The overall theme of the PRCH is to reveal and celebrate materials and construction techniques that are typically concealed. It starts with the exposed corrugated steel exterior walls of the container from which the paint was removed to reveal the raw core ten steel and the natural corrosion. On the inside I revealed key interior walls that did not require insulation. With the exception of the painted wall in the main living space, I retained the original interior paint of the container along with the patina acquired over the many years of its use; the scuffs, scrapes, and dents that tell the story of the many transatlantic crossings made and the cargo transported.

The list of details of the Prince Road Container House is endless, many of which are intended to give pause to the routine of daily living; from the custom hanging lights I made from ’50s era streetlights to the mild steel kitchen backsplash I installed to display the hundreds of refrigerator magnets we’ve collected from our travels around the world, and finally the “upside down” container whose floor is now the ceiling. In the end, I wanted to create a home that’s not just a house, but a vibrant, cheerful, creative, and inviting space that celebrates living and doesn’t take itself too seriously; a coda I have tried to live by for as long as I can remember.

My Style: ’50s era children’s TV shows

Inspiration: Romper Room ’50s TV show

Favorite Element: One of my favorite elements are the windows, especially the clerestory windows on the top level. Looking out all you see are the branches of the live oak trees covered in Spanish moss.

Biggest Challenge: Having lost my home of 32 years to Hurricane Irma, there were multiple challenges. From being underinsured and having to scrape together the money to build to being owner/builder and having to not only manage the sub-contractors but do much of the work myself all while running my business and parenting my child.

Proudest DIY: The entire project was DIY so I would have to say getting the certificate of occupancy (CO) was my proudest moment

Biggest Indulgence: Some of the materials such as the Parallam used for the stair treads/landing were fairly expensive and required much (of my) labor to finish.

Is there something unique about your home or the way you use it? Obviously the most unique aspect is using shipping containers to build with. 

What are your favorite products you have bought for your home and why? I’m a big fan of Kohler plumbing products because of the design and quality.

Please describe any helpful, inspiring, brilliant, or just plain useful small space maximizing and/or organizing tips you have: Don’t build too many closets; it will force you to keep only the most important possessions.

Finally, what’s your absolute best home secret or decorating advice? BE FEARLESS!

• Commercial Style Aluminum Door, Full Light — Origins USA Inc Venice, Florida

• Morabo leather sofa — IKEA
• Paul McCobb Planner Group Buffet (vintage)
• Paul McCobb Planner Group Cabinet (vintage)
• Custom wall mount TV Cabinet — Abode Woodwork, St. Augustine, Florida
• Custom Shoe Cabinet/Bench — Abode Woodwork, St. Augustine, Florida
• Glass Top Cast Iron Coffee Table — CB2
• Restored Seeburg C Model Jukebox (vintage) — Restored by owner
• Restored Philco Predicta Television (vintage) — Restored by Restoration Services Mount Dora, FL
• Custom Strip Mall pillow — Artist Billy Kheel Los Angeles, California
• Julius Pillow — Paul Frank Industries Los Angeles, California
• Ugly Doll pillow
• Sofa pillow — Anthropologie

• Custom dining booth  — A&J Commercial Seating Inc. Summerfield, Florida
• Retro bar stools + dining chairs — Richardson Seating

• Custom Baltic Birch Plywood Cabinets (designed by owner) — Abode Woodwork LLC, St. Augustine, Florida
• Custom S/S Countertops — Made by owner
• Viking 48” dual fuel range
• GE Monogram 36” refrigerator/freezer
• KitchenAid dishwasher
• GE Profile microwave oven
• Slayer Espresso Machine with Compak Grinder

• Paul McCobb Bedside Cabinet — Vintage
• Paul McCobb coffee table — Vintage
• Rattan Headboard with teak bed frame — Vintage
• Teak Dresser — Vintage
• Teak Wardrobe — Vintage
• Paul McCobb Planner Group Desk and T Back Chair — Vintage
• Puzzle Chair — David Kawecki San Francisco, CA
• Phillipe Starck Rosy Angelis Floor Lamp — FLOS Lighting Merano, Italy
• Freiheiten Sleeper Sectional — IKEA

• IKEA bed — Vintage
• IKEA baltic birch plywood chest of drawers — Vintage

• Toto Dual Flush toilet
• Duravit Vero sink
• Kohler Tobbi faucet
• Kohler Tobbi accessories

Thanks Rob!

This house tour’s responses were edited for length and clarity.

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