Overhauled Tiny Fisherman´s Cottage

Ola,

I came across an article on how a tiny fisherman's cottage was REVAMPED!!! 

It is a great example of using an existing structure and remodeling, which is excellent for the environment!

Memories from a trip to Ireland that I had years ago came flooding back....  Ireland is such a beautiful country with so many beautiful people...

Fisherman's Cottage - Bray, Ireland

The 280-square foot cottage, built in the 1880s as a simple fisherman's cottage, is a piece of Irish history in Ireland's coastal town of Bray.  The client, who grew up in Bray, envisioned converting the small cottage into as a small vacation home.

The client wanted to keep the cottage's exterior.  Due to its history, the cottage is listed as a protected structure, which meant that it could not be knocked down and work had to be done within its tiny footprint.

The cottage had no front or back garden and had only one tiny toilet that was only accessible from the outdoors.

The living area before the renovation

Water pouring in through a leaky roof caused damage throughout the home.

Cube with Stairs leading to the Sleeping Loft

Colm Doyle and DMVG Architects helped transform this tiny space into something habitable and sunny. Doyle decided to create a modern interior which revolves around a plywood cube that divides the room by activity, creating an open feel

Kitchen before the remodel

Being that the fisherman's cottage had been unoccupied for 10 years, the house had no functioning gas or electric system.  The kitchen was very outdated with a mix of different tastes and styles.

Kitchen after the remodel

The rear side of the cube now holds the kitchen and additional storage. 

Sleeping Loft

The spacious sleeping loft takes advantage of the cottage's sloped ceilings.  The large skylights let in afternoon and evening light, but keep the room from becoming too bright in the morning.  The closet and storage space built into the wall eliminates the need for a dresser or wardrobe.

I found a great quote to sum up my feeling of this renovation:

"I've found you've got to look back at the old things and see them in a new light." - John Coltrane

- Eddy

Sustainable Expectations: An Interior Perspective

Ola!!!

As you all know, I am a serious advocate of SUSTAINABILITY in Interior Design.

Recently, I have been reading in various publications that sustainability is a trend and not very important to consumers here in the United States.  It made me sad to read this, but it has given me even more impetus to always include sustainability in my design projects.  Living here in Hawai'i, where we are always so close to nature, one realizes that we are all connected to everything here on this planet.  

This week, I came across an article entitled: Sustainable Expectations: An Interior Perspective, by  Angela Fedele, Interior Design Source.

In the article, it discusses Sustainability in Australia:

“The ‘trend’ face of sustainability at its most accessible is up-cycling because the concept of reuse is becoming more and more important to consumers whose focus has shifted from brand new and replaceable pieces to one off or hand made pieces,” Palmer explains.  

Darren Palmer, Designer. Image Courtesy The Interiors Addict

Green Interior Design is basis of my work and, while writing this blog entry, it brings to mind  my favorite quote and life mantra which is so dear to my heart:

"You must be the change you want to see in the world.” 

                                                                    - Mahatma Ghandi

Do you feel that sustainability is a passing trend?

What is the view of sustainability in your country?

Please share!!!

A Great Reused Item | End Grain Flooring

Ola!!!

In my earlier post entitled -  A Great Example of a Loving Restoration, I mentioned that I received a great comment from Kristi Nelson at KM NELSON DESIGN on my blog entry entitled RENOVATE AND BE KIND TO THE EARTH.  She suggested using costly pieces such as wood floors, doors, window, etc. from homes that are being renovated or demolished.  Reusing these kinds of items are so great for the environment and the pocketbook!!!!

Last week, I found a great example of reused wood paired with brick to create a beautiful floor on HOUZZ.COM.

Here is the photo:

Contemporary Wood Flooring by Smithville Specialty Contractors Elmwood Reclaimed Timber Inc.

Have you found any great items that can be reused in a design or remodeling project?

Please share!!!!

- Eddy

Necessity is the Mother of INVENTION

Aloha!!!!

I live in a 1 bedroom in-law cottage here in Honolulu with my partner and our 1 1/2 year old Jack Russell, Keona.  I love our little house and I am finally ready to decorate.  I have decided on minimalistic approach due to the fact that our house is so small and too many things will make it feel even smaller.

I was reading the article below on HOUZZ.COM and realized that I made the right decision!!!

Houzz Tour: Airplane Efficiency for a Minimalist Hong Kong Flat

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Browse Outdoor Products on Houzz- For Example:

Gardening Tools · Greenhouses · Grills · Hammocks · Bird Feeders · Doormats · Mailboxes · Retainer Walls ·

I will definitely let you know how my design project is going here in my litte house!

What would be your ideas for designing a small space?

Let us know!!!!

A Great Example of a Loving Restoration

Aloha,

I received a great comment from Kristi Nelson at KM NELSON DESIGN on my blog entitled RENOVATE AND BE KIND TO THE EARTH.  She suggested using costly pieces such as wood floors, doors, window, etc. from homes that are being renovated or demolished.  Reusing these kinds of items are so great for the environment and the pocketbook!!!!

Kristi has inspired me to look further into remodeling first when working on a project, if at all possible.  I came across a great example of a Home Restoration that looks so chic and modern on my favorite interior design source, HOUZZ.COM.

My Houzz: 1950s Rebound for a Cliff May House

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Browse Home Office Products on Houzz- For Example:

Bulletin Board · Cable Management · Desk Accessories · Desks · Filing Cabinets And Carts · Task Chairs ·

Have you thought about reusing items in your design projects?

Please share your comments!!