Before & After Photos: Garage to Guest House
By Beaty Coleman
Evans home office remodel, exterior, before
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Architect Anna Evans transformed her dilapidated garage into a creative outlet for work and play.
Garage: After
Evans home office remodel, exterior
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
When Anna and Luke Evans bought their Birmingham cottage six years ago, the detached garage/guest house sealed the deal. There was one obvious problem: The future home office was falling down.
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Garage: Before
Evans home office remodel, exterior, before
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
What they did:
- Moved the gables to the sides for a more pleasing front view
- Chose shingle siding and a wood-shingled roof to complement the main house
- Splurged on large custom front doors that open wide to connect the indoors and outdoors
- Upgraded the landscaping to create an inviting studio entry
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Workspace
Evans home office remodel, workspace, after
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
- Designed a large worktable with an antique oak top to accommodate daily reviews of architectural drawings, as well as sewing projects, gift wrapping, even birthday parties
- Installed framed corkboard along one full wall for pinning up current projects and inspirations
Get the Look
- Twist Swivel Stool (438000), adjustable height from 24½", $110; worldmarket.com
- Oversized Equator Pendant Lamp, 34¼" D x 10" H, $199, cb2.com
- Worktable Paint, Savannah Green (2150-30), benjaminmoore.com
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Workspace
Evans home office remodel, seating area
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
- Painted salvaged metal filing cabinets from an office supply store and used them as the bases of extra-long desks on either side of the room; wooden frames form the countertops and fit neatly around the cabinets
- Upgraded salvaged office chairs by reupholstering them in faux snakeskin
Get the Look
- Cabinet Paint, Valley View (214); benjaminmoore.com
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Kitchenette
Evans home office remodel, kitchenette addition
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
- Painted wood floors in a cheerful yellow-and- white stripe. "It adds a punch of color, and the wood is more functional than sisal because I can easily wipe up spills," Anna says.
- Chose open shelving instead of cabinetry to provide storage without blocking the light and views of the low windows
- Stocked the shelves with baskets to store bar essentials for entertaining, kitchen amenities for overnight guests, and other items
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Bedroom
Evans home office remodel, bedroom
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
- Established a yellow, white, and gray color palette based on the graphic duralee fabric she found for the window shades
- Splurged on a custom dressing table flanked by a pair of spacious closets, painted yellow to contrast with the walls so the built-in resembles a piece of furniture
- Glued wall-to-wall sisal directly to the concrete slab for a sophisticated yet affordable look
Get the Look
- Roman Shade fabric, Yellow abstract (20946-66) by duralee (duralee.com), available through DCOTA; 954/921-7575
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By Beaty Coleman