Rooms of Historical and Cultural Significance: A Window into Creative Spaces

Sometimes a room is much more than functional. Many rooms are mundane and practical, but some perform a much more important purpose. They’re inspiring or comforting, helping people to be their best selves. These are the rooms that make history.

We’ve looked through the window at some of these rooms. Whether they provide inspiration for music, writing, technology or art, we’re sure you’ll be familiar with something that began in one of these symbolic rooms. So, what do they look like? Peek through the windows below.

Who: Steve Jobs

Where: 1982 Living Room, Los Gatos, California

What: The rise of Apple

Known for his minimalism, here’s a glimpse of Steve Jobs’ living room. Despite being a multi-millionaire at the time, you’ll notice there isn’t a great deal in his room. Furniture? Who needs it. A cup of tea, a light and some music are all he needed for inspiration.

Who: Frida Kahlo

Where: Casa Azul, Coyoacan, Mexico

What: The Art Studio where Frida created many of her masterpieces and recovered from her horrific injuries.

Frida always returned to her family home, Casa Azul. In fact, she was born and died there. Her home, and particularly her art studio, had a huge influence on her creative work.

Who: John Lennon & Yoko Ono

Where: Room 1742 Fairmont, The Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Montreal

What: The 2nd ‘Bed-In for Peace’ location, where ‘Give Peace a Chance’ was written and recorded

After a visit from a Toronto rabbi during their second bed in for peace, John and Yoko developed their lyrics for ‘Give Peace a Chance’. They recorded the track in this room, featuring many other personalities who supported their plight for peace.

Who: Roald Dahl

Where: Writing Hut, Garden

What: The room where he penned many of his later books

Roald Dahl’s writing hut was fundamental to his work. Inspired by Dylan Thomas’ Welsh writing shed, and constructed by a friend, Dahl would spend his days writing in his custom-built environment. Alterations were made for comfort, to aid his writing processes and free him of any unwanted distractions.

Who: Ernest Hemingway

Where: Home Study, Key West, Florida

What: Hemingway worked on the following novels in this study: Death in the Afternoon, Green Hills of Africa, To Have and Have Not, For Whom the Bell Tolls

Hemingway worked in his home study from 6am until noon, to help him avoid the stifling Floridian heat and humidity. Filled with treasured antiques and his trusty typewriter, this inspiring environment was obviously a great creative aid.

Who: Dylan Thomas

Where: Writing Shed, near the Boathouse, Laugharne, Wales

What: Thomas wrote some of his most famous works here, including the poem ‘Over Sir John’s Hill’ which describes his view from the shed.

This cliff top shed had inspiring views; perfect for getting those creative juices flowing. Whilst living in the Boathouse, Thomas would retreat to his shed to write. Everything could be seen from here; from beauty and life, to death and tragedy, which all fostered creativity.