Project: A busy household transforms into a rental dream home

2 working parents, 2 young children, 2 houses and 2 weeks to move from Ballard to Snohomish County. Life is busy! When I met Giselle and Ritchie, their household reflected their busy life. They just closed on a house in Snohomish and wanted to rent out their Ballard townhouse. They only had 2 weeks to get their place ready for vacation rental season. I knew I needed to have a tight strategy and we needed all hands on deck.

Oh Boy! did Giselle and Ritchie hustle! Hard work pays off! A can do attitude and the hustle to get the place ready for photos was not an easy task but it was worth it! My client Giselle said 'Our house never looked this good even while we were living in it'. Less than 24 hours of going live with their Airbnb listing, Giselle and Ritchie booked their first reservation.   

When starting on a space here are the 5 tips that I thought about when transforming Giselle and Ritchie's space. 

1. Storage solutions: Every thing should have a home. 

2. Creating a baseline of neutrals: Then add accessories for color pop and texture in order to keep on top of changes in trends

3. Consideration the low, mid and high eye level: Adding a tall floor lamp for high, art work hung at mid eye level and a sofa blanket or throw pillow for low.

4. Add in different textures: such as a woven blanket or rug, metal accessories or wall treatment

5. Put a plant on it: Add in plants for a more resorty feeling

The Befores

The Afters

Project: Camper Redesign

""And so the ADVENTURE begins!" I'm super excited to show off this collaboration project with my dear friend Adrienne Yoder Brenner. This redesign of her Escape Trailer has been a year long vision of hers to create a home away from home for her and her family while camping. The goal was to design a space that was fun to take on their road adventures and creating modern storage solutions. Nailed it!

Pros & Cons to building an ADU (Additional Dwelling Unit)

photo credit: houselogic.com, domino.com, refresheddesign.com, home-dzine.co.za, bhg.com

I have 2 clients currently contemplating converting their unused garage into an living space. They both have different reasons to building but there are numerous of reasons why one might want to spend the money and time building out their garage space. According to Seattle Magazine "Not only can an ADU or DADU (detached additional dwelling unit) provide additional income, they are also highly desirable features for millennial buyers, and will add value to your home when you decide to sell. "  Here are a few pros and cons to building out an ADU on your property. 

PROS

1. Extra income. Whether its a full time tenant or part time tenant (vacation rental), its a great source of income. And if you sell, it will (hopefully) add value to your home.

2. More Usable Space. Versatile space could be used for 

                    - Workshop/studio space/ home office

                    - guest suite for visiting family and friends

                    - extra play space for kids and/or pets

                    - permanent living space for a parent or new family member (au pair)

3. Create Community. When I was in art school, I rented a room with a separate entrance and semi-private bathroom in my cousin's house. It was a great situation for me because I was still learning how to be an adult and learned a lot from her. It was beneficial for her because she had a baby and I would babysit him at night while she and her husband could have date night. The baby slept while I worked on my projects. They say it takes a village to raise a kid. Well, if you don't have one, you can make one. 

CONS

1. Losing basic storage (for car and/or miscellaneous items)

2. Disruption of daily life. As a landlord you do have manage a person's living space (repairs and house maintenance). But good thing theres also property managers.

3. Cost of construction. Along with basic construction of making the space feel cozy and comfortable, you'll have additional costs based on your specific needs. If you're building a rental unit, you'll have to calculate the costs for putting in a kitchen and bathroom etc. An office would require access to high speed internet and correct lighting. 

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Whatever the reason, there are definitely a few things to consider. If you or your client are thinking about thinking about building an ADU, I'd be happy to meet for a 30 min free consultation where we can discuss their/your needs for the ADU and I can provide a quote and offer: 

- discuss layout solutions and spatial design

- discuss color, materials and finishes (CMF).

- consultation on next steps to building

Viva la Lassiez Faire

New Orleans, city of Spanish and French influence. A place so juxtaposed between historically preserved and uniquely its own. The houses looked so delicately french with their skinny tall doors and intricate ironwork but also so eccentric and modern with it bright colors clashing together so harmoniously. Traditional foods like shrimp and rice but an explosion of unexpected creole and cajun spices in your mouth.

The locals treasure their city- you can tell. To describe their culture and the houses I noticed the locals would often use words like priceless and precious. We tried to hit up all the historic neighborhoods (Marigny, Garden District, Uptown, Warehouse District) to taste the flavor of place not just by trying the food but also admiring the architecture- the houses really are gems. The tall ceilings, moldings galore, colorful shutters, cool light fixtures and flags (French, Spain, Dominican, Puerto Rico) - so many flags!  The houses of New Orleans were so alluring and enticed our curiosity - what was life like behind those doors? I know it's not easy to restore and maintain historic homes (especially after so many hurricanes) but New Orleanians make it looks so effortless with their laid back charm. What I loved most about New Orleans was their way of life it. Oh so... Joie de Vivre!