Living and working in the same environment isn’t for everyone; it takes a certain kind of person and a special space. Many who have tried it found that they live better, work smarter and play harder, but only if they can balance the space for all three. Here are some smart homes laid out for the division with bookshelves, plenty of work tables and “rooms” separated by invisible walls.

Philly Loft or Sweet, Sweet Treasure Chest?

Stephen Loidolt and Shauna Alterio hide away in their 2,300 square-foot one-bedroom and bath Philadelphia loft, aka an old tire factory. Being creative is what they do best, and decorating with second, third or fourth-time-around thrift, antique and Craigslist items are the inspiration for their living space. Stephen and Shauna’s source of pride is the built-in bookshelves they made from old scrap lumber. (more…)

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The attic is the spookiest part of the house. Cobwebs, old steamer trunks, exposed beams, creaky folding staircases and the dark, musty shadows are fertile grounds for ghost stories and things that go bump in the night. When it comes to remodeling, gutting the attic can be just as scary. Dramatic roof pitches, floors and trusses that may not be structurally sound enough for the proposed additions – attic remodels are not for the faint of heart. But that didn’t deter these brave souls who went deep into the abyss to transform their attics into beautiful bedrooms, studies and hideaways.

#1 - Even the pros at This Old House were impressed with this cozy child’s bedroom alcove by design firm CG&S. The eyebrow dormer was built off-site and hauled to the house piece by piece, rafter by rafter, and then weighted into place. It took over a week to complete. Wow, that’s one lucky kid! (more…)

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Italian sports car giant Maserati recently held a contest for auto-enthusiast architects across the globe. The Design Driven Competition objective is rather simple: “To create a space that is as much a shrine to the cars as a place to protect them from the elements.” Thus, the garage fit for a Maserati was born.

The winner, Holger Schubert from Los Angeles, CA, planned his garage with true passion for Maseratis. His goal? To “honor this car as a piece of art.” Through a 1,200-square-foot minimalist design, he surrounded the car with a living area complete with skylight, contemporary furniture, small kitchen, bathroom and a slide-away TV. It’s all about the experience of pulling a Maserati into the garage. And then walking five feet to plop down in front of the flat screen. Men do love their lives.

Holger went one step further and built a ramp inside the garage. It lifts the front end of the car 6 inches so that he can roll out in reverse without pumping fumes into the space. (more…)

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