Before & After: My Shipping Container Studio Makeover
From Kitchen Table to Shipping Container Studio: 20 Years of Creative Evolution
It’s hard to believe, but my creative journey started in Brisbane all the way back in 2005 when I launched my small business, then called Mum & Me Handmade Designs. Like many handmade businesses, mine began at the kitchen table, creating and packing orders around nap times, school runs, and the beautiful chaos of raising three girls.
2014–2017: A New Coastline, Same Old Kitchen Table
In 2014, we made the move to the beautiful Sunshine Coast and absolutely fell in love with the lifestyle here. However I quickly found myself in the same situation: working from the kitchen and dining room, packing everything away at mealtimes. It was far from ideal, especially as the business was growing and I needed space to spread out and stay organised.
By 2017, we finally made the leap. We bought an old shipping container and my amazing partner transformed it into my first proper studio space.
It still needed landscaping and a few finishing touches, but I finally had a place to call my own, complete with a peg board I was obsessed with (and I still am!).
2019–2024: Building Up & Evolving the Brand
In 2019, we built our dream home right next door on the same property. At that point, we decided to do something a little bold. We had my studio container craned on top of another container, which we now use for storage. The top container is still my studio, but now it’s raised up and connected to our home by a custom-built deck from the first floor. It’s so convenient and gives me a great sense of separation between work and home.
Then in 2024, I rebranded to Kat Burrows Designs to better reflect who I am as a designer and illustrator today. While I still love creating planner stickers, greeting cards, and cute stationery, I’ve been leaning more into producing original illustrated designs and surface pattern work — artwork that I can use across my own tote bags, coasters, keychains, and art prints. It’s brought a fresh burst of creativity and a whole new energy into the business.
2025: The Studio Today (And What’s Still to Come)
My container studio has come such a long way, but like most creative spaces, it’s still evolving. It’s functional and filled with personal touches, but I’m always on the lookout for little things to add that spark of inspiration.
One of my absolute favourite pieces is a canvas artwork of Mount Ninderry that my dearest friend (@kat_art_pottery) painted for me. I just love the colours, and it makes me feel so happy and creative every time I walk into the studio.
There are still a few projects on my to-do list, but this space feels like home for my creativity.
And… I’m planning a studio tour Reel on Instagram soon so you can see it all in action! Keep an eye out for that. I’m excited to take you behind the scenes of where I design, create, and pack every single order.
Thanks so much for being part of this journey, whether you’ve been here since the Brisbane kitchen table days or you’ve just discovered Kat Burrows Designs, I’m so happy you’re here.
~ Kat x