A House Isn't a House...

...without a mouse.

Remodeling is always thought of as an opportunity to fix what is broken and make your house work better for you, but it can also be an opportunity to do something unique - just because you want to.

One of my recent clients had a special request. She always loved the children's book Loudmouse by Richard Wilbur, and wanted to pay homage by creating a little house for the imaginary mouse. At first, she worried that we would all think she was crazy. Instead, the whole crew jumped right on board. Our lead carpenter found the perfect visible-but-not-too-prominent location below the original "draft box" (refrigerator) and created a little shadow box and portal.

Although a real mouse will (hopefully) never take up residence there, we have already spotted more than a few smiles.

PHOTOGRAPHY  copyright Dale Lang, 2009

Queen Anne: Before & After

CHALLENGE  Revive the original charm and warmth of this historic Craftsman interior. Design a comfortable kitchen for a family of five within an existing narrow maze of circulation.

SOLUTION  The paint was stripped from the original millwork, and the perfect period-appropriate paint color was chosen for the plaster. A functional arrangement of appliances and ample workspace – all found within the existing walls – by simply eliminating one door.

'AFTER' PHOTOGRAPHY  © Dale Lang, 2008

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