Doub’s Free-Spirited in Fishtown

updated Dec 19, 2019

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Name: Doub Hanshaw and John David Mahaffey
Location: Fishtown — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Size: 4,500 square feet — 1 bedroom
Years lived in: 2 — own

Doub transformed her once run-of-the-mill garage in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia into a free-spirited space that screams fun, resourcefulness and a serious sense of style. The unassuming exterior and the raw interiror is what attracted her to the space and she was able to see a diamond in the rough.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Her day job as Creative Director at Free People certainly lends itself to how her home has been transformed. The open air feel of the newly installed garage door and the lack of walls makes the space breathtakingly beautiful and inspiring.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Apartment Therapy Survey

Our Style: American industrial with natural elements

Inspiration: The German Bauhaus movement, Gaudi and Frank Lloyd Wright.

Favorite Element: I like that it is unexpected. It is unassuming from the outside because it is a garage.

Biggest Challenge: Maintaining the space and appreciating the space instead of filling the space.

What Friends Say: At first from the outside they are confused — but often amazed when they walk through the door.

Biggest Embarrassment: We used an American flag for a bathroom door until quite recently. That was difficult.

Proudest DIY: I’m proud that a converted it from a greasy working garage to an industrial loft space. It is an ongoing DIY project.

Biggest Indulgence: Opening the roof to make a back courtyard. Pouring the new cement floor with radiant heating.

Best Advice: There are many spaces that can be made into a dwelling. Form follows function.

Other Inspiration: City Planter on 4th in Northern Liberties.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Resources of Note:

APPLIANCES

HARDWARE

FURNITURE

ACCESSORIES

RUGS & CARPETS

TILES & STONE

BEDS

ARTWORK

FLOORING

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Thanks Doub!

Images: Kristen Lubbe

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