contact: larry@handyandymms.com
The tone for the bed room is set with a pale blue door sporting a port hole like medallion trimmed with hand glued mother of pearl sea shells. You know your about to enter a nautical space.
Sporting a chocolate and blue palette I have avoided the traditional white washed sea shore color theme, this creates a warm and cozy sea side retreat.
Built-ins provide necessary storage, display and desk space. The clean lines allow for a simple yet dramatic frame work for the display of art, vases and shore line birds.
Living in small spaces mandates a need for storage, who wants to see everything you own at a glance? Practical storage dose not have to be unattractive. The base of the bed has draws only on one side but since it was custom they go all the way to the wall. Also then mattress support sides off the draws allowing for addition storage under the head of the bed. The space is finished off with a plain clearance chandelier that I outfitted with salvaged Strauss crystal chains and crystal lamp shades originally sold as votive cups. Wrapping it all up pale sea foam lace fabric with a design reminiscent of sea grass. All in all this space serene and intimate.
In the at left you will notice two raised panel doors partially hidden at the foot of the bed. At a glance it would seem that these doors can not easily be accessed. However these panels are held in place with magnetic clips and easily side out to the side with out moving the trunk. The closet door was a plain flat bi-fold and the entry door was a plain flat panel door, however with the addition of some trim and two colors the doors now look more substantial and interesting. Brushed nickel door knobs give a modern feel to a traditional style door.
Cd cases from Peir One give stylish storage and a place for the tv, lamp and a few favored characters.
Every place I have lived has been transformed with the addition of a fireplace including the FEMA residence. This one is tiled with Dolphin Cay ceramic tiles and sports custom trim work and mantle. It showcases a collection of silver sea life and shells accented with blue and green candles. The added benefit of a hidden door on the side also allows for more storage space. Also a short upholstered bench connects the fireplace to both side walls which allow for even more storage.
The FEMA trailer
Whimsy and color took center stage in the trailer. Cartoon characters and action figures mingle beside mosaic glass candle holders and bronze statuary for a look that is both sophisticated and light hearted at the same time. FEMA trailers are not the Ritz but I was thankful for it. The mingling of styles allowed for a fun and cozy distraction from the plain FEMA interior. Miniature collections allow the eye to enjoy a playful romp and never allows your eyes to come to rest on a blank and dreary space.
The first three pictures are in the spacious 3 x 3 bath room, the rest are of the master suite.
Pre-Katina - The house by the Lake
There wasn't much left of my bed room after a 40' yacht rip off my back porch and entire back wall. 95% of this bed room floated away never to be seen again. However before the storm it was a serene retreat with views of the national wildlife refuge marsh. The pumpkin seed painted bead board flowed up seamlessly into a hand painted mural of the sky complete with candy cotton clouds. The pine sleigh bed was positioned at a diagonal to catch the best views and picture perfect sunsets. French country armoire concealed the entertainment center and was the perch for greenery, angels and stained glass lanterns. A bevel glass desk supported with simple brackets allowed for ample work space without taking up much visual presence. Cozying it all up was a hand made fire place cover in tumbled marble tiles and sporting electric logs. All in all it was one of the most beautiful places I have ever lived and am extremely grateful that my sister Vel allowed me to share this home with her. I truly miss the views from this place and the warmth of living with family.
After the Fire
I was barely a teenage when our brick house burned to the ground. Shortly there after we bought a second hand house trailer while we finished demolishing the house. It was here that I created my first transformed room. There are no pictures of this first room. Some time later we purchased a brand new mobile home which is pictured below. The picture in the top left corner shows the typical paneled mobile home room. The rest of the pictures show the transformation process covering the paneling with stucco board, creating a fire place, enhancing the windows with mirrors and trim and creating shelving with salvaged architectural parts. A tiny chandler and medallion complete the scene. This fire place also doubled as storage. This bedroom was bright and inviting, anyone that came to visit could not believe they were in a trailer. The completion of this room 100% and still having 100% of my body parts is the true miracle here since the power tools to which I used I have never again seen the likes of.
