A Different Kind of Palette: Finding Creativity in the Chaos of a Reno
I haven’t painted in over a month… which feels a bit weird to say.
Usually I’m always dipping in and out of the studio, even if it’s just for a little bit. But lately, life has just been full.
We’ve had school holidays, and we’re right in the middle of a bathroom reno — which has somehow taken over the entire house (and my brain 😅).
There’s been a lot of noise, a lot of mess, and not much quiet space to actually sit down and paint.
Most mornings there was a tradie here from 7am — demo, rendering, waterproofing, plumbing, electrical, tiling — it felt like a constant rotation. There’s been dust, noise, and honestly just a lot going on, every single day. By the time things settled, there wasn’t much space left for painting.
I’ve still been working behind the scenes though — choosing tapware, tiles, the vanity, lighting, and mirrors. All those little details that somehow end up taking the most time.
At first, I was a bit frustrated about it. Like I should be doing more… or getting back into it already. Especially living in a fast-paced area like the Northern Beaches, it’s easy to feel like stepping away means you’re falling behind.
But I’ve realized that creativity doesn’t just switch off because you’re not in the studio. It’s been there in other ways:
In choosing finishes and natural materials.
In noticing colors and textures working together in a space.
In those small moments where a design element just clicks.
It’s a different kind of process, but it still feels like the same part of my brain. I think what this time has shown me is that creativity doesn’t just live in the studio. It’s been in every decision — figuring out what works and what doesn’t, and trusting that instinct.
The bathroom is finally finished now, and I can finally take a breath and enjoy the calm, natural colours and curves I picked. It’s exactly the reset I needed.
So for now, I’m just letting it be what it is. The studio will still be there… and when I come back to it, I think I’ll see things a little differently.
