Due to my obsessive compulsive tendencies, I’ve often sacrificed ergomonics for aesthetics. I’ve worked on less than ideal stands and tables because of their appearance, and spent hours aligning tabletop instruments, effects, and controllers like some “electronic Zen garden” so their layout would feel just right.

I agree that most of the “best of” choices in Mix magazine all seem to have been drawn up by the same half dozen designers, and that they probably look that way to appeal to prospective clients. That said, I’m glad I work alone and rarely have to show prospective clients my austere workspace.

Even if I did have an unlimited budget, I think I’d stick to a minimal, no wires showing (but easy to take apart, move and rearrange) setup. Now that the sound of software instruments and effects is becoming increasingly sophisticated, it’s much easier to keep creative environments clean and clutter free. I’d also like to set up a part of the studio with something comfortable I could lay on to listen to music or take breaks.

A minimalist workspace is like a blank slate you can use to come up with new ideas and find solutions to complex music and sound design problems. I for one have a lot of trouble working in a messy studio. Have you ever considered basing your studio design on a Japanese tatami room?

The following link isn’t really about studio spaces or tatami rooms, but I’m sure you’ll find some of the pics and ideas inspiring.

http://homerejuvenation.blogspot.com/

Gambatte!