(Welcome again to Manuela, one of the finalists in our Blogger search. She's writing from Seattle. Comment away!)
Name: Taylor & Mandy Calloway
Location: Seattle, Washington
Size: 709 sq ft
Years lived in: 3
If it weren�t for Taylor Calloway�s mean brisket, you wouldn�t know he hailed from Texas. Both transplants from the Lone Star state, Taylor and Mandy Calloway fit right in in the Pacific Northwest with their passion for sustainable design, eagerly looking for ways to incorporate green materials into their designs. Architect and interior designer respectively, they put their talent to good use in fixing up their condo in the heart of downtown Seattle...
Do you have an idea for a house tour? Let us know! tips (at) sf (dot) apartmenttherapy (dot) com
...They snagged a place in a great location; right next door to Pike Place Market, their apartment looks west to Puget Sound. They both walk to work � and why not? They are just a few flights of stairs (or an elevator ride on a weary day) away from the office (where they both work), which occupies one of the storefronts.
Exposed brick and timber enrich the character of the space; quirky additions like the beat-up chipped-paint doors lend personality (and happen to be an inventive room divider!).
As illustrated in the pictures, there is no separate bedroom. Undaunted, Taylor and Mandy implemented a creative track system to create visual privacy. Next, they went to work on the kitchen and the bath. They even managed to fit a grand piano into their space and still not have it feel cluttered. Now that is some serious space-wizardry!
The Calloways� sense of material and texture is impeccable; and the results are truly drool-worthy. Their place is so cool we bet you�ll forget you�re looking at a mere 700 square feet.
Style: Eclectic modern
Inspiration: Loft style and living, green/sustainable design (we have bamboo floors, recycled paper/fly ash countertops, low voc paint, natural stone in bathroom)
Favorite element: Exposed timber beams and ceiling
Biggest challenge: Closet storage; there simply isn't enough space and we have had to be clever and creative to hide clutter. We did so with a wall shelving system which was then hidden by full height drapery on a track.
What friends say: How did you get that piano in here?! They also note how impressive it is that we have everything we need in such a small space and it isn't overwhelming or cluttered.
Biggest embarrassment: Lighting...we have had very little budget to do what needs to be done...now that we have a new kitchen and bath, the poor light quality really stands out.....next project for sure!
Proudest DIY: Steel backsplash in kitchen and mosaic tile at vanity
Biggest indulgence: Entire bathroom!!!!! We wanted a serene space, where we could relax. We also splurged on fixtures.
Best advice (given or received): Our advice is to find a great plumber...
Dream source (for stuff): Dwell, Poliform, DWR.
Thanks, Taylor and Mandy!
-manuela
i love the layout of your space. The kitchen is that sort of organized clutter that i think a kitchen should have, if someone actually uses it. There is a nice balance between minimalism and "Homieness" if that makes sence! great space! p.s where did you get that awesome wine rack on the kitchen wall?
view E.M.H's profile
it is so perfect i love every inch of it!!
view karenmmm's profile
How unlike me, but I don't have a quibble about one single thing! It's wonderful. I especially drool over your dark wood ceilings; your draperies with their understated but definite elegance and their soft vertical flow down the walls; the positioning of your piano; your integration of light, almost non colors and white.
Did you create the tractor-seat chair yourselves? Great combination of elements.
The whole place is excellent.
view Aulaire's profile
totally gorgeous!
view godsfool's profile
To those wondering...the tractor seat is actually a quirky heirloom!! My great uncle made it on the farm from left over tractor parts...it is probably about 30 years old!
view tmc's profile
OMG. Completely insane:)
view surferelf's profile
Great pictures! Really give a good feeling of the space!
view vmb's profile
I have never been in your house and it looks so cool.It is cool to see my realitives' house on the internet!
view ABuck's profile
Oh my gosh, how random - I was looking around trying to get decorating ideas and I came upon this. I went to high school with these people! Gorgeous home - nice piano!
view lxoetting's profile