One of the most important things about planning for this house has been creating spaces. Space for spending time with family, space for entertaining, space to work, space to rest and relax and space to create. Josh and I both are creative people with an assortment of hobbies. We realized when we combined houses last fall that we lack space for us to create individually–which usually ends in saw dust on a newly refinished piece of furniture or paint on the dining room table. In the last several years, sheds have grown in popularity. They are no longer old buildings in the backyard for the lawn mower, but instead transformed into inspiring creative spaces, an extension of the home.
Tucked away, behind brush and a few intense vines, sits the original carriage house. This outbuilding is roughly 14×17 with a 6-foot lean-to off on the back.
Fortunately for me, Josh’s woodshop requires more room than this building has to offer, so I inherited it for my she-shed! Once we begin landscaping, I want to create a small fenced-in courtyard area, ideal for pets and kids to safely play and hang-out near the house. The carriage house will be included in this area.
This little backyard getaway will be my creative studio, housing art supplies and crafting machines. Due to the condition of the structure, a large portion of the materials will need to be replaced; however, I do hope to salvage a few treasures from the remodel to keep in this area. The plan for the floor includes using boards currently on the side sunroom that will be torn down to allow for the wrap around porch to be replaced. Since I do plan to use the space year round, we will insulate and finish the interior. I’m hoping to have exposed, stained planks and beams on the ceiling and a small loft area to provide a storage space for wood, paint and canvases. Josh is building a movable ladder to allow for easy access to this area. It will also have a desk, storage and workstations.
The lean-to on the back provides a perfect place to store gardening supplies, vases and pots. It will also allow space to protect plants from the elements during colder winter months and will have electricity and running water. The floor will be constructed of salvaged bricks from various areas of the house.
Here are a few inspiration photos for the carriage house:
Be sure to check back with us and watch the progress!