York (Maine) Decorator Showhouse 2013

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaee6Dcwe3dY1wfpDPqE3esKedolRHpx29t53UOg0G2_N1Vn8_nTixjik3p9kmj3z-nTCqOwZxQ6OrErigqueJOEJoWhlqC-zD145iDFMtVsqjTVRlIToiJnHJcdrqVLPvOV00xSYhSk/s1600/Showhouse+ext.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaee6Dcwe3dY1wfpDPqE3esKedolRHpx29t53UOg0G2_N1Vn8_nTixjik3p9kmj3z-nTCqOwZxQ6OrErigqueJOEJoWhlqC-zD145iDFMtVsqjTVRlIToiJnHJcdrqVLPvOV00xSYhSk/s640/Showhouse+ext.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Yesterday I had a lovely day trip up to New Hampshire and Maine. My first stop was to meet my photographer <a href="http://www.michaeljleephotography.com/www.michaeljleephotography.com/HOME.html" target="_blank">Michael J. Lee </a>to scout a recently completed project near Exeter, NH. Then I headed off to Maine to visit the <a href="http://www.oldyork.org/visit/showhousepreshow.html" target="_blank">York Decorator Show House</a>. This is the 24th show house benefiting the Museums of Old York and each year thousands of people make the trip. The Museums of Old York maintain nine historic house-museums, collections and provide educational opportunities to thousands of school children each year. This year's show house is on Kittery Point, ME with amazing water views over to New Castle, NH. The house was built in 1996 in a sort of "Contemporary Federal" style. It was built into the hill the rolls down to the water and has six levels to accommodate the landscape. The street side of the house is pretty unremarkable but from inside you'd never know there was a busy street nearby. The "show" is definitely the back of the house which faces the water. This year's group of designers included several of my New England design and blogging buddies and it was a lot of fun to visit their spaces. <br /><br />Below I'm sharing some of the 100 photos I took yesterday! Needless to say, I couldn't share them all, but tried to pick the highlights.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9cVr4pYgNa46XAHrkdZdUtK9SiCzDIH1ZRVp3j8yL16-ujc1VhvjQwehSEhcNcTnHmhTNfKq1y6BgKjMIrVE-6PRuSe49SgqQdOW9H8O0O2Pwef3wIwIpLpAvyKkXOBIuGKrSaCKTkY/s1600/Barbara+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9cVr4pYgNa46XAHrkdZdUtK9SiCzDIH1ZRVp3j8yL16-ujc1VhvjQwehSEhcNcTnHmhTNfKq1y6BgKjMIrVE-6PRuSe49SgqQdOW9H8O0O2Pwef3wIwIpLpAvyKkXOBIuGKrSaCKTkY/s1600/Barbara+.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Barbara Elza Hirsch was with me on the BlogTour trip to New Orleans and the Brizo Blogger19 trip to Memphis. I love her screen porch - the shapes and textures are unique and yet the whole is perfectly integrated into the landscape beyond the screens. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcIlFCZJ7EPffX781UDi0ScDmRWFJ3GZVn9skEDN46vlfS2kNvMojkBqiNmXej4GWWOLitJbCPobaUarLVQVQNQQg8skm9FPiV9ubnDt0sMiRkh98gf26xQ7Aiqjd45H8CL5T4uMQVvw/s1600/Blacker+Bath+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcIlFCZJ7EPffX781UDi0ScDmRWFJ3GZVn9skEDN46vlfS2kNvMojkBqiNmXej4GWWOLitJbCPobaUarLVQVQNQQg8skm9FPiV9ubnDt0sMiRkh98gf26xQ7Aiqjd45H8CL5T4uMQVvw/s1600/Blacker+Bath+2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvilc9MCyQLB4ABDUmjmzAJR6BhzFvUh-XySUGvAu3j9AcOSl-jkR96UyQJ0QwDYT-fJhwLxsZdmzb5v6Utv-sj936J7LOL9xmbugLlvAfwbwNCEC_htWRiAkZhEtZy5h1FS1HzfMPKZ4/s1600/Blacker+Bathroom+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvilc9MCyQLB4ABDUmjmzAJR6BhzFvUh-XySUGvAu3j9AcOSl-jkR96UyQJ0QwDYT-fJhwLxsZdmzb5v6Utv-sj936J7LOL9xmbugLlvAfwbwNCEC_htWRiAkZhEtZy5h1FS1HzfMPKZ4/s1600/Blacker+Bathroom+1.jpg" /></a></div><br />Yvonne Blacker is a long time blogging buddy. She works for Designer Bath in Salem and put together two stylish and sophisticated bathrooms filled with gorgeous fixtures. A fellow member of the Brizo Blogger 19 (she was in Memphis too!), Yvonne of course used some gorgeous Brizo fixtures. The top bathroom features their RSVP Collection. The bottom features fixtures from Jason Wu for Brizo. Apologies to Yvonne - these photos didn't come out well - the only light available in this bathroom came from the gorgeous lighted mirror that she installed.  <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJ-5Ht0_BBcWKw9_Ke91QjLggZYmm3vTB_ushEW5jWVUcTaWLnWg5jaQxC4Fn6twaf9zC7EbG8-YUFPUZuwKkTtNGqUXVo04A40S4N6SsSEkk97vlfOX6sWsSnqET_NG8gIl3SdQzaJI/s1600/Bohn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJ-5Ht0_BBcWKw9_Ke91QjLggZYmm3vTB_ushEW5jWVUcTaWLnWg5jaQxC4Fn6twaf9zC7EbG8-YUFPUZuwKkTtNGqUXVo04A40S4N6SsSEkk97vlfOX6sWsSnqET_NG8gIl3SdQzaJI/s640/Bohn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Designer Meredith Bohn designed several rooms including the kitchen, dining room, sitting room (featured above) and a ladies retreat. She integrated a mix of antiques along with comfy upholstered pieces, Audubon prints and stylish accessories.  <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYiWHbP9uRV6hv1shM2FMomsnzpCJUlKTuQuRoi5AFG1Xv2rJgUOeCEivo3pInF0t-kWtKyJCBIQ6Cgav4QQ6i7gKm0TFG3Kt0gosjfS6-SJ_29hLmRKP-w4qmXUC3qkZPZhNjawd1o4/s1600/Guest+cottage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYiWHbP9uRV6hv1shM2FMomsnzpCJUlKTuQuRoi5AFG1Xv2rJgUOeCEivo3pInF0t-kWtKyJCBIQ6Cgav4QQ6i7gKm0TFG3Kt0gosjfS6-SJ_29hLmRKP-w4qmXUC3qkZPZhNjawd1o4/s1600/Guest+cottage.jpg" /></a></div>A standout space for me was the private Guest Cottage designed by Anne Cowenhoven. I guess I just love pink and green! She installed a bright pink sail over the entrance which made the interiors just glow. The floor was splattered with pink paint and the textiles are just gorgeous. Feminine and girly, but not babyish.  <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Uz2V_8T9tzAeF2WpXg7ICgzKMzQxe7iwZqKqx7rNmem2FiQFFvagp-QC6izXvagmCE6HjE9w4QJAzlQz21irFSjBFwLgEbvZOb80cWbATZXJBV13PqTZcXWueKPhzjzuepyT3KCxPEQ/s1600/Hodge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Uz2V_8T9tzAeF2WpXg7ICgzKMzQxe7iwZqKqx7rNmem2FiQFFvagp-QC6izXvagmCE6HjE9w4QJAzlQz21irFSjBFwLgEbvZOb80cWbATZXJBV13PqTZcXWueKPhzjzuepyT3KCxPEQ/s640/Hodge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Designer Frank Hodge created a masculine study which has spectacular views - hard to imagine getting any work done. Again, apologies for the poor photography - it's hard to balance the bright light coming in from the outside against the darker interior palette. The space is cool and a nice respite from the brightness all around.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjku2KKyKAslrTiSnyosMoM3l3D5ZQTokWcFEQq2Mt-7LVqmMzkEzCAIQtOLNf-oQ-wWBaAF-oe-OhD1hzIxSmzKs0uplCMHimRC5sZYFD5QigIvPICvMDCt2rxeHY52FHtq_x20_pw_wk/s1600/Jorgenson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjku2KKyKAslrTiSnyosMoM3l3D5ZQTokWcFEQq2Mt-7LVqmMzkEzCAIQtOLNf-oQ-wWBaAF-oe-OhD1hzIxSmzKs0uplCMHimRC5sZYFD5QigIvPICvMDCt2rxeHY52FHtq_x20_pw_wk/s1600/Jorgenson.jpg" /></a></div><br />Designer Valerie Jorgensen decided that an old tool shed on the property would be a fun challenge and she turned it into a cabana of sorts with sitting area and changing rooms.  Valerie also decorated around the pool area (shown at the bottom of this post). She decided to make this a truly eclectic space, as if everything was found in the attic and used in the space "as is"  - and it works! She used fence pickets as a continuing theme in the space, including the custom chandelier that her intern made for over the table. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBlpHYQARP0CRWeFFw6nzI0-G6zGKRa-LFigoU30v5fY5aIblO5JSBO9Zdu3MX-236aWmCo9ALqIZchvettnbbCuVzyohZaZsKyVP8orOQnFH2yszXcPFSQQhv1Ku20UxQabI0yp4b8U/s1600/Katherine+Hawkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBlpHYQARP0CRWeFFw6nzI0-G6zGKRa-LFigoU30v5fY5aIblO5JSBO9Zdu3MX-236aWmCo9ALqIZchvettnbbCuVzyohZaZsKyVP8orOQnFH2yszXcPFSQQhv1Ku20UxQabI0yp4b8U/s1600/Katherine+Hawkins.jpg" /></a></div><br />New England blogger and design friend Katherine Hawkins created a teenage girl's hangout space that features a vibrant purple, pink and teal color palette with a mermaid theme. The standout is the gorgeous crystal and shell chandelier which came from Lucia Lighting & Design.  <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNY9B-DpRjAYs7Zqkf6A-Flgyk1RgxMveANfxZpHLc_dJZw7eOM2YwQdlYTMf0DomdsfUlfbTp2uSfpja6e6uoAwA0MERtjuZvEjyTOR0GVsUtdzYVX9HSHfUskS7PdIe5dkBdci9eNKw/s1600/Mural.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNY9B-DpRjAYs7Zqkf6A-Flgyk1RgxMveANfxZpHLc_dJZw7eOM2YwQdlYTMf0DomdsfUlfbTp2uSfpja6e6uoAwA0MERtjuZvEjyTOR0GVsUtdzYVX9HSHfUskS7PdIe5dkBdci9eNKw/s1600/Mural.jpg" /></a></div><br />A small space was made very special when designer Pauline Vastardis brought in decorative painter Susan Marshal to create a custom wall mural that depicts the local Maine scenery and a screen (which will be auctioned off later on) depicting the various house museums which are part of the Museums of Old York. Pauline filled out the space, a woman's retreat, with beautiful fabrics and vintage furnishings. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1YPSAu6ndrMqQMLOj6yE3MfL2rMCNgdFnSRS3dlRcx4MVb2IS_94kj2ow0e8NX2S60KCO5xbqS_fLbH6XwLKYyCmVmYJ2mKPIsRHWZrg3_wzqeUqdI3zQpitpAV27bs_W6SmIGLCUys/s1600/Pool+Portal+Trio+Design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1YPSAu6ndrMqQMLOj6yE3MfL2rMCNgdFnSRS3dlRcx4MVb2IS_94kj2ow0e8NX2S60KCO5xbqS_fLbH6XwLKYyCmVmYJ2mKPIsRHWZrg3_wzqeUqdI3zQpitpAV27bs_W6SmIGLCUys/s1600/Pool+Portal+Trio+Design.jpg" /></a></div><br />Blogger and designer Rosanne Palazola created the "Poolside Portal" as a kind of updated mudroom which stocks various items needed for poolside enjoyment such as books, glassware, etc. The ceiling fixture, from Lucia Lighting, is a kind of modern "onion" style with recycled glass drops.  All of the rooms done by Rosanne, Katherine Hawkins and Yvonne Blacker were done individually and as a team they called Trio Designs where each took the lead on a space, but they also worked together on the details and coordination. Great job ladies!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFtuYi6dBWkJCedabRER8kkZME73LuiL9RGPUbvfmb6iWyMzZWpwA1zlJK1JjTcXzLoU1e9L8CxlhUb2guki29ulHnRa-33Zqt9LtHhqO4eoxCmxQyu5c3Ty9K1n2OhM4Xa2TOOBA3pc/s1600/York+Grounds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFtuYi6dBWkJCedabRER8kkZME73LuiL9RGPUbvfmb6iWyMzZWpwA1zlJK1JjTcXzLoU1e9L8CxlhUb2guki29ulHnRa-33Zqt9LtHhqO4eoxCmxQyu5c3Ty9K1n2OhM4Xa2TOOBA3pc/s1600/York+Grounds.jpg" /></a></div><br />This final photo shows more of the grounds, which are really amazing. This is not only a great tour for interiors fans, but for gardeners as well. The mature landscaping is lush and really quite amazing. There are, of course, many other spaces which I'm not showing here. Don't want to give it all away! Coastal Living magazine was shooting the master bedroom (by Patricia Finn) which is a feat of re-creation from the original space.<br /><br />This house is currently on the market and you can see the "before" photos <a href="http://www.anneerwin.com/1020199-kittery-maine-ocean-view-paradise" target="_blank">here</a>.You will be amazed at the changes these talented designers have brought to the house.<br /><br />The show house is going on through August 15th. Information <a href="http://www.oldyork.org/visit/showhousepreshow.html" target="_blank">here</a>.  <br /><br />

York (Maine) Decorator Showhouse 2013

Yesterday I had a lovely day trip up to New Hampshire and Maine. My first stop was to meet my photographer Michael J. Lee to scout a recentl...

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The Official Royal Baby China is revealed

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/sites/royalcollection.org.uk/files/styles/inline_large/public/Prince_group_3pieces.jpg?itok=TsSKip-7" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/sites/royalcollection.org.uk/files/styles/inline_large/public/Prince_group_3pieces.jpg?itok=TsSKip-7" /></a></div><br />Royal Collection Trust has produced the <a href="http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/news/official-commemorative-royal-baby-china-goes-on-sale" target="_blank">official range of china</a> to celebrate the birth of His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOT7VAS-3BzMypioYShASbLGlcubclhLIynC2UujdDOlAKYzj_3JwTU3cqdri2IDR0laXOGM0zgNTz3R62NsKewxHsKfUc55FITHHSsh7gZxd56RqGVFegYEl4-7fzvSyim8PKf4Xb2rw/s1600/prince-george--z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOT7VAS-3BzMypioYShASbLGlcubclhLIynC2UujdDOlAKYzj_3JwTU3cqdri2IDR0laXOGM0zgNTz3R62NsKewxHsKfUc55FITHHSsh7gZxd56RqGVFegYEl4-7fzvSyim8PKf4Xb2rw/s1600/prince-george--z.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The future monarch seen here perfecting his royal wave. </div><br /> The exclusively designed commemorative china is decorated with TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s coronet, supported by the unicorn and lion, which are featured on the Royal Arms.  Oak leaves, taken from the Middleton coat of arms, surround the coronet.  The chinaware designs will also include gold-edged scrolls bearing the full name and birth date of HRH Prince George of Cambridge.<br /> The official china range is made in Stoke-on-Trent by the same potteries that produced the official range of china celebrating the marriage of TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011.  More recently, the potteries have produced the commemorative china to mark the Diamond Jubilee and the 60th anniversary of The Queen’s Coronation.  Using techniques that have remained unchanged for more than two centuries, every item is hand-made from fine bone china and gilded in 22-carat gold before being gift-wrapped in tissue paper and boxes designed especially for the occasion.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.royalcollectionshop.co.uk/media/wysiwyg/Royal_Baby_Group_Shot_for_Web.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://www.royalcollectionshop.co.uk/media/wysiwyg/Royal_Baby_Group_Shot_for_Web.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />I've not done any posting on the royal birth yet, but thought this is a really sweet collection and I love the description of the design. I'm not sure I would purchase anything if I were visiting, but I'm sure many will and it appears the royal baby souvenir booklet is already <a href="http://www.royalcollectionshop.co.uk/royal-baby/exclusive-souvenirs/the-royal-baby-book-a-souvenir-album-hardback.html" target="_blank">sold out</a>. <br /><br />I'm always amazed when people (American's and other non-Brits) start yipping about the the royal family being an outdated institution and that they are really just living off the dole. Firstly because I don't think it's anyone's place to tell another country how to run itself, but mostly because of the money the British monarchy brings into the country. I think I read they receive somewhere between 50-80 Million Pounds annually. However, I also heard that it's estimated that wee Prince Georgie alone will bring in over 200 million Pounds in revenue fairly quickly in terms of tourist dollars and souvenirs. And who benefits from tourist dollars and sales of tchotchkes? Regular working people in hotels, restaurants, shops, cabbies, etc. Okay, off the soapbox now!<br /><br />Welcome Prince Georgie!!<br /><br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

The Official Royal Baby China is revealed

Royal Collection Trust has produced the official range of china to celebrate the birth of His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge.  ...

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Space planning in a tiny home

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8p-kQIiH1FFTHMfB83u_U9uXid5TgiFk10vA_AgELdiDLQonGpaAuneZDazDZTDuvVh30eHQ8nkCijFpRvoeoq_THnlaZF4TIXMzSbGzYPIKCNnRI2zw9sr5DG4V3g6stXT2JMZvjHWM/s1600/Housefront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8p-kQIiH1FFTHMfB83u_U9uXid5TgiFk10vA_AgELdiDLQonGpaAuneZDazDZTDuvVh30eHQ8nkCijFpRvoeoq_THnlaZF4TIXMzSbGzYPIKCNnRI2zw9sr5DG4V3g6stXT2JMZvjHWM/s640/Housefront.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Last winter, I did a small bit of work on the floor plan layout for a back yard garden house renovation in Charleston, SC. Unlike the usual e-design/decorating project, this project was strictly to create a plan for the functional layout of the small space for the builder to go by. The client's originally contacted an architect colleague of mine and due to her time constraints, she referred me. As I am more often than not the last person called on a job, it was a lot of fun for me to really start with an empty shell and create something with it that met the needs of the clients.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzI3pM_rB-NDirDDrxJHhSc2J69H_hzMSlj6yISqlECNMu0Sp0_5m_dHAlUzazvLEC5IzXlROPsR-lAjsKiu3uTxJhKMXgqpkrKrtg0B2jHbWwmzU-4aJDTBw79c4zAOprFSgl0BPjVrE/s1600/Floorplan+sketch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzI3pM_rB-NDirDDrxJHhSc2J69H_hzMSlj6yISqlECNMu0Sp0_5m_dHAlUzazvLEC5IzXlROPsR-lAjsKiu3uTxJhKMXgqpkrKrtg0B2jHbWwmzU-4aJDTBw79c4zAOprFSgl0BPjVrE/s640/Floorplan+sketch.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />The building is approximately 450 sq. ft. and this floor plan (with measurements confirmed by the clients) was what I had to go by. Oh, and these "before" photos:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8AjIbqjKl7l-2LFpvRuubwoksywJy5-Pr9BEorNpNb6Ryt56natYjEgIM6hPNHmPmr6wiO3e0sQnWnCr1yAFoOMcp2pOCaIEj2eFP1pxtQLDIuSZQ-QxRYgTHACOdFsLM1u_55Yuh7A/s1600/before+montage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8AjIbqjKl7l-2LFpvRuubwoksywJy5-Pr9BEorNpNb6Ryt56natYjEgIM6hPNHmPmr6wiO3e0sQnWnCr1yAFoOMcp2pOCaIEj2eFP1pxtQLDIuSZQ-QxRYgTHACOdFsLM1u_55Yuh7A/s640/before+montage.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Top left: is the front right side of the house, top/bottom right the bathroom, bottom left the back end of the left side of the building. (hope that all made sense)<br /><br />The program for the project called for: a kitchen with cook top, refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave; living/dining area; bedroom; a washer/dryer; lockable storage closet; clothes closet. The house would be used by the family at times, and also be available for rental, which was the reason for the lockable closet. They also wanted to do the project in as efficient manner as possible, so all the plumbing had to stay where it was - in the back of the building with as little change as possible.<br /><br />Below are some of the various versions of the plan I came up with on the way to the final plan: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRVU9ZPtgB6bXLUtlVBeoTthB_QUfs33WOKKKtn1Ku3rXPkPTfqwGtXR5jlF1yruA0DLHcl2UtcCdirJxTGR81odbe7pipjKJoWswR6QGT8TMl6u768YIyyvrk_JajrAhDUTOLunHEpY/s1600/Ross+FP1+birdseye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRVU9ZPtgB6bXLUtlVBeoTthB_QUfs33WOKKKtn1Ku3rXPkPTfqwGtXR5jlF1yruA0DLHcl2UtcCdirJxTGR81odbe7pipjKJoWswR6QGT8TMl6u768YIyyvrk_JajrAhDUTOLunHEpY/s640/Ross+FP1+birdseye.jpg" width="624" /></a></div><br />One thing to note, since I am not familiar with South Carolina building codes, my plan had to leave room for the builder to follow existing code requirements. Additionally, the company providing the kitchen cabinets would have to do their own final plan based on the client's cabinetry selections. So, there were some parts of the plan that were left intentionally vague, or even blank.  <br /><br />The above plan was my initial attempt to keep all plumbing against the back wall of the structure, which made for an uncomfortable placement of the sink. I also tried to maintain as much option for privacy in the small space should two (or more) people be there at the same time. This is the reason for the closets and laundry to be separate from the bedroom. Of course, this really made the rooms very small... <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSHMLfKCUUqpwAKrUJSyI23CkT-cbl7iM7Y22p9vhpd1imJwEAf9gkYhCQv0VZFT2BfGl-V1Ys_H6nlzM0A9ulCMmHnDzSj5xZnJMqr2piDkhxtKjRcmmD_w-MEe4Uc8I6jNlE1f6hgI/s1600/Ross+FP1a+Birdseye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHQjwU4XG4ACzjWMbIfStBZ1-AzIg0cB908KdY-O5u5uLHDblmASb3zYq4i1sQliP54qktVwD74OW4zMbU9UOdh5LNR2OYM29tSNJROtM2h7RUwK5SrI1_yNxRUBq75e9rOhRbEVNVb4/s1600/Ross+FP2+Birdseye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHQjwU4XG4ACzjWMbIfStBZ1-AzIg0cB908KdY-O5u5uLHDblmASb3zYq4i1sQliP54qktVwD74OW4zMbU9UOdh5LNR2OYM29tSNJROtM2h7RUwK5SrI1_yNxRUBq75e9rOhRbEVNVb4/s640/Ross+FP2+Birdseye.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />This next version (above) is where I tried to flip flop the space giving as much room to the living/kitchen area as possible. It's not bad and I liked that the bathroom was not right off the public space,  but that's more kitchen than was needed and the closets were very cramped. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSHMLfKCUUqpwAKrUJSyI23CkT-cbl7iM7Y22p9vhpd1imJwEAf9gkYhCQv0VZFT2BfGl-V1Ys_H6nlzM0A9ulCMmHnDzSj5xZnJMqr2piDkhxtKjRcmmD_w-MEe4Uc8I6jNlE1f6hgI/s1600/Ross+FP1a+Birdseye.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSHMLfKCUUqpwAKrUJSyI23CkT-cbl7iM7Y22p9vhpd1imJwEAf9gkYhCQv0VZFT2BfGl-V1Ys_H6nlzM0A9ulCMmHnDzSj5xZnJMqr2piDkhxtKjRcmmD_w-MEe4Uc8I6jNlE1f6hgI/s640/Ross+FP1a+Birdseye.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />This view shows that we were getting there. The original general layout was back. We were looking at how much counter space was possible, though it's obvious this wasn't a great idea. I was also still trying to maintain a more private bedroom by keeping a diving wall with the laundry closet and storage closets. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKG2pHtYD2JIIPjcJjj00eKAIHicqlv9s8MEKJ5aQMgAV6jqfooY9USSTQ_U2wkDcAJombHYpQttBiGwdEKg1bEfzw2oth9yCvFOEY6mMwpfNENVd1XryZnn277HGTkOm2_2C5bGQa7Mk/s1600/Ross+final+birdseye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKG2pHtYD2JIIPjcJjj00eKAIHicqlv9s8MEKJ5aQMgAV6jqfooY9USSTQ_U2wkDcAJombHYpQttBiGwdEKg1bEfzw2oth9yCvFOEY6mMwpfNENVd1XryZnn277HGTkOm2_2C5bGQa7Mk/s640/Ross+final+birdseye.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />It was the clients who felt that they didn't need that diving wall, which makes the bedroom feel much more spacious. And let's face it, when you're dealing with such a small overall space, every inch matters. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKu9AcpwdmQGNGGKHuADxjhr3O_NyJQE44bCzOZd1YH-Shuj3HxwYXM7oj1Au6RoJteY0dy1cXkF7tJBtwluYLk8pTmCUxTtZG8keV05dztqQitjvmpXjnoGpdFwD1__e-gKGB5EOoYzE/s1600/Floorplan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKu9AcpwdmQGNGGKHuADxjhr3O_NyJQE44bCzOZd1YH-Shuj3HxwYXM7oj1Au6RoJteY0dy1cXkF7tJBtwluYLk8pTmCUxTtZG8keV05dztqQitjvmpXjnoGpdFwD1__e-gKGB5EOoYzE/s640/Floorplan.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This is the final floor plan above. The attic was opened up with the center wall diving the two halves of the space. Skylights were added, as were windows high up on the diving wall to let in light and air and add to a sense of spaciousness.<br /><br />And how the space is now:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtcDtviN5cMkCXWNNricaiF6H1PX2nQ51m23l-SJ0YKfYwEqd7819d4ojgubimzpzv4k4BRl_JzvIB82MMMJK68UmkWCHw6TZ37SkEOahK9ykPQzIDjnn08Js8nmk5mn7zT5yrG5ATHA/s1600/Living+Area.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtcDtviN5cMkCXWNNricaiF6H1PX2nQ51m23l-SJ0YKfYwEqd7819d4ojgubimzpzv4k4BRl_JzvIB82MMMJK68UmkWCHw6TZ37SkEOahK9ykPQzIDjnn08Js8nmk5mn7zT5yrG5ATHA/s640/Living+Area.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpFoN_pGLcMjxW62suW0QvbtyZ1Drm778ZxDP3MyJ6Yz8-9qh54FQcFq-_4_S00omTPc5uY5o4w_tKJvV7nVS7YO1FbKtwl2sHQwZjhz_mUTUKmyxmA4drWuE4tA_r2UbnbjK0G1irOo/s1600/Living+Area+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpFoN_pGLcMjxW62suW0QvbtyZ1Drm778ZxDP3MyJ6Yz8-9qh54FQcFq-_4_S00omTPc5uY5o4w_tKJvV7nVS7YO1FbKtwl2sHQwZjhz_mUTUKmyxmA4drWuE4tA_r2UbnbjK0G1irOo/s640/Living+Area+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UwrmveOg_OrfgO8J6kG70XU8hblaMC3x-00qM3CmKS7-VQikXSgjD-FLEoQu2ljUGVPMPx-8DxQWq0dtUWJDDnmMl6LPioGlEBYuz45Mc7sE3XKZu2OGS6YB5M47OSROGado0aNgp6c/s1600/Kitchen+closeup.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UwrmveOg_OrfgO8J6kG70XU8hblaMC3x-00qM3CmKS7-VQikXSgjD-FLEoQu2ljUGVPMPx-8DxQWq0dtUWJDDnmMl6LPioGlEBYuz45Mc7sE3XKZu2OGS6YB5M47OSROGado0aNgp6c/s640/Kitchen+closeup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagBS7YHMLo24gj9Ixcbyjrz0Jq67KZwZfTq7rfjGtoYDOcqXMO3Yr9i5qWl9KSmvjsmgg7kc3j8hlSVSdfeLK_argGeIaUvL01LM9UavokWaCdvzuKqzifZz4aeBj6laHDREl6fVtZCQ/s1600/Bathroom+toilet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagBS7YHMLo24gj9Ixcbyjrz0Jq67KZwZfTq7rfjGtoYDOcqXMO3Yr9i5qWl9KSmvjsmgg7kc3j8hlSVSdfeLK_argGeIaUvL01LM9UavokWaCdvzuKqzifZz4aeBj6laHDREl6fVtZCQ/s640/Bathroom+toilet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5YR4SnKcUgBVXRG99QEI2S2c-oSnayoH5T7dUVY4B8D8v3TDtMOy1B1qWFCpiR2cl_2EJzkGTxLvBdsUSIeWf8HwWDYL9F0K-K28vgLCzSG8vFLyNq8JxxdBpTWI14E2_2sZkgIt-lY/s1600/Bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5YR4SnKcUgBVXRG99QEI2S2c-oSnayoH5T7dUVY4B8D8v3TDtMOy1B1qWFCpiR2cl_2EJzkGTxLvBdsUSIeWf8HwWDYL9F0K-K28vgLCzSG8vFLyNq8JxxdBpTWI14E2_2sZkgIt-lY/s640/Bedroom.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpFoN_pGLcMjxW62suW0QvbtyZ1Drm778ZxDP3MyJ6Yz8-9qh54FQcFq-_4_S00omTPc5uY5o4w_tKJvV7nVS7YO1FbKtwl2sHQwZjhz_mUTUKmyxmA4drWuE4tA_r2UbnbjK0G1irOo/s1600/Living+Area+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UwrmveOg_OrfgO8J6kG70XU8hblaMC3x-00qM3CmKS7-VQikXSgjD-FLEoQu2ljUGVPMPx-8DxQWq0dtUWJDDnmMl6LPioGlEBYuz45Mc7sE3XKZu2OGS6YB5M47OSROGado0aNgp6c/s1600/Kitchen+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div> Below is a construction process shot of the three closets: left has stacked washer/dryer, middle and right are clothes and storage. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIT-6I0G2ROXItPGQF0L3TW30whyKuIWpohVSqqwo8Z-TsjUg1FS3uX-FH04YFm0fCMVUvEDAOMvMaghdz6flR03kx6Wo3Mf8i_SK9s5XqjOJMT546Fcjvo2gm_evF_peKFgH8UiBFh4/s1600/May+24+bedroom+paint+color.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIT-6I0G2ROXItPGQF0L3TW30whyKuIWpohVSqqwo8Z-TsjUg1FS3uX-FH04YFm0fCMVUvEDAOMvMaghdz6flR03kx6Wo3Mf8i_SK9s5XqjOJMT546Fcjvo2gm_evF_peKFgH8UiBFh4/s640/May+24+bedroom+paint+color.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />It's a tiny space, but it's not lacking in amenities and I think feels very comfortable and livable in the end. This house is currently available for rent, <a href="http://www.rentcharleston.com/property/47c-queen-st/" target="_blank">read more here</a>.  <br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design or renovation project, I would love to chat with you!

Space planning in a tiny home

Last winter, I did a small bit of work on the floor plan layout for a back yard garden house renovation in Charleston, SC. Unlike the usual ...

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