apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time


A Tiny Weekend Retreat From Automatism

071409_marieclaireEco001.jpgHave you read illustrator Lori's inspiring blog, Automatism? The minute we stumbled upon it, we bookmarked it because she really has an incredible eye for interiors and colors. Since July is all about travel and escapes, we wanted to share her post on this eco-friendly weekend retreat for two. Recently featured in Marie Claire Maison, this boat shed-turned-cozy cottage not only has a romantic waterfront view; it also manages look beautiful and stylish--without running water or electricity! Take a look at a few photos after the jump...

 
 

071409_marieclaireEcoOut.jpgThe entire home, owned by Jacques and Agnes Choi, measures a mere 50 square feet; but thanks to some ingenious arranging, it doesn't look claustrophobic. Plus, a shaded terrace, courtesy of some old theatre canvas drapes and a metal pipe frame, adds an extension of living space.


071409_marieclaireEcoBed.jpgPart living room, part bedroom, part closet: The twin sized daybeds provide storage and mobility thanks to the casters mounted to the bottom of each. The set up is perfect for lounging and having a chat during the day; at night, the striped curtain can be pulled close for some privacy.


071409_marieclaireEcoKitch.jpgThe kitchen area looks like a combination of Ikea staples, all painted a matte black for a uniform look. With space at a minimum, the vertical shelves hold the dishes while cooking utensils are tucked away in the drawers or hung on S-hooks. Since there's no "kitchen sink," all the dishes are washed in the river.


071409_marieclaireEcoSink.jpgWe love the color scheme of this home: beige, soft grey, black...with a shot of lime green. This washing area is yet another Ikea staple, but we've never seen it look so chic. A "bricklayer's trough" is used in lieu of a sink, and water is stored in cans next to it. As for a toilet or shower, we're guessing that's done in the great outdoors.

Check out more amazing posts and ideas over at Lori's blog, Automatism.

(Images: Marie Claire Maison via Automatism)

Tags

eco-living, retreat, Automatism, Swiss Family Robinson, romantic retreat

Share

Comments (9)

50 square feet can't be right, based on the photos.

posted by susan in vt on July 14th 2009 at 11:17am
view susan in vt's profile

That is certainly a luxurious form of roughin' it.

posted by Daily Decorator on July 14th 2009 at 11:18am
view Daily Decorator's profile

Gorgeous. No one needs more than that to nurture their creative soul.

posted by medusa12120 on July 14th 2009 at 12:16pm
view medusa12120's profile

I think they made a mistake in translation and the home is probably 50 square metres, not feet.

posted by marjoriees on July 14th 2009 at 12:17pm
view marjoriees's profile

You had my up until "the dishes are washed in the river." That grosses me right out.

posted by jooly on July 14th 2009 at 12:35pm
view jooly's profile

Looks larger that 50 square feet.

posted by Rick Roberts on July 14th 2009 at 1:06pm
view Rick Roberts's profile

Thanks so much, Grace, for your lovely kind words about my blog! Much appreciated. And yes, the measurements really are that tiny — the article in Marie Claire Maison gives the size of the retreat as just 17 square metres.

Lori

posted by automatism on July 14th 2009 at 5:37pm
view automatism's profile

P.S. 17 square metres works out to about 183 square feet.

posted by automatism on July 14th 2009 at 6:17pm
view automatism's profile

ok...i can see bathing in the river and i can even see rinsing the plates and utensils in the river to remove the food particles. but actually washing them in the river? yuck! boil a big pot of water and get some no rinse, biodegradable dish detergent. please!

posted by kahlil19107 on July 16th 2009 at 3:04am
view kahlil19107's profile