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When we arrive at the Tufting London hub in Nine Elms on a sunny day in March, the first thing we notice about the workshop space is the amazing light. “When people arrive they expect a dark, industrial look, very unfinished” Chunwei Liao, Tufting London’s founder and winner of our Picture Perfect award, tells us, “but once they step inside, they’re always amazed at how beautiful it is.”
Exploring the vibrant heart of Tufting London
After awarding Chun’s space the winner of our Picture Perfect award, we decided we’d spent enough time looking at pictures of his tufting studio, and it was time to head off to visit in person – which is how we found ourselves in the heart of London, surrounded by heavenly colour and creativity one Wednesday morning. At ClassBento we know that a great workshop space is a foundation for a thriving creative business, so we couldn’t wait to see what touches Chun and his team had included, and how it might help them to inspire other teachers on the same path.
Chun leads us inside, through the glass double doors and into an explosion of colour. “Welcome, welcome!” he smiles, “welcome to Tufting London!” His greeting is as warm and inviting as the workshop space itself; light, bright, airy and filled with a vibrancy that makes you feel immediately invigorated.
“I’ve tufted every day since we started. I walk into the workshops each morning and feel completely content.” Chunwei Liao
“We were the first tufting workshop in the UK,” he tells us, gesturing to a large custom built terrazzo table in his teaching area and motioning for us to sit. “The technique is old, but the way we tuft is new. There are easier, safer guns – and so many more colours!” He’s not exaggerating either. Behind us is a huge wall filled with shelves and shelves of over a hundred yarn cones in every shade and tone under the sun; calming neutrals jostle for space with rich reds, deep blues and earthy greens. I’m itching to run my fingers across them – or at least snap a quick picture for Instagram!
With a background in industrial design, creativity has always been at the heart of everything Chun does – but his step into tufting was purely accidental. “I love all kinds of crafts,” he says, “and then I fell in love with tufting after experimenting with it. One day my son bought me a drawing of a rainbow racing car, and I decided to turn it into a rug – the smile on his face was incredible. I knew other parents would love to experience the same smile from their children – and so Tufting London was born!”
Designing a workshop space where creativity flourishes
Moving into hosting tufting workshops seemed like a natural move for Chun. “The more you get lost in what you're doing, the more joy you find for yourself” he says, smiling, “and that joy kind of spills over – you naturally start thinking about how you can bring that same feeling to other people.”
“We wanted to make our space into a home for all the creative people.” Chunwei Liao
Chun and his team have curated the perfect space, where it’s impossible not to feel uplifted and inspired; the yarn wall alone has got my creative spark firing, not to mention the amazing rug designs covering every wall. From Donkey Kong and Deadpool to bright pink flamingos and a large, fluffy Iberico ham, this is a place where anything goes. I catch sight of a series of bananas in various states of decay on the wall, and Chun laughs, saying, “this is the life of a banana! Each one took something like three, four, five hours to make it perfect, but the customers love them. The colour mapping, the shading, all the detail, they say how great it is. And then I say, ‘yes! And you can do the same!’”
The Tufting London studio has been designed with such thoughtful consideration that it doesn't just enhance the creative process; it actively encourages bookings. The stunning yarn wall and captivating rug designs immediately spark interest, and in the end, participants aren't just coming to learn a craft; they're coming for the whole experience. The visual appeal makes them excited to get hands-on, and the opportunity to capture beautiful photos for social media turns every happy student into a powerful advocate. This curated atmosphere becomes a key selling point, drawing in new clients eager to immerse themselves in such a vibrant and creative space.
“We had the best time tufting our rugs! After a quick intro on how to tuft, we got started, and it was so much fun! The warehouse was bright, airy, and arty and all the staff members were super warm and friendly. Would highly recommend this for a special occasion, team building activity, or just for fun!” Edward Lowe, Mini rug tufting workshop
“The activity was very fun and relaxed; the teacher was very passionate about the subject, and taught us many techniques to achieve the best results. The space was very cosy, with plenty of great facilities and lots of space. We had some relaxing music playing in the background while doing the activity – such a wonderful Saturday morning!” Iris McCoy, Mini rug tufting workshop
A tapestry of ever changing themes
Sadly, the rugs aren’t generally for sale, so I stop eyeing up a large monstera wallhanging in the corner of the tufting studio, and turn my attention to a wall bursting with vibrant pink blossom, detailed branches and a variety of beautiful garden birds. “Every corner has a different theme.” Chun explains, “the wall next to you? That’s spring; the blossoms, the flowers, the birds, the squirrels. It’s like a dream!”
“Everything is all about the design, the details, the finishing. We put effort into every single corner of the space.” Chunwei Liao
Chun and his team know the importance of keeping things fresh, and spend a lot of time creating new rugs to make their participants feel excited the moment they step through the door of the tufting studio. “Every time you come here you can explore something new,” says Chun, “each season we change the themes, so there’s always something to inspire you.”
It’s at this point the students start to arrive, and take their places around the table. The large workshop space holds several participants with plenty of room to move around, take in the colourful designs on the wall and chat amongst themselves. Everyone is smiling and itching to get stuck in, gentle background music plays, and Chun is chatting away happily. He begins the session by inviting the crafters, one by one, to practise using the tufting gun on a collaborative rug. “This one has had over 500 tufters work on it; each time someone comes in, they add a bit and once it’s finished it’ll be something like this,” he tells us. He gestures to a wall with five similar rugs mounted proudly, the perfect representation of the countless people who return time and again to experience the magic of his workshops and the inspiring energy of the studio space itself.
Where creativity comes alive: Top tips for designing an inspiring studio space
Whether you’re wanting to create a tufting studio as beautiful as Chun’s, or you’re a crafter setting off on your teaching journey and need some help curating a space that fires creativity, we’re here to help. Here’s our top tips for designing a studio space that will inspire, connect and uplift every single person who steps through your doors!
Embrace natural light
Maximise natural light wherever possible. Large windows, skylights, or even light-coloured curtains that allow diffused light to enter can make a space feel open, airy, and inherently more cheerful and inviting. Natural light also reduces eye strain and generally boosts mood!
Define zones with purpose
Even in an open-plan studio, subtly define areas for different activities. Create a ‘welcome’ zone, a ‘demonstration’ zone, individual making stations, and perhaps a cleanup area. This structured flow helps participants feel organised and comfortable, knowing where to be at each stage.
Prioritise comfort and ergonomics
Think about seating, table heights, and standing room. Comfortable chairs, adjustable tables (if possible), and enough space to move freely reduce physical strain and allow students to focus fully on their creative task. A comfortable body leads to a comfortable mind!
Curate inspiring visuals
Fill your space with examples of what can be created, but do so thoughtfully. Display finished projects, intriguing materials, and visual aids that spark ideas without overwhelming. Rotate these displays seasonally or by theme to keep the environment fresh and exciting, just like Tufting London.
Inject colour thoughtfully
Colour has a powerful impact on mood. While a colour explosion can be fantastic, use it strategically. Consider a neutral base with vibrant accents in materials, tools, or display pieces, like Chun combined crisp white walls and large windows with his multicoloured rugs. This allows the students' own colourful creations to stand out while maintaining an uplifting atmosphere.
Optimise for sound and scent
Think about the sensory experience. Gentle background music (if appropriate for the craft) can be calming or energising. Avoid harsh chemical smells; instead, consider subtle, natural scents from essential oil diffusers or fresh flowers to enhance the welcoming feel.
Ensure easy access to tools and materials
Organisation is key to a smooth and enjoyable workshop! Clearly label storage, keep tools within easy reach at workstations, and present materials in an appealing, tidy manner. When everything has its place, participants can focus on creating, not searching.
Provide personal touches and amenities
Small details make a big difference. Offer filtered water or a hot drink station, clean restrooms, and perhaps a comfortable spot for a break. These thoughtful touches make guests feel valued and cared for, enhancing their overall experience.
Allow for personal expression
While you provide guidance, design your space to allow students to feel ownership over their creative process. This could mean having enough individual workspace, a variety of materials to choose from, or even a small inspiration board area where they can pin ideas.
Keep it clean and tidy!
A clean and tidy workspace is fundamental, and makes for happy students. Before each session, ensure all surfaces are spotless, tools are clean, and materials are neatly arranged. A well-maintained environment signals professionalism and respect for both the craft and the participants!
A studio or workshop that’s been designed with care and consideration won’t just help with the creative process – it’ll also encourage bookings! From feeling inspired by a gorgeous space to craft in to the opportunity to take a few snaps for Instagram, people will be keen to experience its magic for themselves – and keep on coming back for more!
Runs regularly
Nine Elms
1 to 16 guests
£128 - £150
4k followers
