Ever notice how a good wall of silence keeps the chaos out and lets the colors breathe? I’ve got a few tricks to keep the wild outside from spilling into your studio.

First thing, lock the doors and windows when the wind starts howling. A tight seal keeps the noise at bay. Then line the walls with a heavy drape—good for dampening sound and giving you a fresh canvas. Keep the windows closed when the outside is loud; a screen lets light in but stops the breeze from stealing your focus. Finally, put a plant in the corner; roots hold the room, and a living thing feels like a natural guard. That’s all the grit you need to keep the wild from crashing in.