Studio Tour: Creekside Appeal for an Artists' Workspace
Industrial style offers an intriguing counterpoint to the natural woodland beauty just outside this Missouri art studio
Before starting construction of their house, this husband-and-wife artist team decided they wanted a studio first. Mark and Kelli McDowell both needed space to work — he, on product design; she, on photography and interior design. But no ordinary studio would do. "We are very eclectic in everything we do and needed a space to allow for that," says Kelli.
Working closely with Jason Bekebrede of Monticello Homes & Development, the couple created an 800-square-foot studio that respects and embraces their beautiful Springfield, Missouri, property. A nature-inspired exterior and an industrial, antiques-filled interior provide the twosome with plenty of space to conquer their next projects.
Working closely with Jason Bekebrede of Monticello Homes & Development, the couple created an 800-square-foot studio that respects and embraces their beautiful Springfield, Missouri, property. A nature-inspired exterior and an industrial, antiques-filled interior provide the twosome with plenty of space to conquer their next projects.
The McDowells' studio sits on 20 acres next to a creek that flows into a large pond. They wanted to take advantage of the scenic spot and to have a material and color palette that would blend in with the surroundings. Perched above the pond, the studio maximizes the view without interfering with the landscape.
Although the McDowells had worked with Bekebrede to design the main house, they started building the adjacent studio first instead so Mark would have a place to work. The two simple sloped roofs will mimic the roofing of the main house. The design works very well with structural insulated panels (SIPs), which the couple used for efficient heating and cooling.
Corrugated metal and antique fixtures line the front entrance of the studio, and concrete floors add to its industrial style. The crucifix on the wall is a 200-pound iron antique piece they fell in love with.
Kelli and Mark have an affinity for flea market finds, as you can see from this wall of old yarn bobbins. Displayed in a grid of 12, the quirky pieces serve as coat and hat hangers.
The galvanized metal wraps around the corner, where a bathroom door sheathed in metal blends into the wall. Light beige paint (Sherwin-Williams' Loggia) adds warmth to the industrial space.
The McDowells worked with Bekebrede to fill the bathroom with more finds. Bekebrede modified a cabinet from Restoration Hardware to create a vanity. Kelli found the poured concrete sink for a dollar on eBay. An antique exterior door serves as a shower partition, while vintage commercial bread pans hang on the shower wall to hold soap and shampoo.
The main interior is a giant, open room with concrete floors. A lack of built-in furniture and accents keeps the space at the McDowells' disposal for whatever project they need to work on. "I like the big room," says Kelli. "It is what it is, and we can be free to do whatever comes to us."
The couple has had the gears near the bathroom for quite some time; they had a local blacksmith make stands for them so they could serve as sculpture. An antique gaming wheel and two vintage globes sit above the flea market locker set.
The couple has had the gears near the bathroom for quite some time; they had a local blacksmith make stands for them so they could serve as sculpture. An antique gaming wheel and two vintage globes sit above the flea market locker set.
Mark chose a glass garage door; it not only extends the studio space to the outdoors, but also allows fresh air inside when the McDowells paint. The two rarely use the air conditioner because of this feature. When closed, the door still lets in plenty of light.
A cement patio provides additional workspace and room to lounge. The same local blacksmith who made stands for the gears made the outdoor fire pit and several planters, too.
Board and batten exterior siding in an earthy taupe contrasts with cultured stone accents.
Siding: James Hardie batten board; stone: cultured, Centurion
Siding: James Hardie batten board; stone: cultured, Centurion
Kelli and Mark love many different styles of architecture and incorporated several influences into the studio's design. Mark is half Japanese, so certain elements — including the slanted entry and offset concretework outside the garage door — pay tribute to that aesthetic.
The front entry and deck were added during the building process as an extended outdoor space. The cedar decking is prestained for a weathered look. When built, the main house will be accessed through the entry gate.