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Room of the Week: An Unused Garage Transformed into a Chic Writing Room
A cool monochrome scheme and a mix of old and new have turned this detached garage into a light and inspiring writing studio
It’s hard to believe that not long ago, only the spiders used this detached one-car garage in Vancouver. Even though it was unfinished and full of cobwebs, the homeowner and her interior designer, Andrea McLean, saw the potential it had as a studio space. It was located just across the garden from the house, and they knew it would be free from household distractions when the owner wanted some quiet writing time. Having a good sense of her client’s tastes, and knowing her Arts and Crafts house well, Andrea created a fresh, functional space, complete with lovely garden views.
‘The house’s architecture is traditional, but the owner likes an eclectic mix,’ says Andrea. ‘We wanted to embrace old details but also make it fresh.’ The most traditional details in the studio are the mullions on the windows. Back when her writer’s studio was just a dream, the homeowner had collected some key pieces that ended up making it very special.
‘Originally she wanted accordion doors that would open completely to the garden, but it just wasn’t in the budget,’ says Andrea. However, her client had something even better stashed away – back when the neighbours across the street had replaced all of their windows, she had salvaged their old windows from the skip and saved them. The builder was able to configure the new door and those old windows into a glass wall that offers great views of the garden. All the white in the studio provides a backdrop that makes the garden seem even more vivid.
‘Originally she wanted accordion doors that would open completely to the garden, but it just wasn’t in the budget,’ says Andrea. However, her client had something even better stashed away – back when the neighbours across the street had replaced all of their windows, she had salvaged their old windows from the skip and saved them. The builder was able to configure the new door and those old windows into a glass wall that offers great views of the garden. All the white in the studio provides a backdrop that makes the garden seem even more vivid.
While the exterior architecture and windows brought the traditional, the white keeps things light, bright and contemporary. The Eames chairs add some midcentury modern style, and the floor is a geometric stunner that is both on trend and timeless.
Andrea had always admired the beautiful patterned encaustic tile floors she’d seen in old buildings in Spain and Cuba. Having worked with her client for a few years on her home, she knew her style well, knew that she was a fan of Picasso and Gaudí, and knew that she loved to travel. This gave her the idea to present the design inspiration as a little writer’s studio in Barcelona. Just as she expected, her client loved it.
Tiles from the Frame collection, Refin.
Andrea had always admired the beautiful patterned encaustic tile floors she’d seen in old buildings in Spain and Cuba. Having worked with her client for a few years on her home, she knew her style well, knew that she was a fan of Picasso and Gaudí, and knew that she loved to travel. This gave her the idea to present the design inspiration as a little writer’s studio in Barcelona. Just as she expected, her client loved it.
Tiles from the Frame collection, Refin.
While the floors were a splurge, Andrea saved money by finding the sawhorse desk and the shelves and cabinets at Ikea. The way the shelves line up against the wall as one big unit gives them a custom built-in look.
The homeowner has loads of literature and psychology books out here – which, Andrea assures, usually have their spines proudly displayed. They were turned around by the photo stylist to put the focus on the room’s design instead.
The homeowner has loads of literature and psychology books out here – which, Andrea assures, usually have their spines proudly displayed. They were turned around by the photo stylist to put the focus on the room’s design instead.
A vintage steamer trunk holds costumes and toys for the children the owner teaches.
See more ways salvaged items can be used in your home
See more ways salvaged items can be used in your home
A classic Eames chair is a comfortable spot for reading. It also adds to the feeling that the little studio has evolved over time, as if another writer might have used it in the 1950s.
Tour another creative studio
Tour another creative studio
While the homeowner had always enjoyed her garden, she had never made much of this space just off the new studio. Inspired by the renovation, she found some recycled bricks on Craigslist and mixed them in with concrete pavers to create an eclectic patio.
The lounge chairs are another great spot for reading, having a snack and enjoying the view. She hung some more of her salvaged windows around the garden, further tying her little writer’s studio to the rest of the property.
Chairs, West Elm.
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The lounge chairs are another great spot for reading, having a snack and enjoying the view. She hung some more of her salvaged windows around the garden, further tying her little writer’s studio to the rest of the property.
Chairs, West Elm.
TELL US…
What do you think of this transformation? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
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Room at a Glance
What happens here Lots of writing, reading and some lesson planning by a teacher of young children
Location Vancouver
Size 9 sq m
Designer Andrea McLean of Andrea McLean Design Office
The garage was about the same age as the Arts and Crafts house and had similar characteristics. First, the owner’s builder gave the garage a full upgrade, replacing rotten and water-damaged framing, adding insulation, creating the proper exterior with vapour barriers and installing drywall. The new tiled floors also have a radiant-heat system.