So we have this garage apartment behind our house that we have nicknamed The Lab. I like to think of it as a party trick when people come over to show them this disgusting apartment we own. Now that I think of it, that’s exactly what Jordan did the day we met. It must have worked!
The space is disgusting and a little scary but full of potential. It’s also the place where old furniture goes to die. It’s our dream to turn it into something great: a studio/rental/whatever we want it to be. You know when you have this huge project in front of you and it seems so far off, yet you think about it often and want to do something?! That is how I’ve felt for the past 3 years about this space.
Although the time for this project seems far off (like years), I figured the thing I can do now is blog about it, find inspiration and even start demoing to get a better feel for what we’re working with.
So here is the beginning of a very long running blog series: My Dream Project. Who knows when the time will be for the project, but it’s fun to dream, right?! I would also love to hear what you would do with the space!
THE BEFORE
This is the side view that opens up to the rest of the yard (which is a whole ‘nother project in itself).
This is the beautiful view when you walk in. The image to the right is the kitchen…what a space, right?! We were so lucky to inherit the fifty year old old peanut butter and treats.
This is the main space, it is a good size but has room to grow. To the left, there is another garage space not accessible from inside.
And for the finale, the bathroom! It does not look like it in the photo, but this space is actually really large for a bathroom. It continues to the left with a sink and decent sized closet.
I know what you’re thinking, did something blow up in here?! We’ve had the same questions, and also come up with our own scenario of what went down in this space before the house was put up for auction. Don’t you think we could host a haunted house in here to offset some of the cost of renovations?! 😉
Specs:
– ~ 600 sq. ft
– Separate garage space
– Kitchen
– Bathroom
– Open concept
– Wood flooring
Clearly, everything will have to go and nothing is really salvageable about its character. But I see so much potential for this space!
MOOD BOARD
Adding a loft, opening up the side with sliding glass doors, changing the bathroom layout, vaulting the ceilings, making the kitchen usable…sounds pretty simple, right?! Oh and don’t forget there is plumbing, electrical, foundation work – getting everything up to code. We have our work cut out for us!
GOALS FOR THIS SPACE
I love how many possibilities there are here. It could be my studio. Jordan’s studio. A rental home. An Airbnb. Our TV hang out. Half Garage. An entertaining spot. Or all of the above.
The main goal is to make it versatile, something that can evolve no matter the season we are in. I would be amiss if I didn’t mention resale – we will be keeping that in mind as well.
There are so many possibilities and I just love dreaming about all of them!
Now, what are your thoughts? Do you think we’re in way over our head? What would you use the space for? Do you want to come over and help demo?