Originally this space was a garage and I transformed it into a basic guest house with a living room, bedroom and bathroom. The client needed this guest house to become a rental property and therefore needed it to be fully equipped for a renter.
We needed to add a kitchen, an eating area, office space and better storage solutions.
The client wanted to go for a more contemporary and sleek look. I decided to use a combination of white lacquer, stainless steel, and chose lime green as an accent color.
To better utilize the space and maximize the seating area, I picked out a comfortable L-Shaped sofa in a soft grey textured fabric. I added white pillows for comfort and to carry the white theme with an additional punch of green. I also placed small white trays on the arms of the sofa, so one could rest a drink close by.
I decided not to crowd the room with a coffee table. Instead I used two nesting tables which were placed at the end of the chaise. These could be moved easily as needed.
I decided to keep the original red-orange wall for a contrasting color to break the monochromatic theme I was going with. I hung a flat screen TV over the fireplace on a movable arm so it could be viewed from any place in the room. Boxes were built under the hearth of the fireplace that to hold the cable box and a DVD player.
I added a nice sized desk in what looked like a dead corner of the room, and allowed an area in the closet to keep a white leather file cabinet with wheels. It could also be used to hold a wireless printer. This way it could be stored out of the way and easily pulled out when working.
I maximized the walk in closet by doing a combination of bars and shelves. I used a basic dresser that was left from the previous furniture and cut down the legs. It is now a drawer unit within the organized closet.
The logical place to put the kitchenette for plumbing practicality was on the wall near the bathroom. I then separated the kitchen from the living area with a white lacquer bar, which serves as the eating area.
To increase storage space I found a tall narrow white lacquer cabinet that I placed in the opposite dead corner. This could function as a pantry since it is near the kitchen as well additional living space storage.
Another great find was a CD/DVD storage shelf that was placed behind the sofa overhead. That is where I placed a small sound system. It leaves plenty of room for picture frames, candles and other accessories.
To increase the storage space in the bedroom loft, I found two very wide and low drawer units that fit in space under the low pitched roof. I used a light wood finish that ties together the woven sea grass flooring. I attached the bed side lights onto the wall, to keep the surfaces open and clean.
I placed a smaller TV with DVD player upstairs, and set in on a small Balinese trunk to add a touch of interest to the room. Hung across the way are Balinese shadow puppets that can be view from the upstairs loft.
I finished the new home by using a double curtain rod in brushed nickel, to hang sheers as well as privacy curtains. All in white to continue the theme. By adding brushed nickel curtain rings it gave the drapes a more elegant and sophisticated look.
The client was able to rent this house the first day it was advertised for top dollar. This long term investment did not only increase his property value but it helped subsidize his mortgage payment.
Total cost: $10,531
Total income for one year: $19, 200
Add electrical for kitchen appliances, and TV. Additional tile work = $1,975
Closet=$1,356
Kitchen Cabinets +additional storage cabinets=$925
Kitchen counter and faucet=$350
Kitchen Appliances=$325
Counter & Bar Stools=$665
Desk, Chair, File cabinet=$850
Sofa=$1,185
Nightstands=$445
Electronics=$1,600
Curtains= $865