Who doesn’t love a good makeover? Especially if it involves small space creativity. Seattle based artist, designer and welder Michelle de la Vega took an old tired garage and turned it into a full functioning and visually stunning little house. Most fixtures and pieces of furniture were custom built for the project or salvaged, refurbished and repurposed by the designer/owner. The place is only 250 sq. ft., but thanks to clever space-saving solutions, it seems bigger; and there are no compromises in comfort.
Before
After
Thank you for so many kind words about Shoebox Dwelling, Stella! I’m delighted to know you’ve been enjoying it. And good luck with your aspired career path, hope you get to do your creative thing soon. I’ll stand by with the inspiration part, promise. x
Very nice makeover. I’ll be living in one of them soon (I just retired). Much nicer than the cardboard box I thought about getting.
This is divine. I see so much potential in all kinds of structures. You have raised the bar for small space.
I could not love this any more. awesome!!
I absolutely love the space, nice job! I’m curious if you may have done a timeline and posted it on the web somewhere? If you don’t mind me asking, approximately how much was the reno?
This is such a lovely transition and so creative! Where did you find the frame for the bed? I live in a very small studio under 250 so I’m always looking for ideas on how to use the space creatively and this is really so beautiful.
Great job!!! Do you have a list that describes the bigger items and where they were purchased?
Thank you for sharing.
Lav
It’s always refreshing to find someone who approaches architecture, space and possessions from a “less is more” perspective. Ms. de la Vega demonstrates this in the design and construction of her “Shoebox Dwelling” in Seattle.
Not only is this smart design low-impact and better for the environment, it can enhance one’s way of life by encouraging a greater appreciation for what one does have rather than what one doesn’t have.
Spread the word!
I’ve just opened a store in Sydney Australia called Small Spaces and live in a 29sqm studio. I love this conversion as it shows how to create a feeling of space in conjuction with comfort and warmth, brilliant. And Natalia this is my new favorite blog. subscribing now, can’t wait to see more.
Thank you for the kind words, Sarah! It’s always a joy to hear from a fellow shoebox dweller. Good luck with your enterprise, and please do keep in touch.
@Jeff and @laverne poe Sorry guys, I won’t be able to tell you specifics about the budget or items. Probably best to ask the designer/owner – http://michelledelavega.com/?page_id=7
Thank you for your comments and interest, everyone!
Wonderful!
That is such a neat house. It is amazing what can be achieved with careful planning and design. I love small things and this is great.
Does it have a shower/bath or just the pictured basins?
I would love to know what the budget was for this project. I was looking to do something similar.
Somehow…no matter how clever and cute it still requires a budget. Just wondering what was spent.
I am in love with this little place, and will not be a whole person until I have something like this for myself. Tiny, beautiful, and inspiring. Many thanks, Tom
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home with us. We’re definitly interested in cutting down on the things we’ve owned and converting a garage. Respectfully, do you mind me asking what the renovation cost?
-Jessica
@Jessica – I’m merely featuring the project. You probably should address your question to the designer directly – http://michelledelavega.com/?page_id=7
OOPS! Sorry – Thanks for the reminder Natalie. I literally forgot by the time I got to the bottom of the post because I was so enthralled. Thanks!
This is such an amazing space!
Hey this is aweome i am just about to do this yith my shed that abput this size so what inpiration this is for me thanks!
wow I’m going to write that again! awesome! going to do this with my shed it’s about this size , so what an inspiration this is thanks
saw your mini house and really like what you did. im now 60 years old, play guitar and looking at new ways to live. I keep looking around my house and going i dont need all this. not just space but clothes and furniture and just all kinds of STUFF laying around. So im changing over the next couple of years. im planning a trip to washington and idaho and canada in 2014. are there restrictions on mini homes in your area. ill be looking around for new places to live possibly and keep it simple, basic and comfortable. great job on your home
Gill, thanks for the comment. You might want to address your questions (and compliments) to the designer directly by following the link in the post. Good luck with your search.
I love everything in that house! The colours, the fire place… BRAVO!
Hello Natalia,
Your blog is fantastic.
It’s such a big inspiration for me – now my career-dream is beeing a architect and furniture-designer. I love small and tiny houses like that – and i especially love the idea of buying a garage for small money and then – like this garage of Michelle de la Vega, build a fantastic house of it.
I’m loving those multifunctional things so much – and I’m so happy, that you’re interested in them too!
Thank you very much.
Stella
(Sorry for my not really good english….I’m not an American or English ;3)