Taking DIY to a whole new level, Michelle de la Vega combined her visual, artistic background with old-fashioned elbow grease to transform an old garage into an ingenious living space.
When we spotted this marvel of a makeover by Seattle based visual and performance artist Michelle de la Vega on Calfinder’s Remodeling blog, we nearly did a double take. We couldn’t believe this 250 square foot modern wonder had once been an abandoned garage – but, after taking a look at de la Vega’s website, it was easy to see how this artists’ eye for the unexpected translated from her visionary artwork into the transformation of the space she fondly dubbed her “Dream Home”.
de la Vega took a hands-on approach to the design, picking up a welding class to tackle the construction of many of the furniture and structural elements - and she was careful to use mostly salvaged and repurposed items during the remodeling process. The blending of industrial pieces, such as the metal lockers, juxtaposed with the natural wood ceilings, brings touches of what the space once was into play, while still maintaining an incredibly homey feel.
Displayed above the daybed in the sitting room area are pillows featuring images of de la Vega’s father’s architectural sketches. Sold individually, the Dream House Pillows come in a plexiglass shadow box and are able to be purchased by contacting the artist directly via her website, michelledelavega.com.
Thanks to Calfinder for featuring this gem of a home!
Images: Calfinder, Michelle de la Vega
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Fantastic!
I'm in love with that house!
looks nice, but that bed must be hard to get in to...
I agree cristaleo! Wouldn't it be easier to put the pillow at the other end of the mattress...?
Love your place, also, can you tell me where you got the chrome bowl for the fruit. I've been looking for one a long time. Thank you for sharing you story and pictures.
Bravo!
Brilliant. Other then the propane stove, my perfect kitchen.
Wow wow wow! My husband rented a converted garage ("back guest house" was the euphemism) when he first moved to Los Angeles after school - I wish it could have been half as nice as this one!!
I'm notcrazy about the aesthetics of the plexi-glass pillow display... just something off about it. Also agree about the bed... the effort it would take to sliver out of bed every morning would replace my need for a cup of coffee. Geez.
That said, I do love the house. It doesn't look overly comfortable, but it's still pretty gorgeous and I love that it is/was a garage.
Nice. I like it just as much as when it was posted on AT a while back.
This is beautiful. Is it wrong of me to wonder how much this remodel cost?
I'm wondering the same thing LetaB!
According to the other blog it was posted on and the NY Times article, it was around $32,000 for the remodel. Not bad considering that the mother of one of my friends just spent $40,000 remodeling her kitchen...
The Calfinder article says the renovation cost $32,000
@sam59 - those look like the Ikea bowls i have, but they no longer seem to be available.
You have a wonderful little home, Michelle. Good work!
One question: Do you have window coverings? I don't see any blinds or shades. I'd need them for a sense of cozyness and privacy at night.
I just couldn't love this more.
I always envy these smaller houses and cottages. They make me want to get rid of my stuff and downsize.
I'm assuming this was remodeled as a Guest House for the Main House that she lives in.
I think it's brilliant!
This is brilliant! I would like more info on how much she did on her own and how much she hired out for.
terrific space.
Great use of space. Think I'll go downstairs and clean out my garage now!
It looks awesome, some questions, how many people live in it, is it just a guest house, and what about storage? i see lockers but thats it. a bit impractical but lovely
I love the remodel. We just ripped our seriously-leaning garage down and this would be a great replacement. I'm not sure about Vancouver's bylaws though - I think we'd have to leave the kitchen out. Thank you for this!
oh... and I adore the pillows!
Simple and lovely,
can one live in there in comfort?
Very cute, but i will never understand why people loft their beds sideways! As long as she was renovating, you'd think it would be worthwhile to make sure the loft extends the extra 20 inches to accommodate a mattress the "safe way"!
i'm in love with this!
Can you provide a source for that awesome barn light out front? I have been looking for a reasonably priced one for ages! Thank you!
I love this little place, but I'm currently dealing with a injured foot while living on a third floor of no elevator building.
Stairs or ladders will not be part of my small space future/fantasies.
I know others have had a problem seeing full tours in the past and now I'm having that same issue. After reading all the posts, I especially would like to see this one. Help, what happened that I can't view tours anymore?! What do I do?