Gallery: Michelle de la Vega Makes Tin...
Michelle de la Vega converted a dusty old garage into a Mini House
Unable to pay an architect or even a general contractor, Michelle involved herself in almost all aspects of the renovation. She stripped and painted an old bath and gave it new wooden legs, laid bamboo flooring, made or fixed up old lighting fixtures, hauled debris to the dump and repurposed industrial furnishings to fit into a comfortable and inspiring new domestic setting.
The original garage was raised four feet and a small amount of square footage was added to accommodate a nicely-sized, 82 square foot bathroom, and although it’s tiny, the home sleeps three. There is an upstairs loft bedroom (a tranquil space illuminated by soft natural light) and the living room day bed folds out as well. Michelle says that most people who visit are floored by how un-cramped they feel and become inspired to use their own space more efficiently too. In fact, this happened so frequently that Michelle has made it possible for anyone to purchase her plans, streamline the permitting process, and build their own little haven of recycled goodness.
Photo credit: Ira Lippke
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That garage looks bigger and more posh that actual mortgage houses of many families around the world…
That garage looks bigger and more posh that actual mortgage houses of many families around the world…
The tranquility of a small, uncluttered space. It frees the mind to create and dream… living is lighter… greener.
Great Idea.. I have converted my garage also for the same reasons of paying of my mortgage easier. Most think I’m a little crazy but you have inspired me as there is so much more I could do with it. Thanks. Jen.
Love this little cottage! I wanted to pass along a really cool store in my town of Healdsburg, Ca it is called 14feet and you would love this store..I actually use to work there and when I say your style I immediately wanted to tell you..look them up and they do ship to other states too..good luck and you will do great with this place!! Melissa
Good point about the zoning laws. That would be something to check in to. It’s neat though, for ONE person.
Nice but what are the zoning laws on this!