THE GUEST HOUSE

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The LOWER LEVEL of this large upscale home with 10 ft ceilings was filled with light from sash windows on all 3 sides of the space. Consisting of 2,325 sq. ft., the space was a skeleton and had only been framed. What would be the best use of this space for the homeowners and what would afford them the best resale opportunities?

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THE DESIGN PLAN:  
CREATE 2 SEPARATE SPACES OUT OF 2325 SQ FT 
SPACE #1:  GYM and STEAM SHOWER
 ACCESSIBLE FROM THE MAIN HOUSE AND THE GUEST HOUSE

The homeowners wanted a gym and work out room.   Both

children love to dance, so I carved out a space for a gym with a dance/yoga studio and added floor-to-ceiling mirrors on 2 of the walls on this side of the 10ft tall room. 

A pair of large French doors into the space continue the same aesthetic and flow from the main house.  

The husband wanted a steam shower close to the gym. He loved the black, gray and white marble feel of the old English country clubs he grew up around.  

His request was to achieve this look but make it a little more current and interesting and have easy access to the gym.

Space # 2: THE GUEST HOUSE
WITH PRIVATE ACCESS TO DRIVEWAY AND GARDEN

After carving out the workout space, a possible wine cellar option for consideration down the line, as well as the steam shower, I was left with 2018 sq. ft. to work with for the guest house. 

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My successful career as a high end Real Estate broker in South Africa,

has taught me to ALWAYS CONSIDER RESALE when I am working on a project. 

My plan for this project was to create a space that would:

1. APPEAL TO MANY FAMILIES,

2. PROVIDE NUMEROUS OPTIONS IN IT'S USABILITY

3.  ADD VALUE FOR RESALE PURPOSES.

OPTION 1

A space for visiting guests.

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OPTION 2

Home Office

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OPTION 3

Nanny Quarters

OPTION 4

A home for Grandparents to be close to family or if they needed care.

OPTION 5

An Independent Space for grown up children, or in the case of the homeowners; their daughter and her new husband; to afford them an opportunity to save for their own home.

5  RESALE OPTIONS THAT ADD IMMENSE VALUE
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ENJOY THE GUEST HOUSE TRANSFORMATION GALLERY with BEFORES AND AFTERS
POST CHALLENGE
POST CHALLENGE

Solution: Embrace them and make them a feature!

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KITCHEN ISLAND
KITCHEN ISLAND

A center island with a heightened bar helps break up the space.

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COFFERED CEILINGS
COFFERED CEILINGS

Delineate the various areas and allow for concealed lighting and a focal point.

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FIREPLACE WALL
FIREPLACE WALL

Trimmed in white for a focal point.

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ENGINEERED HARDWOOD FLOORS
ENGINEERED HARDWOOD FLOORS

Provide a warm and cozy base.

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A READING NOOK ON STEROIDS
A READING NOOK ON STEROIDS

Perfect for reading and afternoon naps.

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OPEN FLOOR PLAN
OPEN FLOOR PLAN

5 potted tall cypress trees stand as sentries in the elevated French gravel garden outside the kitchen window.

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BAY WINDOW AND WOVEN WOOD BLINDS
BAY WINDOW AND WOVEN WOOD BLINDS

Lots of throw pillows add comfort and a pop of color.

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WHITE KITCHEN
WHITE KITCHEN

White counters keep the kitchen space open and fresh.

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OPEN PLAN LIVING
OPEN PLAN LIVING

A mirror above the fireplace reflects the kitchen window and adds additional light on this side of the room.

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FEATURE WINDOW
FEATURE WINDOW

Makes for a unique and interesting feature.

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WOVEN WOOD BLINDS
WOVEN WOOD BLINDS

Custom Blinds in a warm taupe gray blend have top/down bottom/up features for privacy.

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BEFORE
BEFORE
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POPS OF COLOR
POPS OF COLOR

Carrying this theme throughout the space gives a feel of continuity.

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GEOMETRIC BACKSPLASH
GEOMETRIC BACKSPLASH

Subtle hints of grays

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WHITE KITCHEN
WHITE KITCHEN

The cooktop and undercounter oven are located on the island.

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TOP DOWN BOTTOM UP BLINDS
TOP DOWN BOTTOM UP BLINDS

The windows provide a beautiful view of the gorgeous landscaped garden.

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OPEN FLOOR PLAN
OPEN FLOOR PLAN

Cohesive and elegant.

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BUILT IN BOOKCASES
BUILT IN BOOKCASES

Under the windows add dimension to the fireplace wall.

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WHITE PALETTE
WHITE PALETTE

Sofas and rugs in an off white seamlessly blend with the space.

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INTERIOR LAYOUT
INTERIOR LAYOUT

An edgy chair with a view of the space and outdoors is welcoming.

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POSTS AND BEAMS
POSTS AND BEAMS

Become a part of the space.

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HARDWOOD FLOOR
HARDWOOD FLOOR

And access to the main house.

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COFFERED CEILINGS
COFFERED CEILINGS

MAKE this space!

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For the Design Details