You'll Be Climbing the Walls of This Tiny Home

There's no need to park in the mountains when the rock climbing is right at your doorstep. 

At least that’s what the team at Tiny Heirloom figured when they set out to design a tiny home for an intrepid couple looking to take adventure on the road.

The Portland, OR-based company combined two of the things its clients enjoyed most - fitness and being outside - into a 250-square-foot, custom-built home, said Jason Francis, creative director and co-founder at Tiny Heirloom.

The idea for a tiny home with a bouldering wall came from organic brainstorming, Francis said.

"The rock wall really started as a long-shot idea, but the more we thought about it, the more excited we got," Francis said. "So we figured out a way to make it happen!"

"We've built many custom homes," Francis added, "but this was definitely one of our most unique."

His team added some rich design elements, including a roll-up garage-style glass door, to bring the outdoors inside. The couple intends to use the place as their primary residence.

The home cost about $145,000, but $35,000 of that went to building the custom climbing wall.

The home is 24 feet long and 13 feet tall, providing plenty of room for outdoor climbing. The bouldering wall is on one side of the home, and the handholds can be reconfigured to change up the climbing route.

One side has a traditional entryway, while the other has the roll-up door to provide expansive views of wherever the home is parked.

The living space contains two lofts: one with an office and the other with a bedroom. Designers hung a chandelier made of Edison bulbs between the two.

The kitchen features a farmhouse sink and full-sized oven. The cabinets are a rich blue color with brass accents. There are two open shelves above the countertops.

The home also contains a dining space with bench-style seating that doubles as storage.

An arched blue-tile doorway leads to the bathroom, which has a full-sized soaking tub, white subway tiles and a rainfall showerhead.

After completing the tiny home and sharing it on social media, Francis said they've had a number of inquiries about building similar spaces for clients.

"Ideas have spread from it quite a bit, but no one else has bought the exact same thing," Francis said. "We have had a client request a rock wall system in the house as a way up to the lofts for his two young boys."

Photos courtesy of Tiny Heirloom.

Related:

• Here’s the Wackiest Tiny Home You’ve Ever Seen
• Saying ‘I Do’ to a Tiny Grain Silo Home
• 10 Yurts That Will Have You Dreaming of Your Next Adventure

Originally published March 2018

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Whale Watch From Any of This Home's 3 Rooftop Decks

The Olympic Mountains. The Strait of Georgia. The shoreline of Victoria, Canada. And maybe a pod of orcas, if you're lucky. You can see all of that (and much more) from one of this home's three rooftop decks.

Located on the rocky shores of San Juan Island, Washington, this coastal retreat has a unique connection to the land it occupies - the home is built directly into the hillside, so it gracefully descends the ground's natural slope.

A team of architects from Seattle-based firm Prentiss Balance Wickline worked on the design. Dan Wickline, one of the architects on the project, drew inspiration from the island's stark natural beauty.  

"Rooted into a linear ravine on the site, the spaces of the house are composed in a series of stacked volumes climbing the terrain and aimed toward specific views," Wickline says.

These specific views can be admired from one of the grassy rooftop decks, from the floor-to-ceiling windows that line the water-facing walls or from one of the rectangular window clusters.

The strategically placed clusters create the sensation of total immersion in the rugged landscape - no matter which way you turn, a view awaits.   

Inside, the design features a muted color palette inspired by the lush greens, earthy browns and serene grays of the Pacific Northwest. These subtle and somewhat restrained hues allow the home's simple, elevated aesthetic to really shine.

From every angle, the home resembles a work of art - fitting, considering it was actually designed for a painter.

The top-floor art studio overlooks the water, as does its clean, light-filled library. And if those views aren't enough to inspire creativity, there's always a rooftop deck or two nearby.

"The grass roofs establish a new landscape, which at the same time nest and blend the house into the existing terrain," Wickline says.

This delicate tug of war is a testament to the home's thoughtful design and a conflicting (yet romantic) notion: that a place perched so high above the horizon can still feel so deeply rooted in the earth.  

Photos by Eirik Johnson.

Related:

• Living in Beauty Without Excess: A Small Coastal Home With Views to Spare
• Modern Design Goes Green in This Park City Mountain Escape 
• From Scraps to Sanctuary: A $700 A-Frame Cabin

Originally published September 2018

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Hibernate Luxuriously in This 5,572-Square-Foot Cave Mansion

When most people envision their dream home, they describe large kitchens, beautiful hardwood floors and clawfoot tubs. But not John Hay.

In the mid-1980s, Hay - founder of the Celestial Seasonings Tea Company and great-great grandson of U.S. Secretary of State John Milton Hay - purchased the Beckham Creek Cave in Parthenon, Arkansas. He had plans to transform it into a 10,000-square-foot bomb shelter, consisting of cinder-block walls, plywood flooring, 11 coats of clear epoxy on the natural formations of the cave, and an internal freshwater spring.

He stocked it with enough freeze-dried food to keep 50 people fed for up to two years, and he twice had his religious group sit out bomb scares in the cave. By 1987, Hay realized the end of the world wasn't coming quite so soon. Various records indicate the property was sold to a man known simply as "Mr. Richardson," who had a different dream in mind when he came into possession of the property.

Soon after turning the space into a $6 million clubbing venue, Mr. Richardson held a grand unveiling that welcomed over 250 esteemed guests, including Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Ross and many other Hollywood elite.

It's no wonder that in 1994, John Hay repurchased his now illustrious cave.

In the decades following, several new owners have taken hold of the 257-acre property, each one undoubtedly in awe of the great room’s 40-foot rock ceilings and 2,300 square feet. Stalactites descend from overhead throughout the 5,572-square-foot home, and raw rock has been used wherever possible to maintain the unique character of the space.

Though it's been renovated several times, the sprawling cave has kept its surprisingly cozy charm intact. Part of the reason the cave's natural features have been preserved is surely thanks to Hay, who reverently told People magazine in 1988 that the home's "original architect was God."

The bad news - every dream home comes with its own downfalls, after all - is that a few of the stalactites drip. However, the whole property is climate-controlled thanks to geothermal units throughout.

Update: The Beckham Creek Cave is no longer for sale, but it is for rent! The home has been transformed into a luxurious vacation rental, available for nightly stays, so anyone can now experience this unique space.

Related:

• This Home Looks Like a Barn (But Has Enough Room to Be a Small Castle)
• This Remarkable Home Is Anything but Square
• Sleep Under the Stars in This Tiny Cabin Near a National Park

Originally published November 2018

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This Home Looks Like a Barn (But Has Enough Room to Be a Small Castle)

Like many married couples, the Clarks have a lot in common: a last name, a first name (they're both Kelly) and an affinity for wide-open spaces - which inspired them to build a 10,000-square-foot barn-style home on 30 acres of land in West Monroe, Louisiana. 

But let's back up. Kelly Clark (that's him) and Kelly Moore-Clark (that's her) wanted a change of scenery for their family. So when a friend put some land up for sale, they decided to make a move.

"We pretty much bought the property sight unseen because you couldn't walk through it," Moore-Clark says, referring to the thicket of overgrown trees and plants that carpeted the ground. "We bought the land and then crossed our fingers that, when we cleared it, we would find a spot to build the home."

Spoiler alert: They found that spot. The perfect location sat at the back of the property on a hilltop, far from the main road.

They immediately began working with a team of designers to create a plan for their space. The blueprints were beautiful, but something didn't feel quite right.

"We just couldn't pull the trigger on it. … It was just a gut feeling," Moore-Clark says. "I [felt] like whatever [was] supposed to be out here [was] supposed to be special."

Then, Moore-Clark's mother had an idea: Why not build a home that looked like a barn?

"I remember [my mom] specifically saying, 'You could roll the doors up and drive through the house,'" Moore-Clark says.

And that's when it all clicked. With the help of Moore-Clark's father, a former army draftsman, they made a new plan, hired a team of subcontractors and watched their home begin to take shape.

"It was a very organic [building] process," Moore-Clark says. "As the framers started framing it up, we would come into the room, and I would try to envision what our life [would look] like."

Moore-Clark doesn't have to use her imagination anymore. Today the couple, their three daughters, a dog, an old pony and 80 free-range chickens roam about the 10,000-square-foot home. And although they spend most of their time in a small fraction of the space, there's plenty of room to grow. Three main areas, to be exact.

At approximately 2,250 square feet, the east side of the home is where you can usually find the family. This area includes the bedrooms, the living room/kitchen area and the bathroom.

Speaking of that bathroom: "I wanted it to be like a little greenhouse," Moore-Clark says. Her vision for the bathroom predates the actual bathroom itself - she bought the tub before they started building.

Even though there's room for dozens of bedrooms, the girls share one room, complete with custom-designed bunk beds.

And then there's the breezeway. This is the second section of the home, and it's around 2,000 square feet. The breezeway is an indoor porch area with roll-up doors and plenty of living space.

"Lots of playing happens in the breezeway," Moore-Clark says. "[The girls] ride their bikes through it, put on musical events with their friends - ballets, plays, lots of things."  

Finally, there's the west side, which contains an office space, a home gym, a shop, and a guest bedroom and bathroom.

"When people stay … they really have their own space," Moore-Clark says. "You don't even hear each other. It's good for a little retreat."

The home is good for a lot of activities that fall outside the ordinary - it's hosted live music recordings, floral workshops and even a Christmas Eve church service.

So what compelled Clark and Moore-Clark to create a space so vast and so intimate at the same time? They're not really sure. Yet.  

"We feel like, one day, it's going to be used for something interesting. … [It's] a gut feeling." Moore-Clark says. "We don't know exactly why we built this place the way it is. But we knew it was right."

Photos by Seth MacMillan.

Related articles:

• A Farmhouse-Style Prefab That’ll Make You Want to Ditch the Big City
• Sleek Prefab Meets Rustic Red Barn – House of the Week
• Haylofts to Hardwoods: How One Family Salvaged a Historic Barn By Hand

Originally published October 2018

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Personalize Your Space With a DIY Gallery Wall

Blending interior design styles with a roommate or partner is all about including personal touches and pinpointing a shared interest or aesthetic. The floor-to-ceiling gallery wall we created for a special couple on the West Coast is a perfect example.

Homeowner Lauren and her fiance Greg are taking a big step: cohabitation. They’re recently engaged, and Lauren is making space for not only his furniture and accent pieces but also his style.

The active couple shares a love for food, wine and entertaining, so we set out to brighten the dining room.

Graced with iconic Seattle views of the waterfront, seaplanes and hillside homes, the dining room connects the home’s cozy living room with the kitchen, from which we drew foodie inspiration for the gallery wall.

When creating a gallery wall, it’s a good idea to create a balance of organic shapes and square corners.

On Lauren’s wall, vintage cookbooks, antique kitchen tools and metallic shapes like street signs and decorative letters complement the framed art and images, while a variety of shapes and sizes provides visual interest.

Make a game plan

Lay the items out on the floor so you can try different arrangements - without hammering a single nail.

Once you’ve decided which items to include, trace their shapes on leftover wrapping paper or butcher paper, and then tape these templates to the wall to guide you in placing nails and hangers.

For a final touch, include a small piece of furniture at the bottom of your gallery wall. A chest or bench anchors the whole scene and makes a lovely spot for a row of glasses or a flower arrangement.

 

Related:

• 8 Ways to Incorporate Your Passions Into Your Home Decor
• Prepare for the Ultimate Staycation
• Quiz: What Style Is Your Dream Bedroom?

Originally published August 2016

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5 Tips to Declutter Your Closet in a Day

I recently had a closet collapse. I came home from a day at the office to find heaps of what had been neatly hung, color-coordinated clothes in one giant, messy mound on the floor. Worse than picking up the pieces of chipped drywall? Admitting that maybe it was time to get rid of that favorite shirt of mine - from college. In the ’90s.

So I sought the help of style expert Darcy Camden to find out what she tells her clients. Camden has been cleaning out closets and styling men and women for more than a decade (read: she spends a TON of time in strangers' homes). The busy fashionista (she's a mother, too) insists there are easy ways to declutter that tangle of t-shirts or pile of old papers. And you can do it in as little as an hour.

A little goes a long way

Purge a little at a time, says Camden, who has helped more than 900 clients in her career.

"Most of my clients think that purging a closet is a huge all-day endeavor, but it often makes more sense to do a little at a time," she says. "I encourage everyone to keep a Goodwill donation bag in their closet or bedroom, and add to it here and there as you discover items that don't fit or have gotten worn out."

If it doesn't fit, you can't wear it

"It rarely makes sense to keep something that physically doesn't fit you - even if you love it," Camden says. Put it in a pile to donate, and imagine how much joy the next person will get from that item.

New season = new chances

When the weather warms up or cools down, it's a great opportunity to think about what you've worn - and what you haven't. "If you didn't wear it last winter, you probably won't wear it next winter," Camden says.

Use the "plus one, minus one" method

Fab new pants? Great! But only put them in the closet after removing a pair that’s collecting dust.

"I tell my clients to subtract one old item for every new item you purchase," Camden recommends. "If you spend an afternoon shopping and come home with five new things, spend some time reviewing your closet. Remove five older things you're no longer wearing."

Finally, donate!

Think of how much you can keep out of the landfill by gifting your giveaways to a good cause.

"I'm constantly amazed that my clients are worried their castaways aren't good enough for Goodwill," Camden says. "Will they really want this stained old t-shirt? Or this single sock? Yes!"

"Working closely with Seattle Goodwill over the years has given me tons of insight into what happens to donations," she continues. "Your smelly socks and stained clothing provide jobs and can be recycled or reused. Never throw away clothing to a landfill."

Last year, Seattle Goodwill kept more than 53 million pounds of useful goods out of landfills. In addition to helping the planet, those donations also help fund job training and educational programs, adds Seattle Goodwill’s Katherine Boury.

Happy cleaning!

Related:

• 7 Ways to Self-Sabotage Your Organizing Efforts
• 10 Spring Cleaning Projects to Tackle This Weekend
• Tackling the Top 10 Home Organization Issues

Originally published April 2017

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9 Tips for Achieving Maximum Coziness

As winter plods along, you may wish you could just hibernate until spring. But there is, indeed, joy to be found in the quieter months of the year.

While the trend may have come and gone in the U.S., the art of hygge, that feeling of being ultra-cozy and content, is just part of everyday life in Denmark.

The thing is, the Danes know how to thrive in winter. You might already know they're the happiest people on earth, but did you know a lot of them attribute their unseasonably sunny outlook to their home- and self-care habits?

When it's cold and rainy out, you might hear the siren song of your favorite TV streaming service. Aah, sweet, solitary binge-watching! But if you'd like a more satisfying way to spend a chilly evening, here are a few ideas to channel the Danes and make an intentionally delightful day out of drab weather.

1. Set the mood

Candles are a key ingredient to a supremely comfortable atmosphere. Not only do they provide beautiful, soft lighting, they also add warmth and scent to your space.

Tip: Choose seasonal scents to inspire celebration, or choose a summery scent, such as coconut and floral, to help combat the seasonal blues.

2. Bake something

Cake is central to the cozy experience. But it doesn't just begin when you eat the cake (or cookies or pie) - it begins when you buy the ingredients.

Go to your favorite market, choose your ingredients carefully, and mix them with great care, taking your time to enjoy the task at hand. It's just a bonus that your baking will flood your space with delicious smells - and taste good too.

Tip: Call up a friend or family member whose recipes deserve appreciation, and ask if they could show you how to work out their spectacular skills. Baking together makes for a lovely afternoon, no matter the weather!

3. Add texture

Plush throws, sheepskins and cushions make for a much more inviting space. Cover your surfaces in as many luxurious fabrics and pillows as you can find and snuggle down.

Tip: Feel free to go faux, or if cost prohibits, find inexpensive alternatives.

4. Invite people over

Do you tend to hide from your friends as soon as the days get short? Fight the urge to retreat, and invite your nearest and dearest (or those you want to know better) over to share your coziness. Bonus: Ask them to bring a bottle of your favorite seasonal beverage!

Tip: Low on funds but want to host a dinner party? Ask everyone to bring an ingredient for soup, and make it together, or just plan a casual potluck.

5. Get out the board games

If they’ve been gathering dust, this is the time to bring them out! Whether you go for the competitive strategy variety or laugh-out-loud social games, there are options for everyone. For the minimalists among us, even a deck of cards can offer plenty of entertainment.

Tip: Have long-distance friends and loved ones? There are many gaming apps you can play from all over the world. Start up a game and maintain your connections year-round!

6. Perfect your hot drink game

Hot cocoa, hot toddies, apple cider, mulled wine - pick your poison. Whatever it is, find your own special recipe that is so delicious you can't wait to show it off. Then invite those friends over again!

Tip: Why, yes, you can put whiskey in those drinks. But it's usually a good idea to perfect a mocktail version, too, for friends who don't imbibe.

7. Embrace sweater weather

If you don't already have a favorite sweater, it's time to find one. It should be something that makes you feel at home when you slip it on. Cashmere, wool, mohair - anything will do. Whatever you choose, pair it with thick socks!

Tip: Start a knitting, crocheting or weaving circle, and make your own sweater over the course of the winter. It's easier to get through lengthy projects when you're sitting beside a friend - and it's a great excuse to get together every week, no matter the weather.

8. Curate your cold-outside playlist

Make yourself a mix of music that inspires you to do all those things that make you feel absolutely endeared to your space. Put it on shuffle, relax, repeat.

Tip: Instrumentals are classics for a reason - they can work as background for just about anything. When in doubt, most music services have premade playlists, some of which you can filter by mood.

9. Do seasonal activities

Making caramel apples? Check. Working on (or giving up on) your New Year’s resolutions? Check. Canning, puddle jumping, snowball throwing, signs-of-spring spotting? Check!

Tip: Whatever your favorite seasonal activities might be, create a plan to make them happen - put it on your calendar, set a reminder on your phone, or find an “accountability partner” (a friend or family member who will give you the nudge you need), and feel the magic of even the most blah weather wash over you.

• How to Make the Most of 500 Square Feet: See How This City Renter Did It
• 4 Ways to Cozy Up Your Kitchen for Fall
• Quiz: What Does Your Dream Cabin Look Like?

Originally published October 2018.

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