Corie’s Studio

The first time Corie laid eyes on this studio, a smile lit up her face.

It was empty, yet it filled her heart with joy. This place was a new beginning. As she walked around the studio, Corie fell in love with the large window and the view it offered. She imagined herself watching a sunset through it. That was all it took for her to sign the lease. After she was handed the keys, she sat down on the bare floor and smiled as she imagined how she would furnish her studio.

Corie was coming out of a complicated marriage, and she had decided to take her life back into her own hands.

At first, she had only set up her bed and desk. A double bed with a very understated frame. White and cream bedding. A beige chunky-knit throw. Plenty of soft pillows and a bedside lamp with a warm glow.

Near the source of natural light stood a light-wood desk, compact enough for a studio, an ergonomic padded office chair with a high back and casters, an adjustable black desk lamp, notebooks, small plants, and her laptop, which had accompanied her through every hardship

She spent entire days creating content for her social media. She would drink her tea sitting on the floor near her large window. Sometimes, she would even fall asleep with her head resting against the glass. This comforting place gave her the courage to dare, to keep fighting even harder. It brought out something she had forgotten long ago: the feeling of being and existing on her own. She felt alive.

When her work finally began to bear fruit, she decided to turn her studio into a cozy cocoon. On the website of a major home retailer, she bought a very plush cream-colored armchair and a knitted throw. After some hesitation, she chose a small round side table and a wooden bookcase. Her pen tapped against her lower lip. She scrolled for a long while before choosing the small round rug and a few green plants. Then came an ambient candle and an accent lamp. She arranged these items near the large window to create a reading nook that felt like her. She admired the result. It warmed her heart so much that tears welled up in her eyes.

She made herself a good cup of tea and settled into her armchair. With a good book in hand and soft music playing in the background, her gaze would sometimes leave the pages filled with words and images to admire the sunset or the city lights at night.

While grocery shopping one Thursday, she came across a sale. A projector! It gave her an idea. For the past few days, she had felt the need to escape, relax, and simply be distracted. She bought the projector. That afternoon, the low sofa and wooden coffee table she had bought from an antique dealer were delivered. She then brought out the square textured rug she had not known what to do with. From then on, it served to define the floor space. One part for the bedroom area and the other for the relaxation area. Even more cushions, a bowl of snacks, and it was time for a movie night.

Sometimes, she would dance to whatever music she chose, for no particular reason, right there on her rug. Or sing at the top of her lungs while doing the dishes or cooking a good meal.

She also had moments when she cried, when she felt sad because of what she had been through or the challenges she had to overcome. But she had decided to move forward. Day by day, the sense of accomplishment she felt when looking at her space gave her the courage and strength to do more.

And you, what is your story?