As I embark on this herculean effort to transform my dilapidated adaptive reuse structure into a sanctuary and workplace, I know it's going to require a lot of resilience to maintain my sanity. (Hopefully I haven’t bitten off more than I can handle…)
So, here’s the mantra that I’ve adopted to see me through the unforeseeable trials and tribulations I may encounter along the way. It goes like this...
I will not succumb to failure
When in doubt, sleep on it
Appreciate the new, but upcycle when possible
Stay positive and work on a solution
My life is great even with the negative stuff
Take pride in the fact, that I'm doing something most wouldn’t fathom undertaking
Be happy no matter what
Remember that I’m gifted (James 1:17) We all have different talents and God-given gifts
No detail is too small
This is my vision. No apologies necessary.
Enjoy the journey
With that being settled, my first task is removing and getting that pesky shrubbery under control. Ugh!
The fictional Addams Family of the 1964 television series may have listed their address as 001 Cemetery Lane, in LA, but they could have easily been enchanted with the look of this building. No kidding!!!
I can only guess how many other people, saw this awful curbside picture on the real estate listing and thought it was a creepy movie set? My old neighbor once told me that it was unnerving living next to the unsightly structure before I purchased it. They literally had to put up a 6ft privacy fence to shield their view of the backyard. (I don’t blame them!) The previous owners literally used the backyard as a storage facility/lot. Really?!
Well, I’m determined to give it my best shot, and hopefully transform this menace into something a little more easy on the eyes.
I've always loved the industrial style, so adaptive reuse of an existing building is right up my alley.
There was an HGTV TV special called, You Live In What? I was fascinated with it! The show highlighted gutsy visionaries who found beauty in dilapidated and unusual commercial spaces and turned them into unique private homes.
I don't care for cookie-cutter (aka - track homes) houses...Those housing developments where they create homes that are roughly identical. To save money, the building materials are purchased in bulk, layouts are limited, and finishings offer little variation in appearance. Economical yes, but boring...
There's nothing wrong with that style of housing. It's simply a matter of personal preference. A uniform style community is not for me. I require a unique space with interesting design features. Even when I travel, I look for lodging with comfortable and uncommon amenities...Its inspiring and a retreat from the ordinary everyday.
This is a wonderful loft in Montreal - Plateau-Mont Royal. Its a young student-friendly neighborhood of streets lined with colorful townhouses and lovely parks for lounging. Avenue du Mont-Royal and Rue Saint-Denis are lined with casual cafes, open-air eateries, shops, contemporary galleries and theatres. Anything you could ask for, is within walking distance.
So where will you draw inspiration from, for your next project?
According to Coco Chanel, "An interior is the natural projection of the soul"
HAVE A BEAUTIFUL WEEK!
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