It was after months of looking at real estate, that I had my ‘a-ha’ moment. That’s not entirely true. It was my realtor who, perhaps out of some exhaustion, finally suggested I look at the property hunt differently – as a designer. She said, “Buy some space, and make it your own.” So I did.

What started out as a series of wood columns on a vacant mill building floor plan, became Unit 3, and that started the year of carving out a home within those 4 walls. While the rest of the building was being divvied up by a developer as condos for sale, I was busy customizing my own 680 square feet of space within the building. This was, at its core, an exercise in allocating space based on percentage usage and multi-functionality.

I was much younger then, and I would certainly admit my formative years influenced my approach. I used terms like ‘sliding planes’ and ‘columns’ to talk about my intent. This was returned by blank stares, the removal of caps and head scratching by the contractors. (I say this for the amusement of my industry friends.)

Architectural theory aside, the design concept evolved to become a narrow spine of utilitarian spaces against the inner most wall, opening up through intentional breaks to access the open concept living space.

It was an efficient layout to maximize the sense of space.

Off the shelf materials were dressed up to create custom, unique applications. MDF shelves were painted and hung from threaded rod in the kitchen to replace upper cabinetry. A sliding metal fire escape door salvaged from the site became the bedroom headboard and an old timber was refinished and installed as the bar surface separating the kitchen from the living space. Walls that didn’t have to reach the ceiling stopped short to further increase the sense of space. Cork and vinyl composite tiles were used throughout to define areas and activities within the space.

Each personal project I tackle has become a learning experience. I treat my homes as test grounds for far flung ideas and the ability to pass those successes or failures on to clients.

Curious about painting a room all black or a high gloss teal ceiling – I can tell you about it!