“The system works through a series of pulleys that are calibrated to lift both sides of each deck or shutter simultaneously,” says project manager Paul Schlachter of Apollo Design Studio. “Through a series of electric winches located under the cabin, the decks are controlled by standard wall switches inside.”
Mild steel painted obsidian black forms much of the structure. The windows, sliding door and substantial roof overhang nods to Pierre Koenig’s iconic 1960 Stahl House in California’s Hollywood Hills. A PVC roof collects rainwater and discharges it into a single scupper for irrigation on the property.
How-to: Rough up the wood with a copper or brass brush to allow the whitewash to adhere better. Sandpaper and then vacuum the surface or wipe the dust away. To lighten the wood, you can use liming wax, liming wash or a solution of primer and water, working it in with a rag. If you're using wax, remove excess wax with fine steel wool and seal the surface with clear wax. If you're using primer or liming solution, wipe off the excess with a rag. Once the piece is dry, seal it with a coat of polyurethane.
3. Reupholster an antique. Taking on an upholstery project takes some serious DIY skills — but if you are patient and willing to learn, it can be done. Andrea Mihalik of the reupholstery biz Wild Chairy learned her craft by reading an upholstery book and recommends that potential DIYers do the same. Tips: Take photos at every step as you take apart your chair; save the original fabric pieces to use as a pattern.
The dramatic floor-to-ceiling wood-burning fireplace is two-sided and made from raw steel.
Leidner also used boxwood in the garden outside this Dallas home. He suggests that for low-growing boxwood rows that will be clipped, gardeners choose Wintergreen or Winter Gem varieties. Wintergreen boxwood is planted here.
Resourceful companies like Lilypad Homes, which launched the nonprofit Lilypad FHI (Flexible Home Intiative), have begun to propose new model ordinances to address these permitting hassles. The Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) exempts many of the costlier build requirements and simplifies the permitting process. The JADU essentially allows for the conversion of a bedroom into a self-contained living unit with relatively few (inexpensive) additional amenities.
The accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is an additional, self-contained home located either within or adjacent to an existing house. Because it’s on the same lot, it can’t be sold separately (unlike a condominium), and it must be owner-occupied. Essentially, it creates multiple living units on parcels that previously supported only one
The accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is an additional, self-contained home located either within or adjacent to an existing house. Because it’s on the same lot, it can’t be sold separately (unlike a condominium), and it must be owner-occupied. Essentially, it creates multiple living units on parcels that previously supported only one
horizontal planks
super simple mudroom
nice use of barn door -- when you need to cheat in a mudroom (this in a condo)
the lockers! for a work space!
A stairway with limited headroom can be very uncomfortable to use and might discourage you from making the most of the rooms on an upper level. Sometimes this low clearance is an issue only for a small area at the top landing. Raising the roofline or adding a dormer can be very expensive solutions for such a small area. But a well-placed skylight can be used to raise the ceiling height where it’s needed most
trellis rug and artwork
Ready-made Murphy beds can be purchased for $1,000 to $3,000, depending on quality of construction, design and size. Expect to pay more for a custom designed and built Murphy bed, particularly if it includes storage or other custom features.
To transform your guest room into guest rooms, you may need to add a non-load-bearing wall. Hire a contractor to do the work. If you want to add electrical work (outlets, light switches) to the new wall, you may need permits. If no electrical work is involved, homeowners with some building experience may be able to tackle this project themselves.
Hmmm, paint a compass on the floor ...
The kitchen cabinets, sink, faucet and counter are from Ikea.
they converted the two-car garage into a guest cottage for him. They raised the floor to add the plumbing needed for the kitchen and bath. It was a $20,000 investment, including labor, materials and furnishings, to convert it into a livable space
A Danish wood-burning stove warms the main living space on chilly days. It also rotates so it can be enjoyed indoors or on the deck. The blackened steel floor strip functions as a noncombustible material at the base of the stove to meet code. But instead of limiting it to the stove perimeter, the design extends in a continuous ribbon through the hallway where it wraps back up the wall as a black-framed window.
Q