Where to talk about ... studio decoration?

This is a wonderful forum. It's amazing the information that gets transferred here. One thing I was wondering though: is there a forum somewhere where people discuss studio decoration? You know, the things beyond the sound diffusers and bass traps. And things a little more complex than a couple of lava lamps... When you look through Mix, you see one beautiful studio after another. Lots of the studios I see from homebuilders (including myself) dont look anything like the ones in Mix! Of course I know it can be about money...but I would think a few good tips and tricks passed around could benefit the looks of everyones studio. Does anyone know of a forum or site that discusses finishing studios and interior design? Thanks!

This is also interesting to me; I have a 'studio move' coming up in the fall, and I'd like to investigate the things that make a studio 'comfortable' for the musician (no jokes, please). I'm not a pro, but I'd like to do a good job if I can. I'm interested in lighting ideas, furniture layout, and other subjective items.

One of the things homebuilt studios usually lack, is a coherent interior DESIGN scheme. Usually, in professional projects, things are co-ordinated from the outset, instead of hapenstance and after the fact. Color, lighting, fabrics wood species, laminates, custom millwork, flooring, base, doors and trim, grills, fixtures etc are designed to accent the whole, not to mention the acoustic fixtures, which are usually custom designed, fabricated and installed to specification, and are part of the design scheme, not something that is "applied" after the fact just to treat a room. Built-in diffusors, absorption panels, and other studio sound control devices are designed to work, but also to compliment the overall scheme. Details, finishes, craftsmanship, are all specified via the construction and interior design documents. I work in an architectural mill, and see daily, the types of things that make a complete pro project come together. But it isn't cheap. From my perspective, homestudio builders are usually unaccustomed and unfamiliar with design concepts, and only have a home depot or lumberyard SOURCE, for thier design selection set, and usually decide on what they want, at the time they need it, as budget defines the weekly purchases. Professional designers on the other hand, have SOURCE and PRODUCT selection catalogs that defy description, as they usually fill a room, although the sourcing has now been digitized into CD-ROMs, and may still be known as "Sweets Catalogs", which have every product imaginable for construction and interior design. My suggestion if you truly want a professional look, is to hire a professional such as John to design, but this will take a part of your budget. Remember, a simple floor plan, and 10 trips to Home Depot to look at products, is no substitute for a complete design, as pro's usually draw every detail, elevation, section, door, jamb, fixture mechanical equipment plan, electrical, etc., in order to specify everthing in a room. Every single item is SPECIFIED by Brand, model, part, color finish etc. Simple things like latchsets, hinges, seals, trim profiles, base profiles, light fixtures, etc, seem like mundane last minute choices, but detail is what makes a project look professional. By defineing finish schedules (wood, laminates, paint, metals, flooring, etc) every single surface has a finish specification. Door schedules, define the types, hinge sets, latchsets, seals, direction, jamb spec, and other criteria for each door. And in a studio, specification of doors are CRITICAL. Not last minute design stuff by any means. Also, craftsmanship is all important, as even the level of craftsmanship is SPECIFIED, via the spec books that describe EXACTLY how, what, when, and to what extent, the trades do thier specific areas of expertize, the materials they use, and if the project contract is overseen by an architect who designed it, he is the final inspector, having the legal athority to reject ANYTHING that doesn't meet his approval, as he is the one that authorizes the PAYMENTS to the contractor also . Just hiring a general contractor to build your plan, is no gaurantee that the work will be performed in a pro manner. That is really the bottom line, as you have no way of specifiying LEGALLY, how the work is to be performed, or withholding payment should the work be unsatisfactory to your way of thinking. The court doesn't care about your opinion. Only specification documentation. Professional design is like anything else. You pay for what you get. Especially in studio design. The average interior designer wouldn't have a clue where to begin, as there are a multitude of special products, construction techniques, equipment and materials required for isolation, treatment and ergonmics, not to mention recording equipment, HVAC and lighting needs. So I suggest if you do consider hiring professional interior designer, use someone who is familiar with studio needs and requirements. And finally, PERMITS. One thing that professional construction design usually gaurantees, is that it will pass code. Interior egress, , Title 24(handicap access) , and other restrictive regulations can stop your project in its tracts, if it is in a commercial building. But interior design is not just about colors and finishes. Fabrics without fireproofing specs, flamable foams, and many other products and application can negate your insurance should the impossible happen. And don't believe it can't happen to you. fitZ :)

cadesignr, So true, especially "Remember, a simple floor plan, and 10 trips to Home Depot to look at products, is no substitute for a complete design... " But I'm looking for more than this, I'm trying to understand the aesthetics of a decent studio environment. I have the pro talent available for the project (acousticians, electricians, interior designers, HVAC, contractors, etc.) amongst my friends, but I'm interested in the vision that ties these together to provide more than a sterile envrionment. So, what works? Great acoustics are primary, that's a given. How can design help make my musical guests more comfortable and bring out their best efforts?

Using John, as I have, is one thing. But choosing what to do from there is the big investment. With mine, he specifies that the 703 be covered with fabric. This is where you shoudl start decorating. I have been getting some cubical panel and seating fabrics to add color and texture to my rooms for both the walls and ceilings. From those colors I selected the wood species an color tone. Then I found carpeting to accent or match the fabrics. It's ben a hard process to pick color schemes that can inspire the typical rock musician AND corporate clients, but it will be worth it. I choose one color for the walls and ceiling with a patterned fabric for accents. In the slot resonator I put accent color of felt and flannel. Sources of fabrics: http://www.cfstinson.com http://www.burchfabric.com http://www.guilfordfabrics.com http://www.hartsfabric.com/flannel-solids.html Also check your local fabric and sewing store for fabric ideas.