Downsizing is all about priorities. What do you really need to live, work and play? What are the essentials? Arriving at a place where your space is smaller may actually lead to a larger lifestyle. Mobility, less financial burden, a clutter free existence – FREEDOM!
So, I love it when I see successful people living in downsized homes whether it be a condo, apartment, town-home or trailer! Check out this fabulous retro airstream that has only 150 sq. ft of living space and has been refurbished by landscape architect, Andreas Stavroupolo.
Andreas actually works from a second trailer that provides ample natural light, plenty of desk and wall space to spread out his plans and is equipped with solar panels that power his laptop and other electronics. Now, that’s just plain cool (and green)!
Stavroupolo loves the freedom this lifestyle affords him and the ability to live and work on or near his work sites helps him personally connect with each project.
Do you have any dreams of owning an airstream? Or perhaps you already do…I would love to hear about it!
Images via here.
downsizing, environmental design, Garden, interior design, Lifestyle, Small Space Design
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airstream, Andreas Stavroupolo, architect, california, candace kramer, design, downsize my space, downsizing, environmental, environmental design, Garden, interior design, landscape, lifestyle, retro, sanfrancisco, small homes, small space, small space design, space planning, trailer
I am so excited to introduce you to Michele Reeves, I just met her myself this week at the Waluga Masonic Lodge in Lake Oswego. The meeting that Michele was presenting was “Fundamentals of Thriving Downtowns”. You all know how I thrive to promote urban downtown living and that I am very active in being a stakeholder for a vibrant downtown for Lake Oswego, marketing two condo projects, Stafford Commons and 555 2nd st Condos for the last five years.
Foothills Park
Michele is an urban strategist with extensive background in commercial real estate, development consulting, project management, and retail leasing. She founded Civilis Consultants to help cities improve their downtowns by teaching the building blocks found in successful commercial districts. Working together with stakeholders, she takes those essential elements and uses them to help communities construct detailed and achievable plans for revival.
Who would not love this savvy consultant and her fast paced informative presentation- she is known nation wide!
Lakeview Village
The next series of workshops will included the following- Analysis and Recommendations Presentation- short term goals and concrete steps
Field Trip of “Do’s and Don’ts” in the City
Marketing and PR workshop “every downtown should have a clear idea of the experience it wants to provide”
Be sure to connect with Michele at www.civilisconsultants.com and www.cityoflakeoswego.com for more information.
See you downtown at the Saturday market for all the Turkey fixins! Cheers ck
George Rogers Park
Aging in Place, architecture, Community, downsizing, education, Events, Lifestyle, Local News, Parks, Real Estate
| 555 second street, candace kramer, community, design, downsize, downsize my space, downsizing, downtown, oregon, parks, portland, Real Estate, urban
Just recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Leah Hersey of Jersey Girl Weaving. She’s a client of mine and when she told me about her home studio, I wanted to know more! Over tea and snacks, she told me the story of how her newly built studio was born.
Leah has always had a passion for textiles and inevitably fell in love with the art of weaving. Not quite as portable as knitting or as compact as cross-stitch, Leah soon realized that she would need space – a lot of space – to fully devote her self to this craft. After all, a real loom takes up a whole lotta floor. Enter the idea of constructing an out building and making it her full time studio!
Aptly named Jersey Girl Weaving – a throwback to her time living on the east coast – this new building has provided the space, natural light and artistic solitude that Leah was seeking.
I couldn’t resist capturing all the beautiful details of Leah’s space…
I just love all the colors and textures! The groupings of sheep create a sense of whimsy and honor Leah’s love of wool.
I know that having this new space makes Leah’s art a central focus in her life and brings her much joy.
By thinking creatively, she maximized her property and utilized her space with care and purpose.
Do you ever dream of having your own home office or studio? Where could you create this space?
Thanks to Leah for inspiring us!
interior design, interviews, Lifestyle, Local News, Remodel, Small Space Design, stories
| art, candace kramer, client, craft, design, downsize, downsize my space, downsizing, east coast, hobby, home, interior design, jersey, jersey girl weaving, leah hersey, lifestyle, office, oregon, out building, portland, Real Estate, shed, sheep, small space, small space design, space, space planning, studio, weaving, wool
Hello! Hope your summer is going well. Mine has been very busy – working, gardening, planning my remodel and visiting with family and friends! Finally had some time to check out the internet for some inspiration and I had to share this with you…
Found this amazing design contest via Jovoto, that has closed but the plans submitted are just fabulous! The assignment was to design a “Jewel Box” studio apartment within 420 sq. ft. Here are a few shots from the 1st place winner…
{images via}
Some really ingenious ideas here. Go check out more of the design entries…I could have spent all day going thru them! So inventive!
Have a great rest of the week!
architecture, bathroom design, downsizing, environmental design, I SPY DESGIN, interior design, kitchen design, Lifestyle, Small Space Design, stories
| apartment, bathroom design, candace kramer, design, downsize, downsize my space, downsizing, environmental design, interior design, lifestyle, small space, small space design, small spaces, space planning
Hello! Hope your week has been going well! Right now, I’ve got sheds on the brain. You see, after much thought we have decided to renovate the detached garage of our rental home. Inspired by the many garage remodels that I have seen recently, I’ve taken the leap and started my own! Don’t worry, I will be documenting and sharing the process with you too! Turning this rather dilapidated garage into a fabulous living space will be quite the adventure but now that the picture is becoming clearer, I believe a shed will be in order. A quaint little outbuilding with character, style and of course, functionality.
Thankfully, sheds have come a long way. They are not longer the forgotten shack in the corner of the property where you keep the lawn mower and rake. These days sheds have taken on a new importance and aesthetic, often mirroring the style and architecture of the home. Some use them as a retreat, an office space or dining room. Check out these magical little sheds I’ve come across…via Houzz…
I especially love this dining “shed”. It reminds of my beach house, where we converted the garage into our dining hall.
See below…
This space gets so much use and we’ve made so many good memories around that old table.
Okay well, I better keep gathering my ideas and plans for the remodel. I will keep you posted!
Do you have a shed or garage that you use as a living space? I would love to hear about it!
Have a fantastic weekend!
architecture, downsizing, Garden, interior design, Lifestyle, pre-fabricated, Remodel, Small Space Design
| beach house, candace kramer, community, cottage, design, downsize, downsize my space, downsizing, garage, Garden, houzz, interior design, lifestyle, out building, remodel, renovate, retreat, shed, small space, small space design, small spaces
Comments (7) 
Andreas actually works from a second trailer that provides ample natural light, plenty of desk and wall space to spread out his plans and is equipped with solar panels that power his laptop and other electronics. Now, that’s just plain cool (and green)!
Themocracy