Working from home can be challenging, especially as a creative. Working from home in under 400 square feet? Seemingly impossible. Against the odds, Portland-based photographer and stylist Christiann Koepke managed to do just that. When the time came for her to relocate to a new live/work space, a few things took priority: central location and good bones (Christiann would be photographing from the space, so pre-war charm was a must). She stumbled upon a stunning 1894 studio in the city’s Northwest District—aside from the wall-to-wall carpeting and the small footprint, it was perfect. The space, Christiann assures, “provides a much larger feel with it’s original molding, oversized windows and 13 foot ceilings.” Still, it’s hard to imagine how she fit space to work, sleep, cook, and eat in one room. Take a look below to see how she did it!

BEFORE

AFTER

“I knew I needed to find a way to create some separation between areas: living, kitchen, dining, and work. I did just that with my work space (the most challenging area!) by positioning my beautiful white mid-century desk at the back wall with a refreshing view direct to outside.”

“I knew I wanted to keep the design minimal, with a Nordic flair and did so by starting my design choices with the basis of having a neutral color palette. I chose white, cream and a light oatmeal color throughout, with only soft touches of black to provide minimal contrast.”

“Designing a tiny space can be tough, especially when it doubles as an at home office + studio for shooting, but by carefully choosing and then positioning each piece intentionally for it’s desired use, I’ve been able to maximize a small space in a way that’s both practical and wonderfully relaxing.”

Christiann

Koepke is a Portland-based

photographer, stylist, recipe developer and author behind the popular blog, christiannkoepke.com

where she showcases her immense love for the art behind crafting incredible food. She’s also passionate about traveling, shooting, hosting

Secret

Suppers and teaching

her craft worldwide. Follow her on Instagram,

Facebook,

Twitter

and

Pinterest.

Christiann Koepke is a Portland-based photographer, stylist, recipe developer and author behind the popular blog, christiannkoepke.com where she showcases her immense love for the art behind crafting incredible food. She’s also passionate about traveling, shooting, hosting Secret Suppers and teaching her craft worldwide. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.