Why should the kids have all the fun? Adding a she shed to this space gave the grown-ups their very own space on a property with several play houses to choose from.

James Stewart

©PixelProFoto (Alison Huntley & Jon Naugle)

Minimalist or maximalist? - A corner of her office ... who says she's a 'maximalist'? But she's happy knowing her treasured artworks are hung and admired rather than sitting collecting dust in storage!

Donald Chapman, AIA,CMB This unique project, located in Donalds, South Carolina began with the owners requesting three primary uses. First, it was have separate guest accommodations for family and friends when visiting their rural area. The desire to house and display collectible cars was the second goal. The owner’s passion of wine became the final feature incorporated into this multi use structure. This Guest House – Collector Garage – Wine Cellar was designed and constructed to settle into the picturesque farm setting and be reminiscent of an old house that once stood in the pasture. The front porch invites you to sit in a rocker or swing while enjoying the surrounding views. As you step inside the red oak door, the stair to the right leads guests up to a 1150 SF of living space that utilizes varied widths of red oak flooring that was harvested from the property and installed by the owner. Guest accommodations feature two bedroom suites joined by a nicely appointed living and dining area as well as fully stocked kitchen to provide a self-sufficient stay. Disguised behind two tone stained cement siding, cedar shutters and dark earth tones, the main level of the house features enough space for storing and displaying six of the owner’s automobiles. The collection is accented by natural light from the windows, painted wainscoting and trim while positioned on three toned speckled epoxy coated floors. The third and final use is located underground behind a custom built 3” thick arched door. This climatically controlled 2500 bottle wine cellar is highlighted with custom designed and owner built white oak racking system that was again constructed utilizing trees that were harvested from the property in earlier years. Other features are stained concrete floors, tongue and grooved pine ceiling and parch coated red walls. All are accented by low voltage track lighting along with a hand forged wrought iron & glass chandelier that is positioned above a wormy chestnut tasting table. Three wooden generator wheels salvaged from a local building were installed and act as additional storage and display for wine as well as give a historical tie to the community, always prompting interesting conversations among the owner’s and their guests. This all-electric Energy Star Certified project allowed the owner to capture all three desires into one environment… Three birds… one stone.

Overhead glass doors are great use for converted garages that can be used for entertaining. Our customer re-purposed an old entry door and turned it into a dining room table. This eclectic space gives off the modern vibe that is made when home owners decide to convert their garages into a unique living space. Sarah F.

Garage Work Station, Storage and Lounge

Photography by Jorge Alvarez.

Sporty garage with checkerboard floor & custom built ins

While a formal swing set and play area ensure young kids have a spot of their own, as they age they prefer crunching gravel trails, hidden seating, and discovering fruits and veggies in the edible garden near a charming wooden shed. Photo: Lesly Hall Photography The trail, and a petite patio to the side of the shed create defensible space, protecting the wood shed and wood fence from a fire that might catch the other. If fire were near, cushions would be placed within the shed, and the shed window closed as additional precautions.

Porte Cochere at guest arrival

The man cave-- a large space for relaxing & entertaining which also houses his baseball memorabilia collection. Photography by Studio 101 West.

In this photo, the garage is open and accentuates the lovely outdoor area of this home. By installing glass doors that be doubled as a sort of patio entrance, you invite a warm feeling along with supreme ventilation for your space. Sarah F.

These Custom Wood Doors using Douglas fir and stained using Sikkens Cetol are a great compliment to the eclectic use of various materials and colors for this new garage/"mother-in-law" apartment space.