Hi all! Happy New Year!
I’m getting back into the swing of things finally and today, I have a fabulous garage make-over to share with you - all the way from Bordeaux! (You all know how I have a thing for garage projects!)
This tiny 441 sq. ft. space was designed by the ingenious team at FABRE/deMARIEN.
Check this out before shot…dull, dingy and dark.
Not anymore, step into this light, airy, beautifully designed space...
Glass walls allow plenty of natural light in and minimal white furniture and cabinetry keep the look crisp and clean.
That wooden cube houses the sleeping loft, bathroom with shower, washing machine and storage. The small staircases leads up to the bed.
The built in desk and convertible sofa offer both function and flexibitly – which is SO key when dealing with limited square footage!
The sleeping loft has clothing storage and shelf space. The skylight makes the space fell less closed in.
A simple, but functional bathroom is underneath the bed area. Love the generous counter space!
The deck extends the living space and is a great place for dining al fresco on a lovely evening.
Pretty fantastic right? To check out the project in its entirety and read more about the process please go here.
Have a wonderful week!

architecture, downsizing, environmental design, interior design, Remodel, Small Space Design
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bordeaux, candace kramer, design, downsize, downsize my space, downsizing, environmental, environmental design, france, garage, green, houzz, interior design, lifestyle, Real Estate, remodel, small space, small space design, small spaces, space planning, tiny home, urban
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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With the biggest food themed holidays just around the corner, not many of us are focusing on skinny (there’s plenty of time for that in Januray)! But it looks like “skinny” is a growing trend around the world as land becomes more scarce and people continue to downsize! Check out these “skinny” homes from around the world.
Amsterdam is no stranger to skinny housing and these homes are common through out the city. At one time, there was a tax based on the width of a property – thus inspiring a lot of folks to go up instead of out! To read more about each home, click the city name.
{Amsterdam}
{Philadelphia}
{Boston}
{Scotland}
{Seattle}
So could you live in one of these Skinny Homes?

Images via here.
architecture, downsizing, Real Estate, Small Space Design
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amsterdam, candace kramer, design, downsize, downsize my space, downsizing, interior design, lifestyle, oregon, Real Estate, skinny homes, small space, small space design, small spaces
I always enjoy seeing multifunctional design. It takes thought, precision and creativity to fully utilize a space and have it work on many levels – just like this fabulous Artist Studio/Guest House designed by Virent Architecture.

The owners of this sleek new out building are quite the creative team – one being a graphic designer and the other a metal smith! They desperately needed room to create but also desired a living space for the occassional guest.


Streamlined and modern the space is warmed by using natural woods and soothing colors. Coming in at a modest 700 sq. ft., it still meets all the clients’ needs and has a good dose of architectural pizzaz!


To view more projects from Virant Architecture go here.
Have a fantastic Friday!

architecture, downsizing, interior design, Small Space Design
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candace kramer, design, downsize, downsize my space, downsizing, interior design, small space, small space design, small spaces, space planning
Hello friends! You know I’m a total sucker for re-used, re-cycled and re-purposed when it comes to building so when I found this fabulous bar in Portland it was love at first sip! Meet one of the newest, hippest and greenest bars in Pdx – KASK!



This intimate cocktail lounge serves up delicious concoctions on their rough-hewn walnut bar that is supported by a rock-filled gabion wall. I saw this kind of construction when I was in Austria - it was everywhere! They would make benches and fences out of it!


Can’t go wrong with good ole’ rock!
The eco-friendly cork floors keep the green vibe and instead of wasting paper, ever-changing black boards inform patrons of what’s on the menu. Love that!



Kask is owned by the restaurateurs from neighboring, Gruner – another fine establishment with a focus on the warm, rich flavors of “Middle Europe”. Go check out both destinations for amazing food, drink and a peek at some creative green building materials!
Hope your week is going well!

All images via here.
architecture, Community, downsizing, food, interior design, Local News, Portland Love
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candace kramer, community, design, downsize, downsize my space, downsizing, environmental, environmental design, green, interior design, lifestyle, oregon, portland, restaurant