Willow & Twig

Transform a garage-like workshop into a chic studio in eight weeks? We got this y’all.

When we bought the house in 2020 we weren’t entirely sure if the outbuildings were included. As it turns out, they were. 

The largest outbuilding is a 25’x30’ workshop: cement slab with footers, the building was insulated and outfitted with a non-compliant wood burning stove and a DIY rain barrel water system. The man who owned the house for 50+ years used it to build wooden boats. He was clearly awesome. There are so many problems solved with creative (if not long-term) DIY fixes. My favorite is that he ran a hose (underground) from the house to the workshop and attached a PVC spiget about 6 feet from its door. Genius. Also… it broke before we could benefit from it. 

We’ve affectionately named the little workshop The Row House. Being that it was used as wooden row boat workshop + our last name, Rowland = Row House. 

The only problem with our little Row House was a 15” diameter tree limb had lodged itself into the roof, resulting in water damage to everything in its way. We had a choice: tear it down, or demo it and make something awesome. We’re going to make something awesome.

Here’s how it looks now, and below a list of what we’ve completed prior to the One Room Challenge:

• What’s Been Done:
  • Demo to studs
  • New insulation
  • Reinforced roof line
  • New windows
  • New doors
  • Drywall
  • Exterior paint
  • Interior paint
  • New roof

It’s essentially a white box. A Sherwin Williams Alabaster White box to be exact. 

Purpose: We want to use it as a rec space and location host larger gatherings: birthday parties, game nights, flower bars (more on that later), as well as a private space for house guests. Because of the multiuse component, we want to keep the layout open. 

Budget: For finishing the studio out (HVAC, water heater, finishes, furnishing, etc.) We’re hoping to keep it all within $15,000. Nope. Not a typo. We do have a little wiggle room to go over, but fingers crossed we’ll be close.

I remember when buying a Craiglist table for $50 was a financial investment, and I DO NOT scoff at that. Knowing how to make more with less is a skill born from limited resources, and I‘m grateful for it. We plan to cut expenses by sourcing most things second hand and a whole lot of DIYing. 

Projects included in the budget: What needs to be done in this 6-week One Room Challenge?

• Presenting, the list:
  • Install the small kitchen, including paint, shelving, sourcing appliances, etc.
  • I found some cabinets, countertop and sink on Marketplace last fall, as well as an apartment size stove. Because I have these, they’re not included in the overall budget (I got a deal…$500 for all). 
  • Build a custom Murphy bed and side shelves that will look great in the space but also functional if a guest is staying. 
  • Finish the floor: its currently cement covered in boat-making glue. TBD on what we’ll end up doing. 
  • Trim-out doors and floors
  • Install light fixtures throughout
  • Furnish and decorate!

Next week I’ll have an update on how it’a all coming, or follow along on Instagram. If you stumbled upon this blog by happenstance, be sure to check out all the other ORC (One Room Challenge) participants at www.oneroomchallenge.com. The creativity of participants season after season is unmatched. Visit the site, cheer us on and best of all – use the ideas in your own space!