Workshop challenge - how do I make a big space work and look smart
lindaward21
8 years ago
I'm lucky enough to have a very large first floor space above a garage block nearing completion. I want to use it mainly for my upholstery hobby/business but I want it to look cool, think 'industrial chic with a soft edge'. Upholstery is a messy activity, but I want it to look good the rest of the time so need ideas for storage, lighting, flooring and any other 'bright ideas' that would make the space a pleasure to be in. Any suggestions?
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PROON&ON
8 years agoRelated Discussions
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Comments (38)We rent unfurnished, so always have our own furniture around us. I don't go in TOO much for the soft furnishings (rugs, cushions, curtains, throws), as they are cluttersome and really interefere with a low-maintenance life. Moreover, sadly, my posters, paintings and photographs have had to stay in storage for about five years, due to increasing fussiness by landlords/ -ladies about holes in the walls. HOWEVER, it is crucial to have ENOUGH of your own things around you, so that the web of YOUR things covers over a space which is, essentially, not yours. Minimalism has definite limits. Our last place had revolting dull mustard yellow walls, which definitely needed covering! Bookcases (with books!), a folding screen/ room divider, tension rods to create hanging rails, and one big rug (for the sitting room) come with us everywhere, like the interior of some sort of nomad's yurt! Seasonal and fresh decorations are another way to decorate a temporary home, and they leave only biodegradable waste, rather than broken MDF or shattered plastic! Leaf-skeletons on a string and rosehip-studded twigs (snap off the thorns!) for autumn (Fall). Holly, ivy and dried wildflowers for winter. Fresh wildflowers for spring and summer. Herbs in the kitchen....See MoreHow do I make this look better?
Comments (44)For a quick, easy and cheap facelift you'll be amazed how far a clean-up alone will go. Jet wash the wall and the driveway setts. Put a lick of paint on the ironwork, black would definitely be good. Brush in fresh kiln-dried sand between the setts. Prune back those sad looking shrubs before they get back into growth, which will be any time now. Don't cut back those firs, they will not grow back and are likely to just die. If you do anything at all with them, get rid and plant something which grows more happily in this country. It's a low definition photo so I can't see the state of the lawn or whether the wall needs re-pointing. Look yourself and treat accordingly. That alone will lift the place sufficiently to give you breathing space. Then you can think through what budget you have left and which of the many ideas available you prefer and can prioritise accordingly. On the other hand, whatever you do will not look good while all that looks scruffy and unloved....See MoreHow can I make my bay/bow window look better?
Comments (24)I have similar dilemma with the small window Which to me looks like unfinish. For addition the window sill that the window is put on is very thin and without insulation. I am attaching 2 pictures of houses that I saw in BrIstol. I like a lot how they finished the small bay window. I attached as well Picture of finish between two big bays...See MoreHow can we make this house work?
Comments (33)Hi Stella, hope it's not too late. This is a rough sketch about my idea. 2 Options Option 1: - remove the door in the living room and demolish the existing wall between kitchen and living; - new wall in line with garage with double sliding doors; - new open space in living room with a corridor into utility and toilet; - reduce garage and at rear create a toilet and utility room; - rear extension 4mt with flat roof and rooflight, to create kitchen/dining; - new windows at side in kitchen/dining; - bi-fold doors at rear; - first floor side extension above the garage; - bedroom 3 become ,1 part corridor (access to master bedroom) and 1 part en-suite (for master bedroom). - new master bedroom with dressing above garage. Option 2: - new porch at front; - remove the door in the living room and demolish the existing wall between kitchen and living; - new wall in line with garage with double sliding doors; - new open space in living room with a corridor into utility, toilet and guest room/play room; - garage conversion to realize, utility room, shower room and guest room/play room; - rear extension 4mt with vaulted ceiling, to create kitchen/dining; - new windows at side in kitchen/dining; - bi-fold doors at rear; - first floor side extension above the garage; - bedroom 3 become ,1 part corridor (access to master bedroom) and 1 part study; - new master bedroom with en-suite above garage. If you want to talk about this options, feel free to call us: 07403930900 We offer also a free initial consultation. We have a long experience in residential houses and interior design, if you like we can arrange a meeting to show you our jobs. Regards Helga...See More
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