Comments
Dream Houzz: Contributing Writer Karla Rey on Her Fantasy Home
Debuting our series to let you get to know Houzz writers, our writer shares the Houzz photos that make up her dream home
Karla Rey
20 May 2017
Houzz Contributor. Landscape architect in another life. I have a fervent affair with travel, books, photography, films, design, and architecture. I think having great company to share stories with over good food are essentials to a happy life.
Author and co-editor of 'Makisawsaw: Recipes x Ideas' book, published by Gantala Press.
Houzz Contributor. Landscape architect in another life. I have a fervent affair with... More
Thoughtful, compact yet chock-full of what I value as essentials – that’s how I would describe my dream house. I do not mind living in a tiny house and in fact, welcome its simplicity. I do, however, have some little details that would bring my tiny fantasy home to life.
The Address
My dream location would be a small land by the beach where I can perhaps park a tiny house. A key component would be (besides having access to potable water and electricity which I do not mind harnessing through solar panels) is internet connection!
My dream location would be a small land by the beach where I can perhaps park a tiny house. A key component would be (besides having access to potable water and electricity which I do not mind harnessing through solar panels) is internet connection!
The Layout
I like having an open, multi-purpose, and flexible layout. I would like to be able to host small, laid-back catch-ups over meals with the closest of my friends or offer a bed for family coming for a visit.
I also like potted plants and container gardens that I can move around and give away.
I like having an open, multi-purpose, and flexible layout. I would like to be able to host small, laid-back catch-ups over meals with the closest of my friends or offer a bed for family coming for a visit.
I also like potted plants and container gardens that I can move around and give away.
The Windows
I like lots of natural light. Having big windows when living by the beach (this image does have a nice city view as well) would be great! Having blackout window treatment installed (like blinds) is a detail I definitely will add.
I like lots of natural light. Having big windows when living by the beach (this image does have a nice city view as well) would be great! Having blackout window treatment installed (like blinds) is a detail I definitely will add.
The Kitchen
Despite being a tiny home, I would like to have ample space for food preparation. A counter with a surface for kneading bread and making pasta is must.
Despite being a tiny home, I would like to have ample space for food preparation. A counter with a surface for kneading bread and making pasta is must.
The Feel
I would like a house that feels bigger than it is so I would probably use large mirrors and simple furnishings. I’d also like to use technology to aid in further reducing the house’s carbon footprint. I would definitely be segregating and composting what I can.
I would like a house that feels bigger than it is so I would probably use large mirrors and simple furnishings. I’d also like to use technology to aid in further reducing the house’s carbon footprint. I would definitely be segregating and composting what I can.
The Pieces
I would like to have some upcycled and re-purposed pieces for my tiny space. I think they make spaces more fun and unique!
I like the Konmari principle that stuff you keep should spark joy.
I would like to have some upcycled and re-purposed pieces for my tiny space. I think they make spaces more fun and unique!
I like the Konmari principle that stuff you keep should spark joy.
The Colour Scheme
I like this palette the best but would just use this in one area, most probably in the kitchen or in the bath. I have this theory that for something to stand out, you have to use it sparingly.
I like this palette the best but would just use this in one area, most probably in the kitchen or in the bath. I have this theory that for something to stand out, you have to use it sparingly.
The Bath
A hot long bath is a luxury I would like to have access to. I do believe that while we want to reduce our carbon footprint, we do not have to have to give up the little treats that make us happy. A small stand-alone bath or a built-in one will do. I only need to be able to sit comfortably inside, maybe once every two weeks, like in a giant bucket!
A hot long bath is a luxury I would like to have access to. I do believe that while we want to reduce our carbon footprint, we do not have to have to give up the little treats that make us happy. A small stand-alone bath or a built-in one will do. I only need to be able to sit comfortably inside, maybe once every two weeks, like in a giant bucket!
The Entertainment
Being a homebody, I would like to have a roll-away projector screen and a surround sound system. I would also like to go back to playing the guitar (I’m not very good at it but it is something I used to do before I broke a finger) and having a place for one would be ideal.
Being a homebody, I would like to have a roll-away projector screen and a surround sound system. I would also like to go back to playing the guitar (I’m not very good at it but it is something I used to do before I broke a finger) and having a place for one would be ideal.
The Bar
Tucked in one of the cabinets would be a bar. However for me, unlike in this image, everything will have to be in the cabinet, hidden from plain sight.
TELL US
What does your fantasy house look like? Share a link to your dream house ideabook in the Comments below.
MORE
How to Create and Use Ideabooks
Tucked in one of the cabinets would be a bar. However for me, unlike in this image, everything will have to be in the cabinet, hidden from plain sight.
TELL US
What does your fantasy house look like? Share a link to your dream house ideabook in the Comments below.
MORE
How to Create and Use Ideabooks
Related Stories
How-To Guides
How to Feng Shui Your Apartment
By joeyyap
How can this traditional technique be used for apartments, condominiums, and other high-rise buildings?
Full Story
Most Popular
Feng Shui Basics: Put Your Plants in the Right Place
By Karla Rey
Having plants in the right location is part of an overall strategy of having good chi
Full Story
Most Popular
6 Tips for a Cooler and Breezier HDB Flat
Hint: These don’t involve cranking up the air conditioning
Full Story
Lifestyle
The Spare Change Secret and 6 Other Ways to Make Life Easier
By Amy Revell
Ever needed to find something pronto – batteries, spare change, first aid – but had no idea where it was? Help's at hand
Full Story
Festive Decorating
How to Make a Sophisticated Natural Wreath for the Holidays
Rosemary, olive leaves and bittersweet berries combine in an inviting decoration that will last through the season
Full Story
Lifestyle
How to Declutter When Your House is Full of Digital Devices
By Amy Revell
As technology replaces so many physical items in our lives, don't forget to declutter as you go
Full Story
Health
Cleaning Routines to Keep Your Home Virus-Free
Follow this CDC advice to make sure your kitchen, bathroom and other high-traffic areas are clean and disinfected
Full Story
Safety & Maintenance
Why Check Your Home's Humidity
Indoor air moisture can affect your health – and your furnishings. Here's why and how to find the balance for your home
Full Story
StayHome
Eco-Friendly Tips and Tricks for Cleaning Your Home
Are you wary of using chemicals to clean? These simple products and tricks will keep your home spotless naturally
Full Story
Expert Advice
How to Work From Home Alongside Your Spouse and Children
A time management coach talks through maintaining productivity during this 'circuit breaker' time
Full Story