone. I’m old but still mentally creative. I saw one of your posts years ago and had to join your mailing list, so although I can’t physically do it. I’m now trying to get my grandchildren interested.
So Keep Going be happy in your new studio.
Regards gaby…
Denise says
I love the way you think Gaby! Nick and I have an ongoing joke that I’m Einstein-eee when I paint. Not because I’m smart – but because I’m so messy.🤣 Einstein had books and papers everywhere and not a surface was left untouched. I totally agree that having fun and the final pieces are what matters most! Thanks so much for joining the list and commenting. I hope your grandchildren follow your creativity.💙
Sherry says
Both areas look great! On the sanding room floor, I’d just clean and wax it. The flooring could have asbestos in it and removing it would be a hazard. Now that the rooms look so nice, I’d be afraid to mess them up!!!
Denise says
I hear you Sherry, I am a little afraid to mess them up especially my paint room. I’m a messy painter.😂 Nick and Mike put in so much work and did such a fabulous job. And YES, funny that you bring this up. When I was looking into pulling up old flooring the warning on asbestos did come up!!
Monique says
Hi Denise. Your new space is beautiful.
Denise says
Thanks so much Monique! Nick and Mike did a beautiful job. It’s soooo much nicer to work in now!