In the world of architecture and design, we see beyond what is. We see what could be, and we revel in the act of making it so. Here are some insightful and inspiring stories of projects I’ve tackled, lessons I’ve learned, and a little bit of humor to keep things interesting. Because, if you can’t laugh about life and home renovations, then what the heck are we all here for?
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This client's DIY remodel increased his home's value by $120k!
Blair remodeled his kitchen with his own two hands. He wanted a new space AND a higher home value. After two years, thousands of dollars, countless late nights, and missed weekends the project was complete. During a recent refinance, Blair's home appraised for $120k more than the purchasing price. It was all worth it.
Read More6 steps to clear your home of clutter.
Lots of people get the urge to clean in Spring. If you're feeling that way right now, take advantage of it! Many friends tell me they'd love to live with less but clearing stuff out is a daunting task. Here's a guide to get you started.
Read MoreA beautiful kitchen remodel for a young and lively family.
One day Maggie, my social media guru, asked for advice about remodeling their new kitchen and dining room. Her young family soon became clients and one year later, their house is midcentury modern and gorgeous! Read on for photos and details...
Read MoreWhy minimalism may be just what you're looking for.
When I talk to friends about the Minimalist lifestyle, they can be quick to judge. I’m sure they’re imagining a house with white walls and weird art, a life with no embellishment or pizzazz. Fortunately for me, that couldn’t be further from the truth. For all those curious people, here are my minimalist principles...
Read MoreA beautiful living room and bathroom remodel for a fun-loving South African family.
At our Christmas party two years ago, I was approached by close family friends. They were tired of their cramped, non-functional living room and bathroom and wanted some ideas of how to rearrange the space.
We came up with a design that made the living room feel open and continuous with the deck; welcoming and hospitable for gatherings large and small. We also gutted the upstairs bathroom to give the client a huge shower and beautiful, usable vanity.
Read More7 things that make the greatest impact on your interior design.
It's that time of year again. You're coming down from the holidays. The decorations come off the walls and you think, "hm, this space needs reorganizing." Or it needs a fresh coat of paint, or a new couch, or a recent photo hung on the wall... you get my point.
BUT, you don't have enough money! It's a conundrum that I hear from friends all the time. Don't worry, there's a solution: GET THE MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK.
Read MoreA stunning transformation of this apartment building into a contemporary heaven.
This client bought a four-unit apartment building in very rough shape. His goal: develop into modern, rentable apartments. Together, we designed and permitted a complete remodel. Read on for more photos of this Modern Coastal historical apartment building!
Read MoreSave money and time by packing fewer bags.
We're heading into the holiday season and lots of you are traveling. This year, I challenge you to travel a little lighter. Bring less stuff! Fewer bags. Smaller bags. No bags at all! <Ok well that's a little nuts, but read on for some tips & tricks to help you minimize...
Read MoreBeautiful interior design for this Oregon businessman.
I recently traveled to Portland, Oregon to decorate a client's apartment. We started with zero furniture and by the end of my week-long visit, the place was completely livable! Beautiful even! This client was on a budget and the apartment is pretty tiny so ...
Read MoreIt's true, Frank the Fifth Wheel is looking for new owners. We're moving to Maine and he's not winterized. We have spent so much time and energy renovating Frank over the last year... we like to think he has been reborn.
Read More5 steps to find the perfect designer for your project.
Want to remodel or redecorate but have no idea where to start? How much money will you need? How long will it take? How do you find the right team? No matter if you're doing a small bathroom renovation, a new house build, or just furnishing your new apartment, you need a team you get along with.
Read MoreA recent article questions our love of small spaces.
How do Tiny Spaces make you feel? Do you want to stay? Or run away? Recently, The New York Times published a quick and very interesting article that made me think. Why do people like Tiny Houses? Molly Young thinks she has the answer.
Read More7 ways to lower your energy bill.
In green building, there’s this thing called “Passive” Design. It sounds unexciting but it’s one of the most powerful tools at a homeowner’s disposal. You rarely hear about it because very few people make money with Passive Design, except the homeowner!
The easiest time to apply Passive Design is in the schematic design of a new house. In the verrry beginning. But there are also things small moves you can do in an apartment or small house renovation.
Read MoreWe lived in a trailer park and boy do we have stories.
The people we met at the RV Resort (yes dahling, it’s a resort) were some of the biggest characters we’ve ever known. They became fixtures in our lives; a tight community of nomads, never knowing who will be the next to leave nor who will arrive to take their place. Here are a few stories for ya'll...
Read MoreThe bright and welcoming remodel of our full-time RV home.
We lived in and remodeled a 34 foot long 5th wheel. This was our first adventure in Tiny Living and we wanted our new home to be special. We worked weekends and nights and MANY hours in between. All for a custom renovation and a home that felt our own. It was absolutely worth it.
Read More5 steps to create a comfortable and welcoming space.
Most designers can turn a cramped, claustrophobic room into a spacious, safe haven. I want to equip you with the basic tools to feel the love in your space. I want you to be your own designer!
Read MoreGifts for the toughest couples: minimalists.
What the heck do you buy someone who doesn’t like “stuff”? So many engaged couples are Tiny Homeowners. We live in RV’s, urban apartments, trailers, and converted garages. We choose to live with less, which makes traditional gifts a big (literally) issue. I first discussed this with my friend Molly...
Read MoreWhy you may need a land surveyor.
Ever wonder what a Land Surveyor does? Or why they're standing the middle of the road with a yellow tripod contraption? My dad, Clive Hopwood, is a Land Surveyor. He’s been doing it for as long as I can remember... Here's what he has to say.
Read MoreAddressing the mental challenges of working in a small space.
While it’s a financial dream and I have no problem fitting all my stuff, there are emotional ramifications to Tiny Working.
Whether you’re a recluse or a social butterfly, there are undeniable benefits to having a work space outside your home. Since I’m so enchanted with Tiny Living, it took me a while to realize what was missing from my Tiny Office...
Read MoreHow to build your own tiny office.
You'd like to work from home, but how will all your stuff fit? Here's a step-by-step guide to setting up your own tiny office.
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