How to Design a Home Laboratory: From Art Studios to Science Spaces

With lots of us working from home in some capacity, many are now interested in having a “home laboratory” for themselves.

Whether that’s a high-tech room, an art studio, or a workshop—whatever it may be, people want a functional (and aesthetic!) space for their work and hobbies.

But how do you go about designing one? What factors do you need to consider?

In this article, we’ll outline the main steps you need to take to build the home lab of your dreams.

Step 1: Define Your Purpose

The first step is to define its purpose.

Do you want it to be an art studio filled with paints, canvases, and easels?

A scientific workspace for chemical experiments and research? A workshop with tools and hardware?

This will determine what you need to focus on and include in the room, from its layout to its furnishings.

For example, an art studio will need good natural lighting to see your work.

A lab will need robust ventilation and chemical-resistant surfaces for all the fumes that will be created.

And a workshop may need specialized storage for your tools and materials.

Step 2: Choose the Right Location

Next, choose where in your home you’ll place your home lab. Do you want it inside your house? Or do you want to build an entirely separate structure for it on your lot?

Consider how accessible and isolated it will be. Perhaps you want it to be enclosed or isolated—this can help with focus while you’re in the lab.

Or perhaps you want it to be more accessible to the other parts of your home (such as your storage room).

Also, consider how messy your lab will typically get. For example, woodworking workshops will surely get filled with sawdust—so it’s best to keep that outdoors or in the garage.

Meanwhile, a chemical lab will definitely need to be indoors.

Step 3: Optimize Layout and Storage

No matter what kind of lab you’re building, you want it to be organized. After all, you’ll likely be storing all sorts of tools and materials.

Not only will an organized interior help with focus and work efficiency, but it will also just look better, inspiring you to come in and give it your all every time you’re there.

Specifically, consider your lab’s:

Zoning: Divide your space into the different activities involved in your work. For example, in an art studio, have a separate painting area from your storage and clean-up stations. In a science lab, create a dedicated zone for chemical experiments and another one for your computers.
Storage: Consider using customized furnishings to make the most out of your space and to meet your specific storage needs. Have modular shelving, labeled containers, and custom cabinet drawers. (Tip: consult an interior designer or a woodworker to create customized furnishings).

Step 4: Invest in Lighting and Ventilation

Having the appropriate lighting and ventilation for the kind of work you’re doing is essential for a home lab. It’s also important for your comfort!

Lighting: Consider investing in adjustable lighting, as it can be essential for precision and comfort. For an art studio, opt for daylight bulbs to mimic natural light. For science labs, consider task lighting over workstations, as they can help with detailed work.
Ventilation: Adequate ventilation in the form of exhaust fans, air purifiers, or fume hoods is also vital, particularly in science spaces where fumes and chemicals are involved.

Step 5: Prioritize Safety

Safety should also be a top priority—especially if you’re working with potentially hazardous tools and materials.

In your home lab, make sure to have the appropriate:

Protective Gear: Equip your space with gloves, goggles, aprons, and other protective gear.
Emergency Measures: Install fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and first-aid kits. Make sure exits are easily accessible.
Chemical Storage: Store chemicals in fireproof, lockable cabinets, and clearly label all substances.
Electrical Safety: Use surge protectors and ensure all electrical systems are up to code. Avoid overloading circuits, particularly when running heavy equipment like kilns or 3D printers.

Step 6: Design for Digital Integration

Whatever kind of lab you’re building, you’ll most likely need some form of computer system involved, whether that’s for 3D printing, documentation, or designing.

So ensure that you have:

Good internet connectivity in the area;
Tidy cable management (grommets, cable trays, etc.);
VPN networks for the safety of all your devices;
Surge protectors or UPS in the case of blackouts.

Step 7: Add Personal Touches

Finally, make the space uniquely yours—this is YOUR space, after all! You want to feel at home.

Add a splash of colors to your walls, have a shelf for photos of your loved ones, and add posters of your favorite media. As long as things are tidy and organized, and if you have the appropriate furnishings for your work, you can do whatever you want with the space.

You want your home lab to foster creativity and make you feel inspired whenever you step inside of it.

Step 8: Maintain Your Space

Once your lab is set up, remember that maintenance is key to retaining its longevity, usability, and aesthetics. After all, you’ll likely be doing rigorous or even messy work in it.

Routinely clean it, re-organize your supplies, and ensure that all your equipment remains safe to use.