From Defunct Garage to Tiny Dream Home

From Margaret on September 22nd, 2010 in General Remodel

Artist Michelle de la Vega creates a dream home-from an old garage.

It’s wonderful to see home dwellers create a made-for-them space out of unexpected structures. Such is the case with Seattle homeowner Michelle de la Vega, who designed and built a new custom home from an old garage—with renovations topping out at only $32,000. To find out how much creative remodeling would cost for your own home, click here.

Yes, when recently divorced de la Vega saw the original structure, she knew it was a chance for her—and this building—to rise new from the old, like a phoenix rising from the ashes.

De la Vega’s modest but beautiful kitchen

In fact, many objects in this 250 square-foot home have come from unwanted, defunct items that were reclaimed and reinvented.

“Given where I was coming from,” de la Vega said, “building it was a deeply redemptive experience.” She even named it Dream Home.

Cozy lofted sleeping space

De la Vega went to welding school to learn how to build the metal furniture and fixtures. A visual and performance artist, Michelle has a history of creating beautiful images out of the unexpected.

Even the paper-covered pillows hung in shadow boxes above her couch—decorated with her father’s old architectural designs that he made during her childhood—provide an unexpected and compelling whimsy.

See more of de la Vega’s creations at MichelledelaVega.com.