Custom Quonset Huts become artist live/work spaces, aesthetically and functionally bridging a border between industrial and residential zoning in a historic neighborhood. The open space on the main floor is designed to be flexible for artists to pursue their creative path. Upstairs, a living space helps to make creative pursuits in an expensive city more attainable. The two-story buildings were custom-engineered to achieve the height required for the second floor. End walls utilized a combination of traditional stick framing with autoclaved aerated concrete with a stucco finish. Steel doors were custom-built in-house.

Relatives spending the weekend? Daughter moving back in? Could you use a spare bedroom for surprise visitors? Here’s an idea that can accommodate that occasional guest while maintaining your distance: Add a studio apartment above your garage. Studio apartments are often called mother-in-law apartments, perhaps because they add a degree of privacy. They have their own kitchen, living room and bath. Often they feature a Murphy bed. With appliances designed for micro homes becoming more popular it’s easier than ever to plan for and build a studio apartment. Rick Jacobson began this project with a large garage, capable of parking a truck and SUV, and storing everything from bikes to snowthrowers. Then he added a 500+ square foot apartment above the garage. Guests are welcome to the apartment with a private entrance inside a fence. Once inside, the apartment’s open design floods it with daylight from two large skylights and energy-efficient Marvin double hung windows. A gas fireplace below a 42-inch HD TV creates a great entertainment center. It’s all framed with rough-cut black granite, giving the whole apartment a distinctive look. Notice the ¾ inch thick tongue in grove solid oak flooring – the perfect accent to the grey and white interior design. The kitchen features a gas range with outdoor-vented hood, and a space-saving refrigerator and freezer. The custom kitchen backsplash was built using 3 X 10 inch gray subway glass tile. Black granite countertops can be found in the kitchen and bath, and both featuring under mounted sinks. The full ¾ bath features a glass-enclosed walk-in shower with 4 x 12 inch ceramic subway tiles arranged in a vertical pattern for a unique look. 6 x 24 inch gray porcelain floor tiles were used in the bath. A full-sized murphy bed folds out of the wall cabinet, offering a great view of the fireplace and HD TV. On either side of the bed, 3 built-in closets and 2 cabinets provide ample storage space. And a coffee table easily converts to a laptop computer workspace for traveling professionals or FaceBook check-ins. The result: An addition that has already proved to be a worthy investment, with the ability to host family and friends while appreciating the property’s value.

Small urban loft-style concrete floor and white floor living room library photo in Other with white walls, no fireplace and a concealed tv

photo by Deborah Degraffenreid
Example of a small danish loft-style concrete floor and gray floor living room design in New York with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

Landing and Lounge area at our Coastal Cape Cod Beach House Serena and Lilly Pillows, TV, Books, blankets and more to get comfy at the Beach! Photo by Dan Cutrona

Living room - small southwestern loft-style medium tone wood floor living room idea in Los Angeles with white walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace

Fashion blogger Danielle Bernstein's (We Wore What) NYC loft makeover to celebrate Z Gallerie's new Small Spaces Collection. R. Kimbrough Photography

Nestled in the former antiques & design district, this loft unites a charismatic history with lively modern vibes. If these walls could talk. We gave this industrial time capsule an urban facelift by enhancing the 19-century architecture with a mix of metals, textures and sleek surfaces to appeal to a sassy & youthful lifestyle. Transcending time and place, we designed this loft to be clearly confident, uniquely refined while maintaining its authentic bones.

Small minimalist loft-style laminate floor and beige floor family room photo in DC Metro with a bar, white walls, no fireplace and no tv

Contractor: Added Dimensions Inc. Photographer: Hoachlander Davis Photography
Living room - small contemporary loft-style light wood floor living room idea in DC Metro with multicolored walls, no fireplace and no tv

Example of a small trendy loft-style gray floor living room design in New York with white walls and a wall-mounted tv

The upper level is an open plan large space with living, dining and kitchen. A 3/4 bath is tucked in the SE corner.
Inspiration for a small modern loft-style light wood floor family room remodel in Seattle with white walls and a wall-mounted tv

Living Room in detached garage apartment. Photographer: Patrick Wong, Atelier Wong
Inspiration for a small craftsman loft-style porcelain tile and multicolored floor living room remodel in Austin with gray walls and a wall-mounted tv

SF Mission District Loft Renovation -- Entry, Living, Kitchen, & Loft
Example of a small trendy loft-style concrete floor and gray floor living room design in San Francisco with white walls

aaron dougherty photography
Small transitional loft-style light wood floor living room library photo in Dallas with white walls, no fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Photo Carina Salvi
Living room - small contemporary loft-style laminate floor living room idea in New York with white walls

Swartz Photography
Example of a small cottage loft-style light wood floor living room library design in Other with white walls, a wood stove, a concrete fireplace and no tv

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Sean Litchfield
Family room - small coastal loft-style medium tone wood floor family room idea in Boston with green walls and a wall-mounted tv